ITEM NOT RECEIVED - OVERSEAS SALE

[tboyallan]

I've recently had two overseas buyers open cases against me claiming non-delivery of items purchased. They were sent by standard airmail at minimal cost which I find is usually necessary to prevent the total cost of the item being prohibitive to an international buyer. They have the option of upgrading to any postal service they wish at their additional expense. My complaints are as follows (and I've had this out with ebay too):

*  I have no way of knowing if and when they do in fact receive the goods;

*  Once they buy it, I no longer own it. I am obliged to post it by the postal service that they have selected and       paid for. I have no control over the efficiency of any postal service;

*  Though I can supply proof of postage, I was obliged to refund both these people their total payments. If for no other reason, this is because I simply have nowhere to go. It's either that or I get a black mark against me though I am totally blameless.

*  Does ebay keep tabs on serial "Item Not Received" claimants? I am sure some buyers have made it an industry. It's not a bad deal when you can get the goods and your money back too!

I now insist that anybody wanting postal accountability pays for the top postal service. End of story.

I'd love to hear other sellers and buyers views on this. 

[annette_999]

I think it is better to lose a sale or two rather than losing a product every time you post O/S.

Put on proper postage, you are losing the item as things stand right now.

[arcadiagp]

Same thing here- had 3 Paypal cases opened for goods not received within the last 6 months and we don't sell that much overseas!!

So yes, I only offer Express Post International (which includes tracking) now. If it's a regular customer, I may make an exception but in the end, it's not worth the stress and time. 

[*new2vintage]

I advise you to check with Aus Post and Paypal about Express Post International. I think the best option is Registered Post International.

[putney32]

as a Seller, if you choose to sell o/s and you choose to only send by standard airmail, you have to carry the cost of the ''insurance'' yourself.

if you want PayPal Seller protection you need to follow PayPal guidelines
only you know whether or not you sell enough o/s with a good enough profit margin to carry some of the cost, or whether it is costing you too much. in which case you drop o/s selling and rely on the local collectors.

[thesoulyearns]

Simple answer, though you've probably already figured this out yourself judging by the last paragraph in your thread: If you don't provide a Signature on Delivery service, a buyer can claim Item Not Received and win. It's really as simple as that. You do understand this now and that's good. 🙂

[*new2vintage]

It now costs nearly $20.00 to post up to 500 grams via Airmail to the UK. They can post to here for under $10.00. I haven't sold overseas recently. I hope Aus Post are shooting themselves in the foot !

[davewil1964]

Trev, you are doubtless aware that AP carry the can for delivery from OS once the item hits our shores.

So, Royal Mail are shooting AP (and us) in the foot.

[*new2vintage]

My point is that Aus Post are making it hard for us to sell overseas now - especially if you charge for Registered Post International. As for selling locally after I add a small handling fee I now charge nearly $9.00 which isn't very attractive to potential buyers.

[cmcoins2000]

Good evening.

This is a first for me - have never bought into 'discussions' in the 7 years I have been doing this.

Since May 1 - I feel strongly enough to 'buy' in.

Those 7 years have seen a fairly 'even playing field' turn into what can almost be considered seller discrimination.

I have had PayPal debit my account on numerous occasions - for 'so called' items not received.

PayPal's policy - is - for a seller to be covered - we have to be able to provide 'proof of postage'.

This means - and no buyer understands the seller's side of that policy - we have to send - O/S either Pack & Track (which gives tracking) - $19.70 + Handling, ie packaging etc - or Registered International (no tracking but signature on delivery) - $19.70 + Handling again. (all based on under 500gms)

Bit Rich - if the item is $12.99 or even less.

Domestic - the same - Registered Post can be more than the item.

My listings - though as yet untried include - and they are terms & conditions of sale - which we are entitled to -

SALES OF $15 & OVER - SINGLE OR COMBINED - IF PAID THROUGH PAYPAL - MUST BE SENT REGISTERED POST.

UNLESS YOU ADVISE IN WRITING YOU WISH TO DECLINE THIS SERVICE.

Buyers always do their own invoice - I always email stating a thanks for their payment - but - as the listing states etc.

A buyer declining to pay the extra for tracking or signature - in writing - surely - legally - can be seen to negate any PayPal buyer protection claim.

As mentioned this so far is untried but would be an interesting 'trial' for any PayPal debit from an account.