not buying from US any more - global shipping too much

[bluestocking2]

I am finding I can't buy from US any more. This global shipping program (an ebay scheme?) has added so much onto the cost, as everything has to be "priority shipping" at least, where sellers before would charge for just the first class airmail. So instead of paying say $16 for a mid-weight garment or pair of shoes, it's $33 and upward. And sellers subscribing to this scheme can't adjust or change anything for you.  Tough luck to them - because I used to buy a lot from the US.  

[harley_babes_hoard]

They can change it. I have asked many to ship with USPS and they have, which makes a big difference. I also believe they can opt out of the program if they wish to.

[retailtherapist_8]

I just received an item from the US posted with the Global rip off programme (against my own rules but I reallyyyyy wanted the item) and they arrived posted using USPS which is irritating as it would have cost 30% less and would have taken 4 less days if the Seller had just posted direct to me.

Not only that but the item had been re packaged by Pickya Nose (Pitney Bowes) with absolutely no care taken  whatsoever.

[lyndal1838]

I am so glad to see someone else who had their item sent through the USPS when they paid for the Priority service of the GSP.

It happened to me several times in the very early days of the program but I was howled down when I said so....I was told in no uncertain terms that I was "mistaken" (a polite way of saying I was a liar).

I also know for certain that the last item I received via the GSP was handed to Australia Post for delivery once it arrived in Australia...AP insisted the address was wrong and returned it to FedEx who finally delivered it 5 weeks after I paid for it.  Some "service".

My latest disaster with the GSP....after 9 days I had to contact the seller to ask for a tracking number which was sent promptly BUT now that I am able to track it I find that Pitney Bowes have given me 2 tracking numbers for 2 parcels...for a pair of earrings.  UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!

[harley_babes_hoard]

Yes you have to ask sellers to post directly using USPS. Most sellers, (besides 1) have been more than willing to do it.

[*crikey*mate*]

I've got 4 pair of shoes I want to buy. (Blame Reta, she started my fetish, but doesn't stock much in my size in her store LOL )

Seller is on the GSP and won't budge. Post is $AU66 a pair.

So, they have now been on my watch list for 3 or 4 months.

I've also got a pair of sandshoes on my watch list, maybe 6 months or longer. He won't budge off the GSP either. His is only $AU56  though in post,

In the meantime, bought 2 pair shoes and another sandshoes off sellers who either didn't use the GSP or at least budged @ $AU22 post

Between the exchange rate and the GSP, a lot of things kind of have inflated costs from there these days.

Another example, a simple silk scarf (well a few actually *blush*) between $AU45 - $AU66 POST only. That seller won't budge either. otherwise others post between $AU17 and $AU26

It's a shame, as I probably would have bought most of that stuff by now, even with the exchange rate.

[retailtherapist_8]

The tale of a Global Shipping Programme item.

My item went on a site seeing tour through 3 different US States before vactioning in Hawaii for 3 days then finally boarding a flight to Australia where it spent 2 days partying in Sydney finally flying up to Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast where it went surfing for 2 days then finally made it to me a whole15 minute trip up the road.

[*crikey*mate*]

I hope it got holiday pics!

psst Reta, got any shoes for me yet?

[chezzy · Accepted solution]

Seems even if a seller is willing to ship USPS etc it can be tricky to buy that item that is listed with Global Shipping/Pitney Bowes. Just the other day I tried a buy-it-now (after the seller had okayed USPS First Class International) but I simply couldn't get through the checkout process. Immediate payment was required, Global Shipping was specified as the only option, no other options available to select!!

I went digging around on the eBay US boards and found the steps needed for the seller to 'opt out' of the Global Shipping Program. I messaged my seller with that info and lo and behold I was soon able to use buy it now as normal (seller had not known the process to opt out prior to that). For anyone interested it appears to be:

(My eBay summary page)

account > site preferences > shipping preferences > Offer the Global Shipping Program > edit > no

You won't see those options on the Aussie ebay but if you are curious to see what it looks like yourself you can probably just log in via the ebay.com site and have a look (and spread the word to those US sellers who are willing to be flexible on the shipping situation).

[retailtherapist_8]

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@diamond-halo wrote:

I hope it got holiday pics!

psst Reta, got any shoes for me yet?

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working on it  lol