Sorry for the rant, but just a head's up for people that use ebay/paypal as maybe you can learn from my mistakes.
I've been a member on ebay since 1999 and have bought and sold a lot of things and never had any problems until recently. Most people seem to be honest and I've had a good run, but after getting burned twice in 2 weeks my attitude has changed.
I recently sold 2 things internationally (different buyers, different countries) within a 2 week time frame totaling about $500 USD. Both packages were sent via USPS first class mail, and in both cases USPS has no idea where either package is.
The problem is this, 1)USPS doesn't offer tracking or insurance on any first class international package, and 2)ebay/paypal automatically sides with the buyer on any claims if he simply says he never got a package. So long story short, all a buyer needs to do is talk you into shipping first class and then regardless of whether or not they got the package they can request a refund through ebay/paypal and they will receive a refund no questions asked. As a seller the only way you are protected is if you use their stupid global shipping program.
In my particular case I had a buyer message me through ebay's messaging system requesting I remove global shipping and that I ship to him first class mail because ebay shipping was too expensive and the taxes/fees were too high. I also have him requesting in writing that I put a fabricated amount on the customs forms to keep import fees/taxes low. I have all of this IN WRITING. So even though I held up my end of the deal, used the shipping method OF HIS CHOICE, sent a tracking number, etc, and he agreed to accept the risk of no insurance/limited tracking, ebay/paypal still sided with the buyer....and they WILL do so 100% of the time.
They basically told me in order to be protected as a seller i need to use their global shipping. I asked them to consider the emails he sent through THEIR messaging system, his requests and acceptance of the risks, etc. They basically told me all of that was meaningless and would not be considered when the case was "reviewed". I use that term loosely because I don't think it actually is reviewed...there is no real review or human assessment of the situation or circumstances. It's black and white....either you used global shipping and they have the proof that he has the package, or no.
So, I highly advise people to either use ebay global for all international shipping, or do not ship internationally at all. It appears the global shipping is grossly expensive to buyers so it may not even be worth offering international sales to begin with. Personally for all domestic sales going forward I'm going to start putting signature confirmation on everything as well. As for USPS....I'm done. 2 packages disappear into thin air in a 2 week span and nothing anyone i can do about it. Even if it IS delivered they would have no idea and no proof for me to provide ebay....and with ebay's policy it's basically a recipe for free stuff. If i'm going to pay USPS expensive express or international priority rates to cover myself i might as well go with FedEx or UPS and get better service, so i really no longer have a use for USPS.
I still think most buyers are probably honest but unfortunately after getting burned for a significant amount of money i'm not going to take any more chances. I can see that being a nice guy and trying to help sometimes can come back and bite you in the ass and it's just not worth it.
I've been a member on ebay since 1999 and have bought and sold a lot of things and never had any problems until recently. Most people seem to be honest and I've had a good run, but after getting burned twice in 2 weeks my attitude has changed.
I recently sold 2 things internationally (different buyers, different countries) within a 2 week time frame totaling about $500 USD. Both packages were sent via USPS first class mail, and in both cases USPS has no idea where either package is.
The problem is this, 1)USPS doesn't offer tracking or insurance on any first class international package, and 2)ebay/paypal automatically sides with the buyer on any claims if he simply says he never got a package. So long story short, all a buyer needs to do is talk you into shipping first class and then regardless of whether or not they got the package they can request a refund through ebay/paypal and they will receive a refund no questions asked. As a seller the only way you are protected is if you use their stupid global shipping program.
In my particular case I had a buyer message me through ebay's messaging system requesting I remove global shipping and that I ship to him first class mail because ebay shipping was too expensive and the taxes/fees were too high. I also have him requesting in writing that I put a fabricated amount on the customs forms to keep import fees/taxes low. I have all of this IN WRITING. So even though I held up my end of the deal, used the shipping method OF HIS CHOICE, sent a tracking number, etc, and he agreed to accept the risk of no insurance/limited tracking, ebay/paypal still sided with the buyer....and they WILL do so 100% of the time.
They basically told me in order to be protected as a seller i need to use their global shipping. I asked them to consider the emails he sent through THEIR messaging system, his requests and acceptance of the risks, etc. They basically told me all of that was meaningless and would not be considered when the case was "reviewed". I use that term loosely because I don't think it actually is reviewed...there is no real review or human assessment of the situation or circumstances. It's black and white....either you used global shipping and they have the proof that he has the package, or no.
So, I highly advise people to either use ebay global for all international shipping, or do not ship internationally at all. It appears the global shipping is grossly expensive to buyers so it may not even be worth offering international sales to begin with. Personally for all domestic sales going forward I'm going to start putting signature confirmation on everything as well. As for USPS....I'm done. 2 packages disappear into thin air in a 2 week span and nothing anyone i can do about it. Even if it IS delivered they would have no idea and no proof for me to provide ebay....and with ebay's policy it's basically a recipe for free stuff. If i'm going to pay USPS expensive express or international priority rates to cover myself i might as well go with FedEx or UPS and get better service, so i really no longer have a use for USPS.
I still think most buyers are probably honest but unfortunately after getting burned for a significant amount of money i'm not going to take any more chances. I can see that being a nice guy and trying to help sometimes can come back and bite you in the ass and it's just not worth it.