"Shipping to CONUS only" Annoying (classifieds)

It doesn't take a genius to fill-out a USPS or courier packing slip. American companies go and set-up in other countries all the time to expand their markets. Why are sellers so averse to this?? The packages track the same way as domestic ones do.

Postal service is a no-brainer. Once the package is mailed it is gone. It goes through customs at the receiver's end and the postal service delivers the package or a notice that the package is available for pickup. In Canada, we have to pay some taxes on in coming goods. Some buyers ask the seller to quote a lower value to avoid taxes but this also sets the maximum for any potential insurance claim.

Couriers are a different story. Couriers typically charge an additional brokerage fee that the receiver has to pay. They contact the addressed receiver and let them know how much is due. Often this comes as a surprise to both the receiver and to the shipper. Unfortunately, if the receiver refuses to pay the brokerage fee, the package is returned to the seller who has to pay the fee to get his goods back. (The courier did the work they were contracted to do, they want paid.) The whole deal goes sour and there can be hard feelings all around.

When you add in the possibility of lost packages or damaged goods, cross border shipping can be a crap shoot. Insurance claims are difficult and getting a settlement is tough.

Overall, some folks don't like it. I have never had an issue and rely on the Canada/US postal services a lot. I have looked into postage rates for some overseas deals and the cost is simply prohibitive.

dan

Richard Anderson said:

It doesn't take a genius to fill-out a USPS or courier packing slip. American companies go and set-up in other countries all the time to expand their markets. Why are sellers so averse to this?? The packages track the same way as domestic ones do.

There have been many thread on this very subject, probably worth reading them. Myself, I have shipped a few items across various borders, it is no picnic, particularly if one doesn't do Paypal.

To make it happen, it requires both parties be understanding of the difficulties they will be facing.

"It doesn't take a genius", I would say it doesn't take a genius to figure out the non-CONUS market is a small one and has certain risks and uncertainties so a wise non-CONUS buyer/seller goes out of his/her way to make it easy.

Jon Isaacs

It works the same as a domestic package -- except when it doesn't. Shipping internationally is expensive through UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc. The Post Office is much cheaper, but their service is lacking. We shipped a $540 item to that primitive backwater of a country, Belgium ( 8) ), via USPS Global Priority Mail. The item disappeared somewhere in customs and it was never delivered. OK, it happens, time to file a claim. Several phone calls, online forms, faxes, and 90 days elapse, our claim is denied. WTF? This is what passes for customer service at the USPS these days, and it is why I am reluctant to ship outside the CONUS. If I do, the shipment must be handled by a carrier with end-to-end responsibility.

I have always attempted to respond in detail on these threads hoping that by informing others, they will be able to ship cross border with comfort.

Still, I can't help but feel that every time this topic comes up, all we do is educate a few more individuals to the pitfalls of cross border shipping and the next time they place an ad they include "CON-US Only!"

dan

I recently took a chance and shipped some binoculars to a gentleman in Hong Kong. He had no problem paying the few more dollars for my extra costs. He was very patient when I delayed shipping because of a family illness. I was impressed that he trusted me (although he must have been a little nervous!). Payment was through Paypal. I usually don't use Paypal but did in this case. He let me know when he got the binos and that they got their safely.

For my first attempt at an overseas shipment it went well.

Mike

I had a G8 for "CONUS ONLY" just because its heavy. I was contacted by a fellow astromarter in Canada. I agreed to the sale via USPS at his request, which was actually more expensive on the front end but cheaper on the rear end (read no broker's fees). PayPal: No problems at all; both parties satisfied. Next time I will list "US and Canada."

Ed