Massive spike in international import charges with GSP (killing checkouts)
Summary: grapes.n.apples, a UK seller, is experiencing a drop in international sales, particularly to the US, due to high import fees charged at checkout. These fees are significantly affecting potential buyers' decisions. papso22 suggests the charges may be due to US government tariffs, while technthread mentions that the product's origin in China could explain these fees. c_of_e84, another eBay seller, notes a similar drop in sales and highlights confusion caused by eBay's warnings about tariffs. The discussion centers around understanding these charges and their impact on international sales.
Hi everyone,
I'm a UK seller who normally gets a steady flow of international orders to the US and globally. Over the last few weeks, international sales have tanked, and I'm getting many more items left sitting in baskets with no checkouts.
I've had 2 potential buyers in 2 days message me directly regarding these high fee's. On a £135 clothing item, look at what the buyer is being charged at checkout:
Item: £135.00 ($184.19)
Shipping: £25.70 ($35.07)
Import charges: £72.90 ($99.46)
Total: $318.72
The actual shipping cost is fine, but asking for £73 in import charges for a £135 item (sent to the US) is completely pricing buyers out. My dimensions and weights haven't changed either (Small Parcel Under 1 Kg).
Has anyone else using the Global Shipping Programme noticed these crazy inflated import fees recently? Is there a glitch with how duties are being calculated, or is this just the new reality? And is the there going to be a long wait until the new eBay International Shipping (sis) is implemented to all seller accounts?
Any insights would be hugely appreciated!
c_of_e84
·2 weeks agoI am also a business seller on ebay, I sell to the US on ebay.com.
I buy my postage direct from royal mail.
I dont use ebay shipping.
Since the tariffs started my sales have dropped 80% to the US.
What diesnt help is ebays warnings about tariffs, they dont understand PDDP so put a warning on my listings (See Below) shipping from the UK tariffs have to be paid the the postage label is purchased not when the buyer gets the item delivered.
boundarycoins
·2 weeks agoAs the garment was made in China it seems to be about right with the current US tariffs. I think it takes into account fabric type and all sorts, unless it has changed again as I can’t keep track. All you can do is get all of the item specifics right and eBay are unlikely to get it wrong.
grapes.n.apples
OP2 weeks agoAppreciate you breaking that down! Checked the tag and you’re spot on - it is indeed made in China. Makes sense why the system hit it so hard. Cheers for the help!
papso22
·2 weeks agoSurely those are the charges imposed by the farcical US government?
grapes.n.apples
OP2 weeks agoThat's a good point, thanks for sharing it!