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US only sales WHY???

As a UK based audiogon member, i'm constantly surprised at items only being offered to the US, and not worldwide as most ebay items are now, why is this?

After all if the payment is received in full in $USD via Paypal or bankers draft,including the designated shipping fees, what difference does it make to address the item to a non-US address, most items are either picked up by the carrier or taken to the post office and if the seller asks for it to be sent to a foreign address, it takes no more time other than filling out a customs declaration form--Thats It!!, it makes perfect sense to offer worldwide sales and sell items quicker to a [Much Larger] audience.

So the next time that you fill in the for sale details, please give us a chance guys, Thanks!
largeyo
davt's avatar
davt
505 posts
 
I have sold to items to oversea's buyers and in both cases the buyer asked me to change the declared value to avoid fee's, this was done after I advised that I would not do it. This led to me not being able to conclude the the sale and having to repost. This also deprived other buyers the opportunity to purchase the item. I have on occasion sold items to overseas since but it was after a phone call and a clear understanding from the buyer on risk I am willing to take. Perhaps if something came up you could talk to a seller directly.

But I am glad you brought up the question because I now know to never buy anything from Kurt_tank. And don't ask me why, it's none of your business. No offense.
Post removed 
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
I almost brought an item with me to France to avoid shipping/tarrif issues, but when the counterparty checked into what customs would like at DeGaul airport we decided to cancel the deal.

The guy did take my wife and I out to dinner in Paris though, very, very cool experience. Thank you Audiogon.
jeffb28451
129 posts
 
Same at DAVT said. I've been asked, literally at the last minute, to change declared value, make fruadulent statement as to contents, "gifts", etc.

I have 3 ads going now. All say that I will not make fraudulent statements, etc. I've said it every time and have a 402 on feedback. Nonetheless, it's still happended just as Davt said. I will sell overseas, but it's risky and frustrating for many of the reasons cited.
almarg's avatar
almarg
9,670 posts
 
I WOULD accept offers from a few contries, (Germany, England, Japan) if the offer came with a 'bank transfer' air freight shipping payment, and no request for lowering the value for customs. But it is very hard to say in an ad that I would consider 'some' non-USA offers.

Exactly.

In addition to the many valid reasons which have been cited for making a listing "USA only" is the possibility of outright fraud. And the impracticality of obtaining recourse if it were to occur with a foreign buyer. That would seem fairly unlikely here at Audiogon, but those of us like me who have extensive eBay experience have been sensitized over the years to the very real possibility (at least there) of non-USA buyers using hijacked accounts, paying with forged bank drafts, etc.

Regards,
-- Al
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