Delivery Times for Global Shipping Program

[carolc]

Hello,

I just sold something through the Global Shipping Program - from the UK to the USA - and the buyer is requesting priority international shipping, if possible and/or instead, since she needs the item for an upcoming event. Can anyone attest to how long international shipping takes, when the UK part of shipping is first class? If I was to use regular mail instead, would I need to cancel this transation and relist the item with the new postage charges (also so I could get her address)?

Thank you for your assistance and stay safe!

[john1297576 · Accepted solution]

The whole point of Global Shipping is that everything,  whatever the value  (99p or £100)  goes by Tracked Mail, making a very expensive service. In addition by posting to Lichfield, you do not help as it may be 3 days in arriving at GSP  and I have no idea of their turn round time, to get things actually going to the buyer. 

They certainly will not change their procedure. Buyer should have asked first and you should have dealt with him direct avoiding GSP, and removing it from your listing. Posting to the USA direct, would mean that item is well on its way before it would even have arrived at GSP.

For your protection anything over £20 should be sent TRACKED, Standard Mail should be avoided.

You need to register as a Business Seller as required by HMRC and Ebay.

[carolc · Accepted solution]

Thank you for your prompt response. But by shipping directly to the US, wouldn’t the buyer incur additional / unknown customs / VAT charges? I know I got charged the few times I bought from US websites with delivery in the UK (not Ebay though).

Should she decide to go down that road, can I amend the shipping method + total charges without having to relist the item (had a fee promo for this sale)?

Thank you again!

[tobiasd4 · Accepted solution]

Even if you send direct, buyer has to pay import fees before USA carrier will deliver item.