Need help with international shipping charges

[CC-Hunter]

I sell a number of things on eBay with free shipping, but only for U.S. buyers. When I get an international buyer the shipping fees computed by eBay are usually way too low.

I recently sold some bulky items that fit in a shoebox and weighed about 2 lbs 5 oz. I indicated in my listing that the weight was 2-3 lbs. I was paid $14 for shipping which ended up being over $27 for the cheapest option.

How can I avoid getting screwed in the future?

Thanks

 

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[Lafitte Deux]

Not sure how you are shipping now, but you might check out
USPS First Class International Service.
https://www.usps.com/international/mail-shipping-services.htm?

 

[Paleo_joe]

I don't have international shipping checked when I list an item. Then, if I get an international buyer, they have to wait for my invoice. I use the usps.com calculator to get that amount.

I would like to check the box that says I offer international shipping, but when I did, I think I got what you have, where I have to calculate the weight ahead of time, etc. It looked complicated. And I don't trust ebay's shipping calculator in general.

 

[meanpc]

Are you talking about the Global Shipping Program thing? You might want to take a look at the Medium and Large flat rate priority boxes. I've found the shipping calculator to be pretty accurate as long as I give it good info.

 

[CC-Hunter]

Thanks. I haven't used the Global Shipping Program. I also haven't used the shipping calculator (do I need to know the destination for that?), I just put in information about weight, size, type of package, etc.

 

[meanpc]

Thanks. I haven't used the Global Shipping Program. I also haven't used the shipping calculator (do I need to know the destination for that?), I just put in information about weight, size, type of package, etc.

That's what I am talking about, just the info you put in. It's always been accurate for me, certainly never off by that much.

 

[mugsisme]

I do the global shipping program. I've had international people write to me and ask if I would ship not using it. I've put it all on the scale, envelope, jewelry, wrappings, and then use the USPS site to figure it out. Then I give myself a little buffer. I had a bangle that was supposed to cost $6, so I told the buyer $10. They were thrilled; it was half of the GSP. It was pretty accurate.
Have you tried to the flat rate boxes? They are pretty good.

 

[dumpsterdiver]

I see many posts to the contrary but I've had many very happy global shipping customers. I just sent a back to the future skateboard to France. I think he paid close to $90 in global shipping fees. Yes I wish I could get a cut of that action but I doubt its worth it. I've had two customers back out of global shipping because of the fees but mostly because they were not comfortable with the delivery carrier.

 

[diggummup]

I use the Global Shipping Program. For me, it's the all around easiest way to ship globally and still be covered if something goes wrong.

 

[deserdog]

I ship internationally, and use calculated shipping. Always comes out correct, infact, many times I end up refunding excess shipping to buyer. In the USA, everything about 13 ounces goes up to the nearest pound. But first class international does not, it goes up by the ounce, maybe 4 ounces for countries other than Canada. If it is an expensive item, I just purchase insurance through auctiva.

 

[Pointman]

I will take a best educated guess by researching on USPS the costs and add either a handling fee or 10% more to the shipping to compensate for any additional costs. If you prepackage and weigh the items it should be very close if you research it well. In the past I would take a guess and not weigh and ended up losing money on shipping. Make sure to factor in the costs for insurance.