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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!
largeyo
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I now list only for sale in the US for the same reasons other mention: paperwork, requests for zero value, fears.
I have sold an item to Germany, and purchased from France, England, Australia and Canada.
The desire to avoid hassles is the big one.
I WOULD accept offers from a few contries, (Germany, England, Japan) if the offer came with a 'bank transfer' air freight shipping payment, and no request for lowering the value for customs. But it is very hard to say in an ad that I would consider 'some' non-USA offers.
I would never sell to Nigeria, sorry for those honest Nigeria Audiophiles!
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
I almost brought an item with me to France to avoid shipping/tarrif issues, but when the counterparty checked into what customs would like at DeGaul airport we decided to cancel the deal.

The guy did take my wife and I out to dinner in Paris though, very, very cool experience. Thank you Audiogon.
jeffb28451
128 posts
 
Same at DAVT said. I've been asked, literally at the last minute, to change declared value, make fruadulent statement as to contents, "gifts", etc.

I have 3 ads going now. All say that I will not make fraudulent statements, etc. I've said it every time and have a 402 on feedback. Nonetheless, it's still happended just as Davt said. I will sell overseas, but it's risky and frustrating for many of the reasons cited.
almarg's avatar
almarg
8,673 posts
 
I WOULD accept offers from a few contries, (Germany, England, Japan) if the offer came with a 'bank transfer' air freight shipping payment, and no request for lowering the value for customs. But it is very hard to say in an ad that I would consider 'some' non-USA offers.

Exactly.

In addition to the many valid reasons which have been cited for making a listing "USA only" is the possibility of outright fraud. And the impracticality of obtaining recourse if it were to occur with a foreign buyer. That would seem fairly unlikely here at Audiogon, but those of us like me who have extensive eBay experience have been sensitized over the years to the very real possibility (at least there) of non-USA buyers using hijacked accounts, paying with forged bank drafts, etc.

Regards,
-- Al
skipper320
63 posts
 
Every time I have been asked to ship an item out of the US,
the buyer requested that I declare the value as ZERO dollars which negates any form of insurance. Also the "gift" declaration is another issue which can result in problems such as hangups in customs. Transit times can be very long. I had a buyer get very upset because it took almost 3 weeks for a package to reach Asia. I shipped per his instructions, and he was still unhappy because it took so long. I made this very clear in our communications and he agreed. As another post above stated, I have had only 2 issues with buyers, and both involved international sales and this was due to long shipping times and high shipping costs. It is too much hassle for me personally.
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