I was not referring to your numerous posts on other threads but the thread started by you with the same information.
As I said on that thread, instead of ranting about sellers who overcharge on postage you need to see if they are using the Global Shipping Program. It is the most expensive and slow service ever invented by ebay to hinder international sales by sellers in the USA.
When a seller uses the GSP they send the item to a processing facility run by Pitney Bowes, where the items are repacked (often very badly) and the paperwork is prepared for international shipping. Pitney Bowes ships by Priority Mail or Priority Express mail because it is trackable and gives the seller full protection in the event of a dispute and full insurance.
Needless to say Pitney Bowes charges fees for their services, which when combined with the most expensive services that the USPS has to offer, makes for very expensive shipping to Australia.
The GSP was marketed to sellers as being fully trackable and insured, and easy for them as they did not have to worry about the paperwork. They were not told about the extra costs to the buyer and most of them are none the wiser until told by the buyer.
I recently gave an example of what has happened to me.....I bought from a good jewellery seller who posted items to Australia for US$5.00 (a subsidised rate, but not a lot below what it was costing). I was watching a pair of earrings when I noticed that he had opted into the GSP and the shipping price had suddenly gone to US$65.00
I have spoken to several sellers who admit that they were never told of the very high charges that their buyers were being hit with.
Some will still post direct to Australia by First Class Mail but they are becoming more rare as ebay continues to push the GSP.
So before you sound off at the sellers, check if they have been conned into using the system and perhaps ask will they ship by a cheaper service.
