A way around eBay GSP?

[WuhersStall]

Just saw this and, while I'm not 100% sure this particular service would work for larger items like vintage SW, it certainly provides hope that there will be an easier and more affordable way to purchase internationally in the future. Seems like everyone I talk to in any different hobbies -- both buyers and sellers -- are not happy with eBay's Global Shipping Program.

I'm in the U.S. but I immediately thought of my foreign brothers and sisters when I saw this. Essentially, you use their U.S. address to have things shipped from ebay and then they send you out one larger package at the end of the month with all your items.

http://blog.comc.com/2013/05/17/announcing-the-comc-mailbox-service/

 

[WuhersStall]

Shoot. Just realized I put this in the wrong forum. Apologies.

Is there a way for me to move it or does a mod have to?

 

[JFK]

I think you can move the post and then it's delivered in a larger package post elsewere :lol: just kidding ,I couldn't resist jason .

 

[WuhersStall]

I think you can move the post and then it's delivered in a larger package post elsewere :lol: just kidding ,I couldn't resist jason .

I walked right into that one.

 

[edd_jedi]

As with most things in life you only hear about bad experiences, very few people go around spouting praise for things, they just moan when something inevitably goes wrong. I am a big fan of the GSP, it's enabled me to buy some things I otherwise wouldn't have been able to (it's often not just the shipping, you can't even bid on sellers auctions if they block overseas bidders) and I've also found it very reasonably priced, certainly better than the joke customs charges and handling fees Royal Mail/Parcel Force charge.

I really don't see what people have to complain about - you get the item shipped direct to you, you know the customs charge in advance, and there's no delay. If you get hit by customs normally you have no idea of the cost, have to wait at least a week longer while they process it, and then have to go and collect it for the privilege of handing over cash.

GSP is a no brainer IMO.

 

[plantman]

depends what way you look at it, if you are wanting to avoid customs charges and get cheaper shipping then you need to avoid GSP, i always try to avoid it but some people feel more comfortable using it.

Ive always found shipping expensive and customs a rip off on the GSP but everyone has their own experiences.

 

[ScruffyLookingNH]

As a long time business seller on ebay I will not offer GSP. It does not offer value to money for my customers and that's something I like to do. Going down to the post office and sending something internationally is no extra effort than sending something to the UK so I don't see the benefit in double handling, triple charging and entrusting things to folk that don't seem to have any idea about the idea of collectibles.

That said, no bad experiences! Although that's only because I have never and never see as time I use it.

BUT, and there's always one of them, I agree; it offers a way of buying items that some sellers would not ship out of the US (in particular). And anything that does that has some value, even if it's not very good value

 

[lee gray]

I wont bid on any any auction with GSP as the more you bid the higher the custom charge becomes but then i rarely bid on auctions, i prefer buy it now/best offer auctions , If ever i want something thats a bit costly from America I always ask the seller first if they will mark it as a $20 gift at my risk as really cant afford custom fees on top and with GSP its out of the sellers hand.

 

[edd_jedi]

I wont bid on any any auction with GSP as the more you bid the higher the custom charge becomes but then i rarely bid on auctions, i prefer buy it now/best offer auctions , If ever i want something thats a bit costly from America I always ask the seller first if they will mark it as a $20 gift at my risk as really cant afford custom fees on top and with GSP its out of the sellers hand.

Yep I do the same, that's great when they are willing to, but many are not.

 

[plantman]

Also the seller is committing tax fraud too by lying to customs, its a big ask on them in reality.

but i find most are willing to work a deal off ebay too