eBay's International Shipping Program is *ABSURDLY* frustrating
Summary: xen999 expresses frustration with eBay's buying process, particularly when trying to purchase multiple items from the same seller. They face issues with combined shipping costs being inaccurately calculated, sometimes paying exorbitant amounts. msau4301 and flipistics empathize, sharing similar experiences with eBay's Global Shipping program, and noting the complexities and costs involved with shipping internationally and VAT taxes. They discuss potential improvements, like opening up US programs to Canada, but remain skeptical of such changes happening. This thread highlights the challenges faced by both buyers and sellers in navigating eBay's shipping systems and their impact on international transactions.
I've been an ebay Buyer for 20+ flippin' years and never has it been *THIS* difficult to make a simple purchase. Why has this seemingly simple process become so daunting now? It's fine if I'm buying a single item, but generally, because of the type of product I purchase (small figurines) I'm usually looking to make multiple purchases from the same seller, and you'd think simply adding the items to my cart and requesting a total would be a breeze, but OF COURSE, it's NOT. The request button doesn't work (or isn't even present) under the ISP, and the cart "miscalculates" combined shipping every flippin' time! Like, right now, I'm being charged 116.54 USD for 12 small figurines that weight ~2 kg... Pure insanity. And the only way to circumvent this issue is to beg the seller to create a single listing with all the items in order to have a single shipping charge, but not every seller is willing and cooperative. Sometimes I come across sellers that are *quite* aware of the system's flaw and are accommodating while others are completely oblivious and just don't care to help you. Good opportunities for a good deal were directly lost as a result of this jank. And whenever I expose this issue to Customer Service, they have nothing but worthless apologies for the poor experience and nothing is ever done to actually help. I seriously just want to give up at this point, because this is simply too much of a hassle. I have less issues buying stuff of flippin' Taobao, a platform that's entirely in Chinese, and I don't speak a word Chinese! How demented is *THAT*?! And shipping costs me less! /smh
Thanks for listening to me vent.
msau4301
·2 years agoI understand your frustration. While I haven't used the newer EIS I have many, many times used Global Shipping program (similar, set up for US sellers nervous to ship outside of US) and I know the combined shipping was slightly less, but never what it would have been if the seller was doing it themselves directly. They do discount it so you aren't paying 12 separate charges but not by enough.
I think they (sellers) still have the option to opt out of the program but many are opted in without even realizing it (they just set up as shipping to US only so eBay wanted to help boost their market). I just looked at it as I was able to buy items from people who otherwise would not have shipped to me here in Canada....once before either system was in place I asked a US seller if they would ship an item I really wanted to Canada to which they replied "sorry I don't ship overseas"! Speaks volumes and while frustrating it depends how much you want the item(s). If the shipping calculator is charing you $116.54 for 12 small figures you have to think of it as just under $10 shipping each which if you were buying one that would be a bargain from the US!
As a seller I no longer ship internationally, only to Canada and US. I used to but there have been so many changes with the VAT taxes, packaging laws, high shipping fees (and thus sellers fees), etc. I stopped but if there was a similar option for me to sell international from Canada and avoid all the hassles I'd probably use it.
In a perfect world of course there would be a way for all sellers to adjust the shipping charges/combine on these EIS shipments, one never knows, could happen!?!
flipistics
·2 years agoI believe you're only charged selling fees on the cheapest domestic shipping option you have. The packaging laws are the big ones. I wish they'd just open up the US program to dot ca and have us ship down to the hub.
msau4301
·2 years agoEspecially while the cost to ship to US is at such a good rate. Won't hold my breath though.
(Although then we'd risk contributing to the frustrated buyers posting here about problems with the shipping program!)