Posting overseas is SO expensive

[kitty-kat-kollection]

Tonight is the 5th time I've been asked if I'll post an item to an overseas buyers (I don't have this option selected). I have my Aus Post booklet and check the website for exact location costs, but the 2 times I sent overseas, I was left a bit out of pocket because I misunderstood the Aus Post information. I didn't bother the buyer with it as it was my fault. One was to the USA and one was to Sweden.

So this newest buyer is from Brazil, and the cheapest prepaid satchel is $28. Um...the item itself is only $12.

I just feel like I'm appearing like a bad seller as I basically have to tell these people that yes, I can send it but...the cost...

[*tippy*toes*]

If the cheapest tracked post is $28, I would charge $35. It covers packaging and differences in exchange rates. If they want the item, they will pay it. If the postage is too dear for them, they won't.

My understanding is that Brazil is a high risk area, so not sure I'd be posting there, but it's your call.

[curraone]

Overseas postage is expensive - I think I would just reply that you don't post overseas.    Keep it simple, nobody is going to think you are a bad seller if you stick to your terms.

[springyzone]

It is up to you but if you don't wish to sell overseas, you don't have to. It will be more of a headache for you if you get a difficult buyer who claims item not as described or whatever.

It doesn't matter very much if you do look like a bad seller to them because they will never be buyers if you say no, & if they have asked through the message system, then no one else has to see it (or your reply)

[digital*ghost · Accepted solution]

I get this question occasionally, if I am actually willing to post to them, I simply reply by advising them that international postage isn't offered by default due to the incredibly high shipping charges from Australia to international destinations, which tends to mean items aren't very cost-effective for buyers overseas. I provide a postage quote (and convert the amount into their currency, but add about 5% and say it's approximate, and that currency exchange fluctuations may affect the final amount paid), then I just say if they would like to proceed with an order, I can adjust the settings on the listing to allow purchase. 

This lets them know you also think the shipping prices are a bit much, without being too discouraging about it, which in turn subtly lets them know it's not just a figure you've pulled out of a hat to get extra money through postage costs etc. 

[purplemon18]

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@kitty-kat-kollection wrote:
Tonight is the 5th time I've been asked if I'll post an item to an overseas buyers (I don't have this option selected). I have my Aus Post booklet and check the website for exact location costs, but the 2 times I sent overseas, I was left a bit out of pocket because I misunderstood the Aus Post information. I didn't bother the buyer with it as it was my fault. One was to the USA and one was to Sweden.

So this newest buyer is from Brazil, and the cheapest prepaid satchel is $28. Um...the item itself is only $12.

I just feel like I'm appearing like a bad seller as I basically have to tell these people that yes, I can send it but...the cost...

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A package under 500 grams to brazil should be $28 without tracking, and $35 with. Perhaps that is what caught you out last time?

Ultimately, it is up to the buyer to decide whether the the shipping price is worth it to them to get the item they want, but bear in mind that the Aussie dollar has been trading quite poorly for the last 6 months, which means they get a bargain.

I have successfully shipped to Brazil a few times, but it's very slow. I tell them probably 4-6 weeks or longer.

If you post your shipping information here, we can check to make sure you calculated correctly.

your postcoade

destination country

weight

Dimensions

signature, express, and tracking are extra of course. And may not actually be available in the destination country.

International is always pretty expensive, but it does get cheaper with bulk discounts. Large Letters are the only relatively cheap way to ship internationally, but that only works with small items, such as dvds or lipsticks.

[purplemon18]

I like shippiing overseas, but it is much more complicated. There are 2 main reasons, the first is that I have shipped things to people who probably can't get things like it where they live. One memorable order last year was to the middle east, and they listed their Latitude and Longitude as part of their address!

The other reason is I feel like I am making a small difference to the Aussie economy by getting money into the country instead of just giving it to netflix, sony, or other international companies.

[kitty-kat-kollection]

Thank you all! The buyer was fine and quite happily animated in their disappointment of the high shipping rates. Obviously they're not going to pay $12 for a face cream and then $28-$35 for shipping. Oh well!

[porcelain_dolls_by_me]

best idea is to use the AusPost online postage cost calculator

https://auspost.com.au/parcels-mail/calculate-postage-delivery-times/#/

[dazzledayz]

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So this newest buyer is from Brazil, and the cheapest prepaid satchel is $28. Um...the item itself is only $12.

I just feel like I'm appearing like a bad seller as I basically have to tell these people that yes, I can send it but...the cost...

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We have some of the highest int'l postage costs in the world and for mine, the blame lies squarely with Aus Post.

If UK Royal Mail can organise a shipment to me cheaper than I could send it to myself, there is something very wrong with the equation.

As AP are pricing so high, there is absolutely no incentive for other players like DHL etc to go much lower themselves.