Selling: International buyers paying UK internal postage rates
Summary: foxwoodfigures is experiencing issues with international buyers paying UK domestic postage rates instead of the correct international costs. Despite instructions to contact before bidding, many buyers pay immediately, often underpaying for shipping. *vyolla* suggests that the Global Shipping Programme might be involved, while sml192 notes that some listings show incorrect rates, not aligned with eBay's programmes. foxwoodfigures acknowledges confusion and seeks advice on correctly setting up international shipping rates.
I have an issue where a number of international buyers pay for internal UK postage costs rather than the true costs of international shipping.
I explain in my adverts that all international buyers should contact me for shipping costs before bidding so that fees and charges - like the EU customs charge of £3.96 - can be explained and to wait for an invoice rather than pay straight away. But few actually wait and most pay UK postage rates. I suspect that they pay because they know that the quoted shipping costs is low and wish to pay before I send an invoice. But why, for example, do not customers in Germany or the USA automatically receive from eBay a correct invoice with the international shipping costs? I have set up separate shipping costs sections under my postage options but have clearly missed ticking a box somewhere for the customers to see an automatic invoice with correct costs. Where am I going wrong please?
Thanks,
Terry
sml192
·1 week ago · EditedIs this happening with all your listings or just some of them? If it's just some then are they using a freight forwarder?
Looking at a couple of your listings they are showing Economy and Standard International Postage, so not eBay's GSP or the new eIS, and the rates for delivery to the US, for example, are shown as £5.00 and £9.00 respectively. Are those the rates that you have set up?
foxwoodfigures
OP1 week agoHi, Thanks for your comments. Sorry for the delay. I had my first fall as an "oldie" and cracked a few ribs! Typing is not comfortable.
I am totally confused by this. I thought that I had set shipping to the US as £15 on an international tracked basis. I don't do economy shipping. So I have obviously set it up incorrectly. Do you have any ide where?
*vyolla*
·1 week ago · EditedIf international buyers are paying UK domestic postage rates that would indicate that you're enrolled in eBay's Global Shipping Programme, so all you have to do is to get the item to the UK GSP hub.
Or did you set your own international postage rates?
foxwoodfigures
OP1 week agoHi, Thanks for your comments. Sorry for the delay. I had my first fall as an "oldie" and cracked a few ribs! Typing is not comfortable.
I thought that I had set my own rates. My market is very competitive and the GSP rates are higher than I can set myself so this gives me an edge, albeit with more admin. I have obviously set it up incorrectly. Do you have any ide where?