Australian buyer wants me to sent item overseas...

[highland_cat]

I initially thought it was a scam email, but no, the buyer has genuinely done the Buy-it-now on item (wants total amount) and wants me to send it to the Philippines... its only listed for sale within AU.

Well to be honest I'm not too keen on doing this (though a sale is a sale right?), I tend to think that this could invalidate any paypal defence I would have if the item goes "missing"... is this correct?

The buyer is fairly new but doesn't appear to be a scammer... from what I can see... but...

Has anyone had this happen... not sure what to do. Thanks!

[putney32]

if they wanted it sent os they should have asked before bidding

if they changed the postal address in paypal to their Phillippines address you will be covered by paypal if you send it registered airmail but how does the buyer know how much postage to pay you extra.

personally I'd just say, sorry i'll post to your aussie address and you'll have to organize postage to OS yourself.

[the_great_she_elephant]

You say they have done BIN. is the money actually in your Paypal account? If not how can you be certain it is not a scam?

[highland_cat]

Thanks for the replies, much appreciated.

um.. well I can't be sure its not a scam as such, as he hasn't paid yet. He clicked on the "tell me the total cost" button and seems to be awaiting the postage costs so he can pay.

I tend to think he's trying to save the additional postage cost of getting it sent to him first and then having to send it again.

It may well be that he's an inexperienced user and doesn't know much... but it did set the alarm bells off. He's got a feedback of 10 from sellers and hasn't any feedback left for others as yet, and joined late 2011.

Yeah, I think I'll just have to say to him as per putney's suggestion - I'm sorry I can't post overseas (explaining why), and do you want to go ahead with the sale but posting to an AU address, and hope he won't neg me for it...

But going back to the Paypal protection question, if a buyer asks you to send to another address other than their listed address in Paypal (whether AU or overseas) are you protected? Assuming he/she has sent this request via checkout message or via ebay message... well you'd have proof but... would Paypal care?

[putney32]

Thanks for the replies, much appreciated.

But going back to the Paypal protection question, if a buyer asks you to send to another address other than their listed address in Paypal (whether AU or overseas) are you protected? Assuming he/she has sent this request via checkout message or via ebay message... well you'd have proof but... would Paypal care?

NO they would not care. the ONLY address that has paypal protection is the one in checkout, on your 'you have received a payment' notification.   if they are an inexperienced buyer they they probably wont know how to change the address in checkout anyhow.  just tell him sorry, post to aust only.  if he doesnt pay you open a dispute and he cant neg you anyhow, if he pays make sure you send with tracking and if he negs you, you could prob get it removed if you contact ebay as they'll see he made a request outside your Terms and Conditions  (ie posts Aust only)

goodluck

[***super_nova***]

But going back to the Paypal protection question, if a buyer asks you to send to another address other than their listed address in Paypal (whether AU or overseas) are you protected? Assuming he/she has sent this request via checkout message or via ebay message... well you'd have proof but... would Paypal care?

If he changes the address while paying, which means that when you get the payment the address in Philippines will be be there, then you are protected but must send with PP approved method = international express, with on line tracking and signature on delivery.  Have a look at AP site, as different countries can have different options and it all depends on size and weight of the item.  When you give him quote for the postage he may change his mind.  AP postage calculator

  http://auspost.com.au/apps/international-parcel.html

[highland_cat]

Thanks guys, that's great. I've messaged him with profuse apologies that I can't offer him overseas post, and offered to cancel the sale.

Ha, yeah I think he'd baulk at paying $54 express overseas post somehow 😉

I'll put some info about addresses I can send to in my future listings (not that buyers ever read it though)

Thanks again!

[interesting-items]

Australian buyers sometimes do buy items from Australian sellers and ask them to be delivered to international addresses.  As was previously mentioned, it saves the buyer having to pay for postage for delivery to the buyer, only to have it then sent to the international address.  I've done this. 

[suitcase_of_memories]

highland I have had that happen to me twice, & both were legit buyers, thankfully.

What happened was

1. the buyer won the auction.

2. the buyers address showed as Hong Kong but HIS postage showed on his invoice for LOCAL/Australia.

3. I emailed the buyer & asked what was going on re Aus postage costs vs him being in HK

4. I reviewed the invoice, his ebay address had then changed to Australia.

5. I re-emailed buyer & he explained I was to post the purse to his sister in WA & she would organise to send it on.

6. The buyer WAS in Hong Kong, his sister was in WA, so he changed his ebay info to suit the AUS postage & forwarded me her name [her address matched his 'new' ebay address].

7. All turned out well.

Ask the buyer a few more questions, check his user ID in 'Search For  A Member', if he is a 0 or very low feedback I would be asking questions or cancelling the sale [make sure they agree to Mutual Cancellation or you will lose your FV fees].

Good Luck  

[davewil1964]

Thanks guys, that's great. I've messaged him with profuse apologies that I can't offer him overseas post, and offered to cancel the sale.

Ha, yeah I think he'd baulk at paying $54 express overseas post somehow 😉

I'll put some info about addresses I can send to in my future listings (not that buyers ever read it though)

Thanks again!

You might be surprised at what postage he is prepared to pay. I wouldn't bother about stating in your listings about where you can send to, except maybe "I only post to Australia". If your blocks are set up, only Australian buyers can buy anyway.

I have had the odd OS sale, even though I don't sell to OS. I just give them the price to their country and let them make the decision.