Only just found out there is a cheap option for international shipping which comes with online tracking (which should fulfill EBay's protection criteria). Maybe I have been out of the loop in posting overseas recently so this is new for me.
it is called Pack and Track, and comes in pre-paid satchel bags for 1kg.
Pack and Track International – articles up to 2kg
Pack and Track International Consignment Note required and attach a commercial invoice if goods are for sale.
Weight New Zealand United States United Kingdom
Up to 500g $18.15 $23.25 $27.25
Over 500 up to 750g $22.35 $30.00 $36.00
Over 750 up to 1,000g $26.55 $36.75 $44.75
Over 1,000 up to 1,250g $30.75 $43.50 $53.50
Over 1,250 up to 1,500g $34.95 $50.25 $62.25
Over 1,500 up to 1,750g $39.15 $57.00 $71.00
Over 1,750 up to 2,000g $43.35 $63.75 $79.75
Prepaid satchel for up to 1kg $25.90 to NZ, $36.10 to US, $44.10 to UK.
So a whole lot cheaper than ECI (less than half the price!) and better than plain registered.
Ersk
it is called Pack and Track, and comes in pre-paid satchel bags for 1kg.
Pack and Track International – articles up to 2kg
Pack and Track International Consignment Note required and attach a commercial invoice if goods are for sale.
Weight New Zealand United States United Kingdom
Up to 500g $18.15 $23.25 $27.25
Over 500 up to 750g $22.35 $30.00 $36.00
Over 750 up to 1,000g $26.55 $36.75 $44.75
Over 1,000 up to 1,250g $30.75 $43.50 $53.50
Over 1,250 up to 1,500g $34.95 $50.25 $62.25
Over 1,500 up to 1,750g $39.15 $57.00 $71.00
Over 1,750 up to 2,000g $43.35 $63.75 $79.75
Prepaid satchel for up to 1kg $25.90 to NZ, $36.10 to US, $44.10 to UK.
So a whole lot cheaper than ECI (less than half the price!) and better than plain registered.
Ersk