posted on May 30, 2012 09:08:16 AM new
I am seriously considering eliminating International shipping. It is a tough decision, as it has always been profitable, but as one door opened (Paypal expanding seller protection) another door closed (USPS Int’l Priority Mail no longer offers tracking). So, even though Paypal approves a shipment, there is no proof of delivery available to qualify for seller protection… even to places like the United Kingdom.
My most recent issue is a package ($40 item) shipped to Thailand via USPS Priority Mail (shipping cost $50.07). Post date on my customs form shows April 16, but the only record of it is that the label was printed April 15.
Buyer contacted me today that they haven't received the package. This is over 45 days since the item was sold (April 14). I find it odd that they waited so long to contact me. I checked status and it only shows the label was printed and USPS notified. When I called USPS I was told that this package does not have tracking. So, they are putting a trace on it. Hmmm... no tracking, but they are going to trace it?
The package came with indemnity coverage for the full value. So, realistically, how can it be traced if they aren't tracking it? What should I expect when I submit an insurance claim?
About a month ago I had an issue with an item that I sold for $200 to someone in the UK. After shipping costs, the total payment was about $270. I tried Priority Mail, but it did not offer signature confirmation or insurance. I had to ship it via Express Mail and it still did not provide signature confirmation. I purchased insurance, but I doubt that would cover fraud if the buyer claimed they didn’t receive it and USPS records showed it was delivered. This was a risk that I took and was uncomfortable with.
Rising eBay fees (20% FVF loss), rising shipping fees, less shipping services, higher overhead, etc is making it more difficult to justify offering International Shipping.
posted on May 30, 2012 11:03:32 AM new
Interesting turn of events. I have been printing my International labels directly through the USPS website. Because there was no tracking info showing that USPS had even touched the package, I figured I would gather the information and file a chargeback claim with my credit card. My reasoning was that if the Post Office didn't ever ship it, I should be entitled to a refund for the shipping charges. This would help offset $50 for a refund to the buyer.
After I signed onto USPS website, I found the transaction and clicked the tracking info. There is tons of information on the package. It shows it processed in Portland, transferred and processed through San Francisco, and processed through the Sort Facility in Thailand on April 22. No other information after that.
I double checked my dates, and the payment was done on April 11, not the 14th as I originally thought. This means that it is now 50 days since payment was processed. For me this is good news, as it means that they cannot file a claim for item not received (according to eBay policy).
What is perplexing to me is why there is no tracking info available through eBay or Post Office website when I am not signed into my USPS account.
I took a screen shot of the USPS page showing all of the tracking info and emailed it to the buyer. They can take it to their post office to inquire about the package. I will be happy to file an insurance claim on their behalf once we cross that bridge, but I don't think I should be held responsible for this package if USPS denies the claim. From what I can see, there is no delivery information on it.
I am not going to bother filing a claim with my credit card now, because USPS did exactly what they should have done. Now it is up to Thailand to figure it out.
posted on May 30, 2012 02:12:34 PM new
Shag,
this is the problem with using the postal systems.
USPS told me they have no control over other countries postal system and enforce them to scan the packages.
I have many packages going overseas using priority medium and large box and express mail,it shows it is in and out of local customs and then no more updates.
If the South Korean postman does not carry a handscanner when he delivers a priority or express package,then we dont get any signature or tracking to show it has been delivered.
Canada is good,HK is good,but Thailand,I DONT KNOW.
Some sellers use DHL which is expensive but your local DHL office may be anxious to have your business and pass on a discount like 30 %?
You can sign up with Fed Exp on Ebay and get a discount,I shipped an envelope to HK and get a 30% discount.
posted on May 30, 2012 02:20:28 PM new
Paypal/Ebay may say file complaing within 45 days,but they will file chargeback with their credit card issuer.
Overseas disputes take a long time to resolve,it could be anywhere from 3- 6 months.
I have a case now a UK buyer bought an item from me in Nov 2012,claimed she did not receive the item,then said she paid UK CUSTOMS already,then refused to sign the claim form I sent her.
After 50 days,she filed chargeback with her credit card issuer and Paypal withehld 1k from my paypal account,it has been 6 weeks and I have not heard a thing.
I notice more and more sellers said they dont ship overseas,dont even bother to ask and I DONT BLAME THEM
posted on May 30, 2012 02:30:46 PM new
New update: Somehow the package was routed to Thailand. I hadn't pulled my customs form yet when I said Thailand which is what the tracking shows. The problem is the address is in Taiwan.
posted on May 30, 2012 02:50:19 PM new
I eliminated international shipping a few years ago.
Measuring my stress level against the profit I would potentially make.
posted on May 30, 2012 04:38:16 PM new
good for you ,davesmom!
But for some of us,selling to foreign buyers has been an important source of revenue.
I may have to consider using DHL or Fed Exp instead of USPS for high ticket items.
Although I can purchase insurance,the premium for overseas shipping is 60% higher and if the loss ratio gets too high,the insurance co can refuse to do business with me.
Shag,
I dont know what you sell to Thailand ,but they buy from us because they cant find it in their local market,so if they want the items ,they may just have to pay DHL rate .
The private carriers are the ones who control the route from start to finish.
posted on May 30, 2012 07:00:44 PM new
Yeah. I have sent them an email letting them know that we have to let the post office trace the package. They will contact Thailand and see if they rerouted the package to Taiwan (which I hope) or if they are returning it to me. If it is lost, then I will file a claim and issue the buyer a refund.
This is the second time I have had some strange incident with an international package. The first was a package shipped to a Missionary in Africa. After 3 months they emailed me wondering where it was. 3 months!!! They must have horrible expectations. Tracking showed it delivered. A whole year later I get the package back. On top of that, the post office wanted me to pay $40+ for it. It was a $15 dollar item.
Another time I had ordered Priority Mail boxes. They were backordered and we moved. They tried to charge me $35 to reroute unused Priority boxes!!!
posted on May 30, 2012 07:32:34 PM new
Whoa Shag: so your unfortunate experiences are not limited to warehouse mishaps & car dings. Lottery ticket, guy, you are due!!
posted on May 31, 2012 04:32:33 AM new
You may want to do some research on filing chargeback against the US post office ?
First place to start your research is Paypal,call Paypal and ask if they know.
