Ebay Global Shipping

[Cervantes]

Can someone give me some info on this feature, as I've never used it. There was lots of fine print, as far as what was eligible, who was eligible, etc. etc. etc. So...what do I pay? Where do I send?

Thanks.

[longbomberz]

The high level of it is that the program auto-calculates expedited shipping to international locations for you and sends the total to the buyer. From the seller perspective, you simply ship to a GSP sort center. The one it tells me to send to is in Louisville. From there, it's in the program's hands and you're no longer responsible. They handle shipping internationally from there.

[goehring9]

The high level of it is that the program auto-calculates expedited shipping to international locations for you and sends the total to the buyer. From the seller perspective, you simply ship to a GSP sort center. The one it tells me to send to is in Louisville. From there, it's in the program's hands and you're no longer responsible. They handle shipping internationally from there.

100% correct. Super expensive for buyers overseas, but very easy for a seller here- you just ship to Louisville like any other order and you're paid the same, no extra fees.

[Brobocop]

I use it for all the items I sell on eBay. The way it works is that people can you their local eBay website and if you use the Global Shipping Program it will show up in their searches. When someone pulls up your auction they should see the estimated shipping and import fees they would have to pay based on the current price of your item. This part is key though since I've had a few people not pay attention to this and either bid or win items of mine. Then they say they don't want to pay the higher shipping and fees part so you either have to cancel the sale or hit them with a NPB. I always make sure to clearly state in multiple places that if you are outside of the United States you will have to pay those extra fees.

Once the person pays, you just ship the item to their location in Kentucky. They check the item to make sure it is as described and they ship it out. I don't know if this part is true but I heard that once they ship it out you should be free and clear of any attempts of a buyer to filed item not as described cases against you. I would also assume that if the item never arrives you should also be in the free and clear since it was on eBay at that point to get it to it's final location.

Overall, it's made my life easier and more times than not it has worked out well. I've shipped a few toys to places like Singapore and Russia with no issues whatsoever. Just be sure to be clear in your description that a buyer has to pay for shipping to their home country even if you list something with free shipping. The free shipping only covers shipping from your location to the Kentucky location.

If you have any other questions you can PM and I'll do my best to answer them.

[Cervantes]

Thanks for all the great help.

So, if I've already listed a low shipping price in the description, would that stay the same, or would the buyer pay my shipping quote, and I'd be stuck with the rest?

[dasiegel]

My buddy told me it doesn't work for low end. Any knowledge of this either way? Like if you sell and item to a guy in China it isn't covered in the global shipping unless it's like over $16 bucks or something...

[Chick Hearn]

Thanks for all the great help.

So, if I've already listed a low shipping price in the description, would that stay the same, or would the buyer pay my shipping quote, and I'd be stuck with the rest?

You will get paid for the shipping amount you specify on your auction, while the buyer pays the remaining amount (additional international shipping, customs, duties, etc.) to eBay. I don't believe the dollar amount in question matters, as I have sold things for as low as .99 cents, with $5.25 for Priority Mail Flat Rate Shipping.

[Brobocop]

My buddy told me it doesn't work for low end. Any knowledge of this either way? Like if you sell and item to a guy in China it isn't covered in the global shipping unless it's like over $16 bucks or something...

Not every country is covered by the program. I don't know if China is covered or not. Other countries are only included with buy-it-now items and not auctions.

They have a pretty good FAQ on the program so before listing anything with the program checked, I'd read over it.

Seller Content - GSP-UA-FAQs (http://pages.ebay.com/sellerinformation/ship-smart/advanced-shipping/Global-Shipping-Program/GSPUAFAQs.html)

[Brobocop]

Thanks for all the great help.

So, if I've already listed a low shipping price in the description, would that stay the same, or would the buyer pay my shipping quote, and I'd be stuck with the rest?

I'll second what was already said, the price you list is the price a buyer would pay for you to get the item to Kentucky. An international buyer should also see a price for shipping the item from Kentucky to them and any other additional import fees or other fees they may have to pay. Not every buyer pays attention to this so I would also clearly state that if a person is outside the USA they are buying the item through the eBay Global Shipping Program and thus may have to pay additional shipping and fees. I generally use this in my listings:

"Please note that if you are buying this outside of the United States I ship globally through the eBay Global Shipping Program which may carry additional shipping charges and fees."

[Cervantes]

I'll second what was already said, the price you list is the price a buyer would pay for you to get the item to Kentucky. An international buyer should also see a price for shipping the item from Kentucky to them and any other additional import fees or other fees they may have to pay. Not every buyer pays attention to this so I would also clearly state that if a person is outside the USA they are buying the item through the eBay Global Shipping Program and thus may have to pay additional shipping and fees. I generally use this in my listings:

"Please note that if you are buying this outside of the United States I ship globally through the eBay Global Shipping Program which may carry additional shipping charges and fees."

Thanks for being so helpful; can I use your quote? lol again, many thanks.

[dasiegel]

Not every country is covered by the program. I don't know if China is covered or not. Other countries are only included with buy-it-now items and not auctions.

They have a pretty good FAQ on the program so before listing anything with the program checked, I'd read over it.

Seller Content - GSP-UA-FAQs (http://pages.ebay.com/sellerinformation/ship-smart/advanced-shipping/Global-Shipping-Program/GSPUAFAQs.html)

im just using china as an example. japan, brazil etc. i just heard that global shipping only applies to a sale of a certain value.

[goehring9]

im just using china as an example. japan, brazil etc. i just heard that global shipping only applies to a sale of a certain value.

I've never run across a minimum when listing items for sale. There is a MAX in most cases of $2500

[smalltown]

Something to keep in mind - and i'm not saying not to use the GSP, use what makes you feel comfortable. But, you will cut your market on non "high end" items. Myself and many others international buyers will not buy from people who use GSP. GSP is not the true cost of shipping. In most cases the true shipping cost is anywhere from 25-30% of the GSP cost.

Again, not saying you shouldn't use it. Ebay is trying to position it as the safest way to ship. But you should be aware of how it may potentially effect your sales.

[xavieronly1]

Something to keep in mind - and i'm not saying not to use the GSP, use what makes you feel comfortable. But, you will cut your market on non "high end" items. Myself and many others international buyers will not buy from people who use GSP. GSP is not the true cost of shipping. In most cases the true shipping cost is anywhere from 25-30% of the GSP cost.

Again, not saying you shouldn't use it. Ebay is trying to position it as the safest way to ship. But you should be aware of how it may potentially effect your sales.

What is the cost for GSP shipping outside of US?

I can ship to Canada with $8, and I know I get 100% protection as a seller.

For other countries, I don't know there is 100% protection if I don't send EMS which is $50.

[goehring9]

Something to keep in mind - and i'm not saying not to use the GSP, use what makes you feel comfortable. But, you will cut your market on non "high end" items. Myself and many others international buyers will not buy from people who use GSP. GSP is not the true cost of shipping. In most cases the true shipping cost is anywhere from 25-30% of the GSP cost.

Again, not saying you shouldn't use it. Ebay is trying to position it as the safest way to ship. But you should be aware of how it may potentially effect your sales.

That is true. I have been moving away from selling through GSP and shipping directly, or to COMC of those members who are smart enough to have that option. The pricing on GSP is so high that most buyers shy away from it. I noticed less activity when I was listing GSP. Now i use it only at work, where the items we sell are not subject to such smallish order values.

Costs vary from country to country so you can't really say what it is unless you look at it case by case.

[smalltown]

What is the cost for GSP shipping outside of US?

I can ship to Canada with $8, and I know I get 100% protection as a seller.

For other countries, I don't know there is 100% protection if I don't send EMS which is $50.

There was a $4.99 BIN card i was interested in. Shipping with GSP:

Shipping: $16.18 International Priority Shipping to Canada via the Global Shipping Program

Import charges: $4.26(amount confirmed at checkout)
No additional import charges on delivery

So thats $20.44 to ship a $4.99 card. Not only is $16.18 for shipping beyond ridiculous. But I have never been charged an import duty/tax on any item under $50.

[goehring9]

There was a $4.99 BIN card i was interested in. Shipping with GSP:

Shipping: $16.18 International Priority Shipping to Canada via the Global Shipping Program

Import charges: $4.26(amount confirmed at checkout)
No additional import charges on delivery

So thats $20.44 to ship a $4.99 card. Not only is $16.18 for shipping beyond ridiculous. But I have never been charged an import duty/tax on any item under $50.

That sounds about right- typical of the charges they impose though that program.

[xavieronly1]

There was a $4.99 BIN card i was interested in. Shipping with GSP:

Shipping: $16.18 International Priority Shipping to Canada via the Global Shipping Program

Import charges: $4.26(amount confirmed at checkout)
No additional import charges on delivery

So thats $20.44 to ship a $4.99 card. Not only is $16.18 for shipping beyond ridiculous. But I have never been charged an import duty/tax on any item under $50.

Still cheaper than sending EMS which is $50 + custom fee.

[pigeonsbaseball]

What is the cost for GSP shipping outside of US?

I can ship to Canada with $8, and I know I get 100% protection as a seller.

For other countries, I don't know there is 100% protection if I don't send EMS which is $50.

The cost for you to ship is whatever it cost to send it to The ebay shipping center. The cost for the buyer is all over the place. For example the first time I used it a buyer in Canada won a $20 card it cost me $2 to ship to EBay but it cost him the $2 shipping cost I had for the auction and then another $18 or so for the GSP. You are not supposed to combine items either and that is why it can hurt your lower end sales

[smalltown]

Still cheaper than sending EMS which is $50 + custom fee.

It's like you said though. You can send for $8 and be covered. Most international buyers don't mind paying more, we even expect it. What international buyers don't like is being completely ripped off under the auspices of "safety and protection".

[xavieronly1]

The cost for you to ship is whatever it cost to send it to The ebay shipping center. The cost for the buyer is all over the place. For example the first time I used it a buyer in Canada won a $20 card it cost me $2 to ship to EBay but it cost him the $2 shipping cost I had for the auction and then another $18 or so for the GSP. You are not supposed to combine items either and that is why it can hurt your lower end sales

Is GSP the factor why it hurts the low end sale? It is more have to do with stupid US international shipping cost rather than GSP itself.

The other option is to ship the card using $50 EMS for 100% protection. Either way, no international buyers would pay $50 (or $20) for a low end card.

So, what is another option so that a US seller still gets 100% protection? Please list it here as I really want to know.

[xavieronly1]

It's like you said though. You can send for $8 and be covered. Most international buyers don't mind paying more, we even expect it. What international buyers don't like is being completely ripped off under the auspices of "safety and protection".

No.

I can ship a package to Canada with the lowest cost $6.16. And I can get free tracking, but it only applies to Canada. For other countries, the $6.16 method does not have tracking. Meaning, anyone can claim "not received".

Please state another shipping method to ship a $10 card to China while I still can get 100% protection.

[Brobocop]

I will say that if someone from Canada wants an item from me that I have listed through the Global Shipping Program and they ask me, I will end the item for them and relist it without GSP checked so that I can sell it to them and ship it for cheaper. I did that with a card recently. We agreed on a price so I listed it on a BIN for super high and then accepted his offer. I'm not saying the GSP is the end all, be all. It's just easier for me to use since I am not experienced in shipping outside of the USA. I figure if my item is seen by one more person than normal due to it being listed internationally, then that's better for me.

[goehring9]

No.

I can ship a package to Canada with the lowest cost $6.16. And I can get free tracking, but it only applies to Canada. For other countries, the $6.16 method does not have tracking. Meaning, anyone can claim "not received".

Please state another shipping method to ship a $10 card to China while I still can get 100% protection.

Exactly ... if you want tracking protection, it costs money - lots of money - beyond the control of the seller. Sellers can't be blamed for US Postal (or other services) costs. And to ship overseas without tracking is unreasonable, as the seller takes all the risk. I've had more than one incident like that where the buyer claimed "non receipt" to get their money back, only to see the item mysteriously listed for sale later...

Bottom line, GSP is the MOST expensive service, but also the easiest for seller. If an international buyer wants something cheaper, in many cases they just need to ask.

[smalltown]

I will say that if someone from Canada wants an item from me that I have listed through the Global Shipping Program and they ask me, I will end the item for them and relist it without GSP checked so that I can sell it to them and ship it for cheaper. I did that with a card recently. We agreed on a price so I listed it on a BIN for super high and then accepted his offer. I'm not saying the GSP is the end all, be all. It's just easier for me to use since I am not experienced in shipping outside of the USA. I figure if my item is seen by one more person than normal due to it being listed internationally, then that's better for me.

Good on you for being accommodating like that. Not all sellers are. I've asked that twice. First time - no problem, smooth deal. Second time - the seller said i'm probably a "money laundering terrorist" lol

Gotta love ebay. There are all kinds of people on there.

[jdw33]

What is the cost for GSP shipping outside of US?

I can ship to Canada with $8, and I know I get 100% protection as a seller.

For other countries, I don't know there is 100% protection if I don't send EMS which is $50.

I've had issues in the past with shipping things to Canada and having them get lost in the mail, so I don't typically ship things that cost more than a few dollars.

When it comes to the seller protection for items shipped to Canada, if I ship it regular first class mail with eBay Label's tracking and it gets lost, I gather I am covered (and if so, up to how much of a $ value)? Thanks.

[spcardsoakville]

Something to keep in mind - and i'm not saying not to use the GSP, use what makes you feel comfortable. But, you will cut your market on non "high end" items. Myself and many others international buyers will not buy from people who use GSP. GSP is not the true cost of shipping. In most cases the true shipping cost is anywhere from 25-30% of the GSP cost.

Again, not saying you shouldn't use it. Ebay is trying to position it as the safest way to ship. But you should be aware of how it may potentially effect your sales.

Agree with this 100%. As a Canadian who buys almost all my cards from the States it turns my away from lower end auctions all the time if the seller uses GSP. The cost of having a card shipped to myself in Ontario using GSP is $12-14.

[jbrandonw]

I've only used the program once, but it was a higher dollar board game ($150). After reading a bunch of stuff about it I got a little worried, but everything worked out fine. I just paid for it to get to Kentucky, and they handled the rest.