Persuading seller

[michellebartley]

There is an item that I would dearly like to buy and want to bid on but the seller won't post to Australia (item is from Canada) can I get them to change their mind by threatening suicide if they don't oblige (just joking) I have spoken with Ebay but they can't help. Item no: 371340132332.

[digital*ghost · Accepted solution]

I haven't looked at the item, but this is applicable to pretty much any circumstance where the seller has terms (including postage terms) that exclude you as a buyer, or maybe you just don't like too much.

Step 1 - send them a polite message, let them know that you're very interested in purchasing and ask if they would be willing to make an exception. If you wish, you can offer to pay for a shipping service that has full tracking / signature on delivery / insurance, as some sellers may be nervous about international shipping. Please don't include comments in messages (serious or not) that attempts to manipulate someone, or puts sellers in a position where they can be made to feel personally responsible for someone else by choosing how /where / why they sell. That's not fair. Keep it short, simple, and just the facts, ma'am.

Step 2 - wait for a reply. If it arrives and they say yes, proceed to step 4, if they say no, proceed to step 3.

Step 3 - accept their decision, however disappointing it may be. Perhaps look for a different seller and/or item and if you can find something, proceed to step 4.

Step 4 - buy the item, look forward to it arriving. 🙂 

Edited to add - there are services that provide you with a US address, by the way, to solve exactly these kinds of problems. It costs extra of course, so I guess it comes down to whether you're prepared to spend those extra dollars. 

[joethenuts]

just click on deasel fanny pack and there is one in the usa that posts to australia

[lyndal1838]

Michelle, I would not advise you to try and persuade the seller to send to you in Australia.

She has already said that she lives in the middle of nowhere and mail is very slow to get to the USA.

As the Canadian mail service is painfully slow at the best of times I don't think you will get your item in good time.  Probably this is the reason that the seller will not post overseas.

[curmu-curmu]

Chances are it would be delivered in the dead of night, to a completely different address, too!

[michellebartley]

I am having my mail re-directed to a post office at present so, well, anyway, not much chance of missing mail.

[lyndal1838]

Michelle, I did not say missing mail...I said very slow mail as in it may not get to you before it is time to open a dispute.

I have been dealing with Canadain mail for nearly 40 years now and it is not unusual for a card sent airmail to take 6 weeks to arrive in one of Canada's major cities, much less arrive in some godforsaken town in the middle of nowhere.

Ebay sellers have reported parcels taking 3-6 MONTHS to arrive in Australia and New Zealand which is why many of them will no longer send here.

[horizon1907]

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@michellebartley wrote:
There is an item that I would dearly like to buy and want to bid on but the seller won't post to Australia (item is from Canada) can I get them to change their mind by threatening suicide if they don't oblige (just joking) I have spoken with Ebay but they can't help. Item no: 371340132332.

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Surely they are available here !!!! Why on Earth would you contact ebay about it. You can't be serious !!!!!!  If the Seller doesn't want to send it OS, let it go and find another that will.

[harley_babes_hoard]

here we go again!!

[mbselections00]

Just had a quick look at the Item Number and it states :-

May not post to Australia - Read item description or contact seller for postage options. | See details

So I'd say perfect advice digi !  Hope the OP takes notice of what you've suggested and takes into consideration what lyndal has said