eBay

rdemaree · ‎11-06-2024

So trump has unfortunately won a 2nd term in the usa.

I am wondering what this will mean for Canadian sellers whose customer base is 75% usa?

I heard an idea of 10% blanket tariffs globally on all imports going into USA. What would this mean for me as a Canadian seller who ships primarily to the usa?

Are we doomed?

Thoughts?

-Ryan

lotzofuniquegoodies · ‎01-26-2025

@reallynicestamps wrote:
That would mean a full formal customs entry for every single package with all the broker fees, etc attached, as well as the border delays.
Tracked packet has that already.
The eBay and SnapShip forms ask for the name of the product (eBay fills that automatically), the HS code (I keep a list of the dozen I have used, of which four are used constantly), the value (eBay fills that automatically) and whether or not this is a sale, gift, or documents.

I have occasionally adjusted the name of the product - once for a sociology text I was sending to Pakistan where it might call to much attention to the buyer.

This just popped up doing a quick search regarding what "could" be in play and how it relates to the de minimus going forward. This will ALL be non stop wait and see on how this plays out. Will everyone have their ducks in a row day 1? Probably not!!!

https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-proposes-new-rule-strengthen-enforcement-and...

Under the proposed new rule, merchandise subject to specific trade and national security actions would no longer qualify for the de minimis exemption; and certain shipments claiming this exemption will be required to provide the 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) classification for the imported low-value merchandise

As far as I know none of the eBay label options include a way to enter 10 digit HS codes so this could be a new nightmare. From the Fedex and UPS online programs the optionfor expanded HS code has always been there. The basic form on cp doesn't even have a field for HS codes. (Generate and bring to PO for them to print version.)

As for Chit Chats and Net Parcel, no idea how their setup works.

Secondary website for confirmation:

https://www.avalara.com/blog/en/north-america/2024/11/de-minimis-exemption-changes-coming.html

A gift to a nephew or niece will be a whole other can of worms.

Nex thing you know there will be ICE for funky Christmas sweater infractions!!

reallynicestamps · ‎01-26-2025

I have my HS codes most used written in the back of my daybook - another reason for having paper records.

But they are six digit 1234.56.

I suppose there may be some where the HS code is longer.
https://international.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/services/trade/tariffs-regulations/harmonized-syst...

This says the codes are made up with " 6-digit codes that are organized by chapter (2 digits), heading (4 digits) and subheading (6 digits). HS codes are harmonized internationally up to the 6-digit level".

Just to confuse things further.

The code is "really" 12 digits long, but only 6 digits are used internationally- which I probably foolishly assume is what every customs office on the planet is using.

I suspect this will soon be like using the same telephone number on labels when demanded.
212- 234-5789

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-e&q=song+with+telephone+number+45789#fpstate=ive&vld=...

lotzofuniquegoodies · ‎01-26-2025

@reallynicestamps wrote:
I have my HS codes most used written in the back of my daybook - another reason for having paper records.
But they are six digit 1234.56.
I suppose there may be some where the HS code is longer.
https://international.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/services/trade/tariffs-regulations/harmonized-syst...
This says the codes are made up with " 6-digit codes that are organized by chapter (2 digits), heading (4 digits) and subheading (6 digits). HS codes are harmonized internationally up to the 6-digit level".
Just to confuse things further.
The code is "really" 12 digits long, but only 6 digits are used internationally- which I probably foolishly assume is what every customs office on the planet is using.

I suspect this will soon be like using the same telephone number on labels when demanded.
212- 234-5789
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-e&q=song+with+telephone+number+45789#fpstate=ive&vld=...

@reallynicestamps

If you attempt to use the CP tool for creating a customs invoice for printing at post office the customer phone number is a required field. Strangely there is no field for HS codes. As for the phone numbers they have been a MANDATORY field for years when shipping by courier. The CP tool like Shippo's do give you the option to choose Abandon or RTS. eBay labels tool does not. (Noted when shipping using Expedited to USA.)

As for the extended HS codes extremely important for items like electronics or clothing for high volume shippers. If duties and taxes are due, it helps customs to hone in precisely on the correct duty rate. Even entering an incorrect digit can affect duties applicable substantially.

ricarmic · ‎01-27-2025

@reallynicestamps I too have always used the 6 digit code for stamps 9704.00 so I wondered where the 10 digit came from, I went and looked it up and found that its actually 9704.00.00.00

For now I'm going to leave the 6 digit code, it's a pain trying to write the 10 didgit code on the wee field they have on the form (keeping in mind I'm a stamp on the parcel kinda guy).

reallynicestamps · ‎01-27-2025

As for the phone numbers they have been a MANDATORY field for years when shipping by courier.

I've usually been filling in my own, if the customer didn't give theirs.

But I just googled and the phone number for a US address is 202-456-1111

It's the White House.

lotzofuniquegoodies · ‎01-27-2025

@reallynicestamps wrote:
As for the phone numbers they have been a MANDATORY field for years when shipping by courier.

I've usually been filling in my own, if the customer didn't give theirs.
But I just googled and the phone number for a US address is 202-456-1111
It's the White House.

The reasoning behind customers phone number is IF there is a problem or issue with delivery contacting the customer is the go to. In the past when I was doing customs documents for work, if the drivers saw that field blank they would reject parcels. 000-000-0000 is useless in the scheme of things. As for customers phone number (US/Intl) it displays on the shipping label but is MIA on address label. It can be found, when required on the order page. Show contact info tab on right of order details

As side nightmare potential situation if duties and taxes start getting collected by either Customs or eBay😱 there would be a requirement for TIN/EIN for customer, be they Joe or Judy Citizen or a Business. Those are a required field also with courier shipments. Something buyers, (like Canadians and their SIN) are not going to want to give out without some pulling.

Limit used to be 1600 USD, required for anything needing a formal entry.

Yes, a tax identification number (TIN), usually in the form of an IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN) for businesses or Social Security Number (SSN) for individuals, is typically required on courier shipments to the USA

If you go to the UK postal site phone number is mentioned as a requirement or futuristically speaking cell so they could text. This was passed on to Tyler ages ago when it was spotted.

On the Canadian labels phone number field has been dropped somewhere along the way. If you fill a label on a prepaid box or in CP's system the field is there. When parcels are held for pick up at a depot and are at end of hold window the number would be used to call receiver to pick up...or else it is being returned to sender.

The only reason eBay omits it (wild shot in the dark) concern for the parties and direct communication paranoia.

flipistics · ‎01-27-2025

@lotzofuniquegoodies It looks like it's only the Canada Post domestic labels that don't have the phone number field. I checked the labels I've sent on eBay, the one I sent out through EasyShip, and the free ones that I input directly through Canada Post last October and NONE of them showed the phone number on the label. Tracked Packet USA has them as does UPS. It's possible Canada Post may attach it electronically in their system and simply don't print it on the domestic labels.

lotzofuniquegoodies · ‎01-27-2025

@flipistics wrote:
@lotzofuniquegoodies It looks like it's only the Canada Post domestic labels that don't have the phone number field. I checked the labels I've sent on eBay, the one I sent out through EasyShip, and the free ones that I input directly through Canada Post last October and NONE of them showed the phone number on the label. Tracked Packet USA has them as does UPS. It's possible Canada Post may attach it electronically in their system and simply don't print it on the domestic labels.

It's on the label for international. With CP the field is there on prepaid boxes. I haven't processed any recently using Snapship etc but when I tested for the customs form it came up as a required field. A number of years ago the phone number was included as part of the address printout. It must have gotten removed at some point at time. Remember it being there (Not needing to do cut and paste) when I used Shippo 3 years ago.

Because we (ebay sellers) aren't able to see what gets ported to the label and is hidden from view difficult to know what is or isn't there. As for depot same situation. What can they actually view if anything is required?

Maybe @dinomitesales can shed some light on the subject?

flipistics · ‎01-27-2025

@lotzofuniquegoodies wrote:
@flipistics wrote:
@lotzofuniquegoodies It looks like it's only the Canada Post domestic labels that don't have the phone number field. I checked the labels I've sent on eBay, the one I sent out through EasyShip, and the free ones that I input directly through Canada Post last October and NONE of them showed the phone number on the label. Tracked Packet USA has them as does UPS. It's possible Canada Post may attach it electronically in their system and simply don't print it on the domestic labels.
It's on the label for international. With CP the field is there on prepaid boxes. I haven't processed any recently using Snapship etc but when I tested for the customs form it came up as a required field. A number of years ago the phone number was included as part of the address printout. It must have gotten removed at some point at time. Remember it being there (Not needing to do cut and paste) when I used Shippo 3 years ago.

Because we (ebay sellers) aren't able to see what gets ported to the label and is hidden from view difficult to know what is or isn't there. As for depot same situation. What can they actually view if anything is required?

Maybe @dinomitesales can shed some light on the subject?

Like I said, even the domestic labels that I printed directly from Canada Post DID NOT include the phone number (and yes, I did input it). It doesn't appear to be an eBay issue. The domestic UPS labels that I printed through eBay had the phone number. The foreign labels that I printed through eBay had the phone number.

sin-n-dex · ‎01-27-2025

@reallynicestamps wrote:
I have my HS codes most used written in the back of my daybook - another reason for having paper records.
But they are six digit 1234.56.
I suppose there may be some where the HS code is longer.
https://international.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/services/trade/tariffs-regulations/harmonized-syst...
This says the codes are made up with " 6-digit codes that are organized by chapter (2 digits), heading (4 digits) and subheading (6 digits). HS codes are harmonized internationally up to the 6-digit level".
Just to confuse things further.
The code is "really" 12 digits long, but only 6 digits are used internationally- which I probably foolishly assume is what every customs office on the planet is using.

I suspect this will soon be like using the same telephone number on labels when demanded.
212- 234-5789
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-e&q=song+with+telephone+number+45789#fpstate=ive&vld=...

From what I read, the codes for CBP in the US will have to be 10 digits. That least that's what I got from the article Lotz posted.

I read Lotz's article to my partner since it's written in language that's a little advanced for me to understand (fluent in English but did not go to school in English), and from what we gather there are items that will be allowed to use de minimus, depending on what it is.

C.

dinomitesales · ‎01-28-2025

@lotzofuniquegoodies wrote:

Maybe @dinomitesales can shed some light on the subject?

Yeah, it doesn't print the phone number on domestic Canada Post labels printed through eBay. If a phone number was provided when creating the label that information should be viewable internally by Canada Post, but I have no way to test that or know for sure.

I honestly can't recall what prints out on a label purchased at the post office counter, I've never really thought about it. Phone numbers aren't a requirement for any domestic service. I'll play around with things at work tomorrow and see if I can get it to print a phone number on a domestic label, but I don't think I can.

lotzofuniquegoodies · ‎01-28-2025

@dinomitesales wrote:
@lotzofuniquegoodies wrote:

Maybe @dinomitesales can shed some light on the subject?
Yeah, it doesn't print the phone number on domestic Canada Post labels printed through eBay. If a phone number was provided when creating the label that information should be viewable internally by Canada Post, but I have no way to test that or know for sure.

I honestly can't recall what prints out on a label purchased at the post office counter, I've never really thought about it. Phone numbers aren't a requirement for any domestic service. I'll play around with things at work tomorrow and see if I can get it to print a phone number on a domestic label, but I don't think I can.

@dinomitesales

I'm thinking it would be helpful for phone number to be available for clerks to get a hold for straggler parcels that don't get picked up immediately.

As a side in another post but after checking at local SD depot they explained they can only see the printed info. Rates and any internal notes do not show. Unsure of the reason personally for not showing the inputted measurements. I thought at 1 time even actual and cubed weight showed on label. The system should be billing on the spot when label created. Either a shipment qualifies or doesn't. Different can of worms if measurements are incorrect. Now no longer the case. With the 5 x 5 x 5 kerfuffle default messes the actual connected data even more.

darak10 · ‎01-29-2025

someone has probably answered this, but if they are enacted, the vast majority of our collective American customer base will disappear pretty much overnight. How much exactly I obviously cant say for sure, but I'd say most of them.

This is a replay of 2022 or 2021, whenever EU VAT was enacted, I cant remember, for those of us who used to make alot of money in the German and plenty other European markets (except the UK and oddballs like Switzerland) until the tax was enacted and disappeared customers from those markets.

I expect the only American customers the vast majority of Canadian sellers will see if they are enacted will be on higher end / unique items to wealthy customers who have ample discretionary income. The rest will be gone in a puff of smoke. I'm not saying this to scare people, I'm saying this to be real. I'm currently seeing a bit of run right now of American customers especially folks from border states like Michigan who appear aware of what could be coming down the pike and who are aware how it will affect them because the economies of their states are more integrated with our own. So, they are getting those items they want, now, before its 20% more.

On a different note I am also having some very interesting conversations with American customers in predominantly southern states oddly enough who are varying degrees of scared / contemptuous / morbidly amused / troubled by what is happening in their country with the Trump presidency. One was with a very intelligent and well spoken customer in her eighties from a very right wing southern state who told me she never thought she be reaching the last few years of her life to see her country going to seed the way it is.

flipistics · ‎01-29-2025

@darak10 There's just so much we don't know, including what happens with the de minimis. We also don't know if Trump will base it on country of origin (which it should be) or if he'll base it on anything coming into the USA from Canada no matter where it's made. I can't imagine it would be the latter, but who knows?

It'll probably hit you harder than a lot of people since a lot of your music and movies are probably made in either Canada or Mexico. For most people, it MIGHT not have too big an effect right away (until China tariffs are enacted).

niceoldstuff-1 · ‎01-29-2025

We were already doomed long ago by Ebay themselves ..... Used to be a great place to buy and sell and they ruined it long ago!

chastershop · ‎01-30-2025

My understanding is that the de minimus might not happen since Trump called it an emergeny?

sin-n-dex · ‎01-30-2025

@chastershop wrote:
My understanding is that the de minimus might not happen since Trump called it an emergeny?

We'll find out in 2 days.

I really don't believe they have the staff to assess duty on all the incoming packages that are received at USPS. If de minimus goes away, it's going to be a problem for my shipper (Stallion Express) and Chit Chats will have the same problem.

C.

nhl_automotive · ‎01-31-2025

Maybe I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure the tariffs are targeting businesses not individuals ordering personal items off of eBay. The logistics for collecting these tariffs would be a nightmare for USPS, UPS, etc. Either way though, it'll hurt Canadian sellers because a lot of American buyers likely not take the risk.