@lynnedericjenny wrote:
My package would be over 6 pounds so it would need to be separated for first class international. Ebay told me we could opt out of Global shipping if the buyer "requests a total" from me as there are four auctions. When I try to research numbers online the shipping totals are crazy high. I was planning to take them to the PO tomorrow to see what they could tell me but would appreciate any insight you guys have. Also, is it better to make several smaller packages to save on import fees - is it true there are lower or no fees for items under $20. Only one of the four auctions is over $20 but the total value is about $87. Thanks! I don't want my buyer to have to pay too much for shipping.
As long as you know your buyer has no objection, if you divide the shipment into four parcels, you may get a better overall deal on shipping.
You would be more familiar with US Postal rates than I am, but I would try out the calculation online (via the eBay "shipping zone" tab) before you package the items up and take them to the Post Office. Using the shipping zone calculator you can get a fairly good idea of the cost - once you put in the parcel sizes, weight and destination. Have you looked into using online labelling? I know that in Canada we get a discount for certain Canada Post services if we buy the labels through eBay/Paypal -- the link to "print your label" is right on your "Sold" page in the drop-down list next to the sold item.
You might also consider using one of the USPS "flat rate" boxes if the items are small enough and not too breakable. I believe USPS allows quite a lot of weight in those boxes -- check the USPS shipping zone tab on eBay. The size of the items matters too, but you might even manage to get all four items into a medium or large size box for about $30 to $40.
Lastly, from the point of view of a Canadian who often buys from US eBay sellers, I would definitely opt out of GSP if you possibly can. Yes, there is a $20 formal tax-free limit going into Canada, but most of us find that the majority of shipments from the US that are between $21 and about $80 still get through tax-free. With GSP your buyer will always be charged the tax for anything over $20, plus extra shipping charges to get the item from the Kentucky hub to his/her address in Canada, plus Pitney-Bowes brokerage fees. On a fairly inexpensive purchase, it can more than double the usual costs.
So I would say the best way to go would be to opt out of GSP, try out a few "sample" box sizes and weights using the eBay USPS shipping calculator, and consider using eBay/Paypal shipping labels if there is a discount.
By the way, thank you for asking these questions here. You're the kind of US seller we all hope to be able to deal with!
Best of luck with this.
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