Not a question but a comment .

[ken6311_2008]

Have purchased hundreds of items from USA sellers . Sadly NO MORE !! This Global shipping thing has elevated the costs to a point that I can rarely buy an item . Bye Bye USA !!

[lyndal1838]

Too true!!

You are not alone in this.  There are numerous threads on the boards expressing the same sentiments.

[padi*0409]

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@ken6311_2008 wrote:

Have purchased hundreds of items from USA sellers . Sadly NO MORE !! This Global shipping thing has elevated the costs to a point that I can rarely buy an item . Bye Bye USA !!

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Ken, if you email the seller they will often send the goods to you direct without using GSP, many of them have no idea of the charges that Pitney Bowes (GSP) is charging their buyers for postage - and are wondering why their OS sales have fallen off sharply........ 

[chezzy]

What padi said. My experience was that sellers weren't seeing the same information on the listing that we were our end in regards to Global Shipping/Pitney Bowes. Whilst the program may have its place (?!) I myself find the costs prohibitive especially for smaller, lower value, lightweight items. Now that I am aware that sellers often AREN'T aware, I tend to message the seller to see if there are other options (oh and I tend to keep the USPS Postage Price Calculator handy too 😉

[2005derrin]

I have had to tell sellers in the USA about pitney bowes as well. They really have no idea, it's in the fine print of their paypal agreement I think.

This rort has pushed me to use other sites to shop for sports gear.

Nice one ebay/ paypal.

[zanadoo_56]

I've also curtailed my US spending.

What gets me is the enormous variation in these GSP charges.  I've been looking for a vintage item costing less than $100 (some selling for considerably less as it's not rare, just old) and have had to consider sellers using the GSP.  The prices for posting to Australia (all described as international priority shipping) has so far varied from $26.95 to $51.95 US.  The item I'm looking for is relatively small.  So what does it realy cost eBay/Pitney Bowes?  Those prices look very dodgy to me, given the huge variations.

I have also had little luck getting sellers to consider using an alternative to the GSP.  True, some have no idea what the real cost to OS buyers may be, but there are others who say they don't know how to change the postage when they find out....and yes, there are sellers who don't seem to realise they have signed up for the GSP in the first place.  The last one I asked told me 'No Internation Shipping' when the GSP details said otherwise...with Australia clearly listed.  As an 'easy alternative' to the usual postal service the GSP really is a dog's breakfast for buyers and sellers alike.

[chezzy]

Yes I had an item show up with the GSP/Pitney Bowes international shipping spiel and when I quizzed the seller about alternatives they actually said they don't normally ship overseas? I sent them screen shots of what I was seeing my end via ebay messages and left it with them (decided against buying though).  I think I will continue to request USPS/direct postage with sellers if I can - it just seems more 'transparent' ie it is easy enough to go check prices on the USPS website.

[ekrabappel]

I have issues with the whole priority/express option. In most cases I don't need the item tomorrow and am happy to wait a month or two (especially if it save me considerable $$) but I only have the option of express postage. Like the OP this often results in no sale so a loss for both parties. Pity.

[robinsonmarineparts]

As an Australian seller it certainly helps my business and my country gets more tax funds from me.

Can only be good.