For your information: US Postage

[whereiswally78]

I know there have been a variety of threads discussing this in different contexts, but I thought I would share this with everyone, as this ebay seller is a really pleasant bloke, and I think it puts a different spin on things (through the eyes of a US seller):

Matt, it must have been a little while since you did your previous transaction. Unfortunately, the cheapest Global Priority Envelope is now $11.00 with no extra services. I believe the Registered part adds about $10.50 making for a total shipping cost of $21.50 minimum via that method. I agree that it is probably the safest but unfortunately not real practical for a $46 card. You can check these new rates at www.usps.com . I can send you a new invoice but just wanted to make sure which way you wanted it shipped. The new postal rates here in the USA make it really tough on international shipping costs, especially to Australia. Looking forward to hearing from you. We do appreciate the purchase. We usually send via First Class International Mail since the lowest cost Priority Internation service starts at $11.00. Thanks again, Steve

Matt, to be honest we have looked at this in depth because of the potential for delivery problems on international shipments. We can delivery confirm domestic packages to cover ourselves but there is no economical way to do that on an international shipment. We send probably 20 to 30 cards daily overseas and I always worry about them. We have even considered stopping selling internationally because of the problem. I don't really have a problem with yours so much because you have 90 feedback and it is 100%. The real problem is that since the overseas shipments can't be tracked or delivery confirm we will lose any and all paypal claims. This lets unscrupulous buyers receive their card and then say it never arrived and get their money back and there is nothing we can do about it. That is why we are considering selling only domestically. We are hanging out on every shipment. The real high dollar ones we can send Express Mail with Delivery Confirmation but it's cost is around $35.00. I know this is long but I kind of just wanted to explain the problem a little. There are only 3 ways now to mail overseas. First Class International Air Mail for which we charge $5, Priority Mail starting at $11 and Express Mail starting at $25. No real good economical options. We kind of just recommend First Class International. It usually doesn't take too long, 6 to 10 days, although last month we sent one that took over 30 days. I had already refunded the lady her money as being lost and it arrived about a week later. She emailed me and sent payment again since it arrived. At least she was honest. Again, the only viable option at a reasonable price point is First Class International until you get into the $250 and up cards. Thanks again and sorry for the long read. The new postal regs here have really messed things up for international mailings. Steve

To be honest, I'm a bit confused, because last week I won a card in the $US75-100 range and managed to get it sent Global Priority and asked for it to be registered. The seller charged $US10. See this thread:

http://www.ozcardtrader.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=19257

The question I ask is why the variation in the stories!?

 

[wolvesjr34]

To be honest, I'm a bit confused, because last week I won a card in the $US75-100 range and managed to get it sent Global Priority and asked for it to be registered. The seller charged $US10. See this thread:

http://www.ozcardtrader.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=19257

The question I ask is why the variation in the stories!?

I'd say that seller was a huge seller perhaps? and absorbed extra charges.

But you do raise a valid point. basically though international postage that isn't letter postage is expensive.

 

[adhunt99]

For a small envelope with one card, postage is 1.17 airmail, $11 priority and much more for EMS. Priority is faster but still not trackable so there's no point sellers insisting upon it!