19-06-2018 02:14 PM - edited 19-06-2018 02:17 PM
Here are a few tips that can make the GSP more palatable or explainable for buyers.
1. If the GSP postage is very high compared to USPS or Royal Mail from the UK. Ask the seller to input dimensions and weight into the listing - this will usually drop the postage rate significantly (though not on heavy parcels where the GSP is usually the cheapest option anyway).
2. If multiple items are being bought as a BIN, ask the seller to make one listing of all the items so that they can be sent together and not incur multiple postage charges,
3. It's also possible to ask the seller to opt out of the GSP and send by their normal carrier - they may not want to do this as it reduces their seller protection significantly.
4. eBay opts sellers into the GSP by default, so they may well be unaware that they are even posting overseas since all they will see as a shipping address is their countrie's GSP shipping hub. Often if the buyer sends a screen shot of the postage amount they will be amenable to enact the steps above.
5. Long delivery times? Nothing much can be done about that buyers just have to be aware that sometimes parcels will do a scenic trip of the seller's country before being processed.
6. Pitney Bowes (GSP) will confiscate a number of items that they deem to be prohibited exports, these include any knife (even a butter knife), guitars, drums etc. When they confiscate these the buyer will have to jump through hoops to get their money back from Pitney Bowes, while Pitney Bowes will put those item up for sale on their own eBay sites.
7. Pitney Bowes will often but not always repack items, so if the item is fragile maybe think twice about it and look for a different seller of that item, if the seller won't opt out of the GSP for you.
The GSP isn't necessarily the draconian monster that some members here portray it as, if some of the steps above are implemented.
I don't have the opt-out procedure to hand so if any members do have it could they post the steps here please.
Apologies for the long post, but getting an honest perspective of the GSP to my mind is more important than arbitrarily shooting the system down, and not giving the other side of the story.
on 10-12-2018 09:21 PM
Almost slid off the first page.
on 11-12-2018 06:12 PM
... and again
on 12-12-2018 11:18 AM
on 12-12-2018 11:37 AM
I don't think he needs any reminders. If there is nothing at the top of the page he trawls back to the very beginnings of the GSP to resurrect anything that gives him an opportunity to whinge.
At least this way new posters can see that there is another perspective.
18-12-2018 07:06 PM - edited 18-12-2018 07:08 PM
@readers of the thread
Some "perspective-worthy" points.
🔗eBay's GSP page. (Interested persons / buyers of GSP items should read this.)
❝The listing will give an estimate of postage and processing charges, but these – as well as any applicable GST – can't be finalised until you confirm your delivery details at checkout. You'll see the charges and the final total before you pay for your order.
You need to use PayPal for Global Shipping Program items, and your payment will be split into two or three transactions:
After you've completed payment, you'll be able to see both the total cost, the amounts paid to the seller and the global shipping provider, as well as any applicable GST on the Order details page.❞
Drawbacks for buyers:
All items from a single GSP order should be shipped in one box whenever possible. Items from a single order can sometimes be packaged separately to ensure secure transit, and to stay within the weight and dimension limits specified in the Program.
Why can't I offer a combined shipping discount?
At this time sellers are not able to offer combined shipping discounts on GSP orders. However, when a buyer pays for 2 or more items from a seller through GSP, the international shipping cost is a combined cost for the full order. Combining costs in this way can save buyers money on import charges.❞
Not every parcel will be opened, but if it is, Pitney Bowes will ensure it gets repackaged appropriately.❞
Benefits for buyers:
You should reaad through the eBay.com.au Global Shipping Program: Buyer Terms & Conditions. If you purchase from a seller who's opted in to the GSP, then you must agree with the terms. (Check the T&Cs before buying.)
Something often missed: ❝Non-Commercial Use. Any GSP Item that you purchase must be for the personal use or consumption of the designated recipient and not for commercial resale purposes.❞
on 18-12-2018 07:22 PM
Thanks for bringing that info over to this thread countess..................
on 18-12-2018 07:39 PM
A lot of what I posted in that post is information you've already stated in your opening post, padi!
But sometimes it can add gravitas to the points made when there's a nice handy clickable spoiler containing the relevant quotation...
on 04-01-2019 06:44 PM
"Ohh.... I would kill for some meat, camembert, artisan bread, and chocolate. But I'm in a pre-Christmas diet mode and I'm being tough with myself.
"
Luckily we are now in 2019 so let yourself go !!!!
Due to the continued interest in camembert, artisan bread, and chocolate the GSP I thought it would be appropriate to bump this thread countess.....................
on 04-01-2019 10:17 PM
@padi*0409 wrote:"Ohh.... I would kill for some meat, camembert, artisan bread, and chocolate.
But I'm in a pre-Christmas diet mode and I'm being tough with myself.
"
Luckily we are now in 2019 so let yourself go !!!!
Due to the continued interest in
camembert, artisan bread, and chocolatethe GSP I thought it would be appropriate to bump this thread countess.....................
I went to the local bowling club tonight. No, I'm not that freaking old, but they have an awesome buffet. A whole menu of Chinese food, including entrees and mains. Several different types of breads. 3 different roasts with all the trimmings. A cold seafood buffet (I want to marry the prawns and smoked salmon!). A salad bar. Desserts, OMG, the desserts.....both hot and cold. Plus there was other stuff that I forget.
Who needs to worry about the bloody GSP when you've got the best buffet in the country at your local bowling club?!
I agree with Padi. It's 2019 now. Christmas is done. Lash out. Be bold. Just do it.
on 05-01-2019 02:32 AM
Oh, I have already succumbed to the alluring blandishments of some very, very good camembert.
Lead me to the smoked salmon!