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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!
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kurt_tank
1,189 posts
 
I too dislike selling out of the U.S., especially since most of the items I sell are rather high priced items, and if there is a problem, I am out big bucks!

I don't want to deal with customs, or excessive insurance, or especially, bogus paypal payments. Once the item has left the U.S., there is little we, as U.S. sellers, can do from a legal standpoint should the seller lie and say he did not receive the item, or that it was broken, etc. Paypal usually believes the buyer, and screws the seller in those instances.

(I have sold a couple items to non-U.S. buyers, (out of desparation to sell items at a decent price, to be honest), but I have insisted on bank transfers in those cases.)

My two cents worth.

PS And no offense, but if I choose to limit myself to U.S. buyers only, that is my business and my business alone. I really don't need anyone telling me what I can and/or have to do. The U.S. is not a complete socialist state. Well, at least not yet - maybe next year though!
rja's avatar
rja
2,356 posts
 
I have sold to and purchased from the UK many times with no problems.
ptmconsulting
1,000 posts
 
Shipping - hard to estimate the real cost without boxing it up and taking it to the PO to get a real $$$ - expensive too.
mrderrick
292 posts
 
I have to agree that PayPal seems to side with buyers when there is an issue. (true or false) An out of country dispute would be extremely difficult for a seller to disprove. With at least 75% of the overseas items that I have sold, the buyer wishes to claim "0 $" value to advoid duty fees. That means no insurance value. Its a very risky proposition.
bdgregory
1,708 posts
 
I ship worldwide and to date have had no issues at all, but each time I do I get nervous about transit issues, etc. USPS won't insure deliver in some countries (well, one that I have experienced), other carriers are often cost prohibitive, and now and then I see folks report issues with international deals.

I think the basic issue is FUD (Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt) that prevents folks from WW sales. Some stuff won't transport great distances very well so that may play into it also.
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