US shipping costs

Docrwm · 01-08-2013, 07:28 PM

Originally posted by bigted

The actual cost to send it was $1.50. It was only a lens cap.

No, actual price from the shipping agent (USPS) was $1.50 - the actual COST was more than that because the seller had to have a) a package to ship it in, b) tape, c) time, d) forms for the USPS and Customs that take a while, and e) had to ship it in person because of said forms. Shipping out of the US adds a LOT of time to sending a package for the seller because for most in country packages you do not have to show up in person at the post office. However, for overseas shipments the regulations are in person and with ID that matches the return shipping name and/or address, along with all the forms.

bigted · 01-08-2013, 10:59 PM

Originally posted by Docrwm

No, actual price from the shipping agent (USPS) was $1.50 - the actual COST was more than that because the seller had to have a) a package to ship it in, b) tape, c) time, d) forms for the USPS and Customs that take a while, and e) had to ship it in person because of said forms. Shipping out of the US adds a LOT of time to sending a package for the seller because for most in country packages you do not have to show up in person at the post office. However, for overseas shipments the regulations are in person and with ID that matches the return shipping name and/or address, along with all the forms.

I understand what you are staying but there's a big difference between $1.50 and $12.50 for the same item. When I look at shipping costs I don't expect what happened in this example where the sender sent it at actual postage costs. Reasonable costs for supplies and time are expected. My point was the vast difference on an item I had recent experience with.

Docrwm · 01-09-2013, 05:35 AM

Originally posted by bigted

I understand what you are staying but there's a big difference between $1.50 and $12.50 for the same item. When I look at shipping costs I don't expect what happened in this example where the sender sent it at actual postage costs. Reasonable costs for supplies and time are expected. My point was the vast difference on an item I had recent experience with.

I understand but wanted to make the point that it isn't just the cost the shipping company charges. The reasons I stated are a big part of why I list items for US only. When individuals from overseas contact me I let them know the added cost (not anything like your example) and that there is no recourse once it is sent because there are 0 protections for the seller. If they agree to all that then I'll send overseas despite the considerable extra time required on my part.

pxpaulx · 01-09-2013, 05:47 AM

Originally posted by Docrwm

I understand but wanted to make the point that it isn't just the cost the shipping company charges. The reasons I stated are a big part of why I list items for US only. When individuals from overseas contact me I let them know the added cost (not anything like your example) and that there is no recourse once it is sent because there are 0 protections for the seller. If they agree to all that then I'll send overseas despite the considerable extra time required on my part.

You do realize that saying there is no recourse to the buyer means nothing to paypal right?

I agree with the additional time and work required being a significant amount, that is why I will only send more expensive items ($100 at a bare minimum, but usually only several times that), and at cost (which appears to be going up). Also, I only ship express mail as it at least appears to offer proper delivery confirmation/proof, but I doubt someone would want to buy a lens cap via express mail.

Docrwm · 01-09-2013, 07:04 AM

Originally posted by pxpaulx

You do realize that saying there is no recourse to the buyer means nothing to paypal right?

I agree with the additional time and work required being a significant amount, that is why I will only send more expensive items ($100 at a bare minimum, but usually only several times that), and at cost (which appears to be going up). Also, I only ship express mail as it at least appears to offer proper delivery confirmation/proof, but I doubt someone would want to buy a lens cap via express mail.

I do, however I would only agree to ship under those conditions to an established person here on the forum. When I have done so in the past I have had no problems. I think reputation is a part of the mix and I see positive and prolonged participation here by the potential overseas buyer as a big + in favor of taking the risk with PP you mentioned.

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01-08-2013, 07:28 PM	#16
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by bigted The actual cost to send it was $1.50. It was only a lens cap. No, actual price from the shipping agent (USPS) was $1.50 - the actual COST was more than that because the seller had to have a) a package to ship it in, b) tape, c) time, d) forms for the USPS and Customs that take a while, and e) had to ship it in person because of said forms. Shipping out of the US adds a LOT of time to sending a package for the seller because for most in country packages you do not have to show up in person at the post office. However, for overseas shipments the regulations are in person and with ID that matches the return shipping name and/or address, along with all the forms.

01-08-2013, 10:59 PM	#17
bigted Moderator Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Jessica Lake, Whiteshell Provincial Park, or Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,593	Originally posted by Docrwm No, actual price from the shipping agent (USPS) was $1.50 - the actual COST was more than that because the seller had to have a) a package to ship it in, b) tape, c) time, d) forms for the USPS and Customs that take a while, and e) had to ship it in person because of said forms. Shipping out of the US adds a LOT of time to sending a package for the seller because for most in country packages you do not have to show up in person at the post office. However, for overseas shipments the regulations are in person and with ID that matches the return shipping name and/or address, along with all the forms. I understand what you are staying but there's a big difference between $1.50 and $12.50 for the same item. When I look at shipping costs I don't expect what happened in this example where the sender sent it at actual postage costs. Reasonable costs for supplies and time are expected. My point was the vast difference on an item I had recent experience with.

01-09-2013, 05:35 AM	#18
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by bigted I understand what you are staying but there's a big difference between $1.50 and $12.50 for the same item. When I look at shipping costs I don't expect what happened in this example where the sender sent it at actual postage costs. Reasonable costs for supplies and time are expected. My point was the vast difference on an item I had recent experience with. I understand but wanted to make the point that it isn't just the cost the shipping company charges. The reasons I stated are a big part of why I list items for US only. When individuals from overseas contact me I let them know the added cost (not anything like your example) and that there is no recourse once it is sent because there are 0 protections for the seller. If they agree to all that then I'll send overseas despite the considerable extra time required on my part.

01-09-2013, 05:47 AM	#19
pxpaulx Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 2,867	Originally posted by Docrwm I understand but wanted to make the point that it isn't just the cost the shipping company charges. The reasons I stated are a big part of why I list items for US only. When individuals from overseas contact me I let them know the added cost (not anything like your example) and that there is no recourse once it is sent because there are 0 protections for the seller. If they agree to all that then I'll send overseas despite the considerable extra time required on my part. You do realize that saying there is no recourse to the buyer means nothing to paypal right? I agree with the additional time and work required being a significant amount, that is why I will only send more expensive items ($100 at a bare minimum, but usually only several times that), and at cost (which appears to be going up). Also, I only ship express mail as it at least appears to offer proper delivery confirmation/proof, but I doubt someone would want to buy a lens cap via express mail.

01-09-2013, 07:04 AM	#20
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by pxpaulx You do realize that saying there is no recourse to the buyer means nothing to paypal right? I agree with the additional time and work required being a significant amount, that is why I will only send more expensive items ($100 at a bare minimum, but usually only several times that), and at cost (which appears to be going up). Also, I only ship express mail as it at least appears to offer proper delivery confirmation/proof, but I doubt someone would want to buy a lens cap via express mail. I do, however I would only agree to ship under those conditions to an established person here on the forum. When I have done so in the past I have had no problems. I think reputation is a part of the mix and I see positive and prolonged participation here by the potential overseas buyer as a big + in favor of taking the risk with PP you mentioned.