Question About Ebay Global Shipping

Family,

Does anybody know anything about ebay's Global Shipping policy? Does it provide a way for us to avoid excessive overseas shipping costs? I have two Great Britain Lighthouse volumes that I want to sell. The post office quoted me over $80-! Does anybody use ebay's Global Shipping?

Thanks,
Jack Kelley

*** Moved by Staff to a more appropriate forum. ***
*** Moved by Staff to a more appropriate forum. ***

I have little experience in this, since everything I have shipped internationally was small enough to go first class. On items that are too large for first class, it gets more difficult to calculate. I always put "price calculated based on location." This allows flexibility for bigger items. If an international bidder wins then you calculate costs and send an updated invoice. Always wait for payment before shipment. The reality is you get less if any international bidders. Does anyone have a better idea? If so, I am interested to hear as well.

I heard DHL were less expensive . Maybe check with them.

GSP is used when items are shipped to Kentucky and then shipped overseas by mail.

The buyer pays all the shipping fees inclusive of Pitney Bowes fees. It is no cheaper for the buyer as they also have to pay VAT up front.

International mail and heavy parcels are expensive to ship even within your own country.

I am getting a parcel from England and shipping is over £100

Like CP2018 said, look into DHL. A few years ago I bought some heavy cover lots (25lb+) from Germany and that seller used DHL. Shipping was just $50.

I would avoid GSP - man international buyers avoid sellers who use GSP due to VAT, etc.

Just a note - there is a cheaper shipping method to mailing books overseas if the shipping weight is greater than 11 pounds. It's called M-Bag, but I don't think albums qualify and they could get banged around a bit. It can be used to ship auction catalogs overseas. I've done that.

Jack - my impression has been that it provides a way to inflate overseas shipping costs! As I understand it, it forces you into using more expensive servcies than you probably require. You might try International Economy (i.e. sea), which is slow, but cheaper.

The USPS doesn't have surface or sea mail anymore. They got rid of that years ago in 2007, but maybe another carrier has it.

Ah, Royal Mail still offers it, so I assumed the US would still have it too.

Well Gang, This is an eye-opener. These costs are ridiculous. I'll look into DHL and will stay away from Global Shipping. I confirmed that USPS ships up to 70 pounds Priority Mail for about $13.50. Provided it will fit into a medium sized Priority Mail box. Not bad. Overseas is quite another matter.
Thanks All for you inputs. It was really helpful.

Jack