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Common Poster Subjects => The Dealer/Auction House/Seller/Buyer Round Table => Topic started by: eatbrie on February 02, 2019, 09:53:49 PM

Title: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: eatbrie on February 02, 2019, 09:53:49 PM
It has happened to me a bunch of times.  Just now, I bought 6 posters from Ebay UK and the seller canceled everything, even though I was the only one bidding.  I fail to understand, since I've never had this problem with other countries.

T
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: CSM on February 02, 2019, 10:47:18 PM
There is a much worse problem with US sellers refusing to sell outside the US
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: eatbrie on February 02, 2019, 10:57:43 PM
There is a much worse problem with US sellers refusing to sell outside the US

It is a bigger country.  They might not need to sell outside the US.

Cutting the US out seems a much bigger deal to me.

T
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: CSM on February 02, 2019, 11:02:02 PM
It is a bigger country.  They might not need to sell outside the US.

Cutting the US out seems a much bigger deal to me.

T

Not when one resides outside the US  ;D
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: eatbrie on February 02, 2019, 11:20:03 PM
Not when one resides outside the US  ;D

Touché!

 thumbsup.gif

I still need an answer.

T
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: CSM on February 02, 2019, 11:52:13 PM
It's probably the same reason why many US sellers refuse to send outside the country - the need to fill out customs forms the perceived increased risk.

For the record I have never encountered a UK, France, German, Argentinean or Australian seller that refused to ship to at least the US or Canada. 

But every week I come across a seller within the US refusing to ship anywhere but the continental US.  And then many that will ship outside the US will only use eBay's GSP - if buying off eBay - which is very hit or miss (and unreasonably expensive).  Even trying to buy internationally from Heritage is a huge pain in the ass most times.
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: eatbrie on February 03, 2019, 12:09:20 AM
Okay, that's all great, but it is not the question in MY thread.  It has happened to me many times and again tonight.  I wasn't going to spend a lot of money, probably 200 pounds, but I was the only bidder.  Yet, no. 

So the guy would rather not sell than sell to the US.

T
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: CSM on February 03, 2019, 12:18:13 AM
There's more work to do when shipping internationally - even if the buyer sees it as insignificant it seems to be a big annoyance for many sellers (or they are simply misinformed and do not want to go through the trouble...)

But you're right I am not from the UK so maybe one of those chaps will chime in.



PS - Don't be surprised if it is simply left over grievances in a Brit selling to a Frenchman  ;)
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: rumble on February 03, 2019, 02:36:08 AM
Did you ask the seller directly? Or any other seller that refuses to ship to the US?
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: m154cath on February 03, 2019, 03:09:51 AM
I've posted to all parts of the globe from the UK & there's no real issue. I dont fill out any extra forms etc . I just pass the tube over,tell him/her which country & what service Id like & pay. It's quite simple.
So I imagine the seller refused because they don't fill comfortable sending abroad - maybe had problems in past, the tubes been damaged, not shown up, had to refund etc. Now you can obviously say, get some stronger tubes,learn how to package correctly etc but it's the sellers progrative & there are plenty of US sellers who don't post to the UK.
Solution? Get a UK poster buddy & get them to sort it out for you. Surely part of the reason we join these kinds of forums is to get help from fellow collectors & I'm sure there would be plenty of UK members willing to assist
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: marklawd on February 03, 2019, 05:26:46 AM
Any UK seller that nervous has probably had a bad prior experience and my money is on his use of thin tubes. You don't say if you sent him your packing/shipping instructions prior to his refusal but it is next to impossible to buy strong tubes (ones you can't indent with your fingers)  in small quantities here. His refusal may be a blessing in disguise.

Mark
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: Tob on February 03, 2019, 05:36:29 AM
Agree with Mark and Mike (and Chris). I’d guess at the seller having a bad experience with posting internationally in the past.

It is daft, because if he shipped via the eBay GSP, his liability would end when it reached the warehouse in the UK, so it would be no different to sending to a UK buyer.
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: Simes on February 03, 2019, 05:43:02 AM
Okay, that's all great, but it is not the question in MY thread. 

To be frank, if we see bidders in every country refusing to ship to a country foreign to their own, I am not sure there is Anything to answer.

It Just Happens.

And, although this may be surprising to Americans, the world does not revolve around the US. 
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: m154cath on February 03, 2019, 06:57:58 AM
Re. Tubes - Post Office tubes are basically big toilet rolls. Total shite! Best place to get the tubes from in UK - cinemas. They may not want to sell surplus posters but they gladly give you any tubes destined for the bin. Otherwise best alternative - plastic drainage pipes & cut them to size.
Re. GSP - Good point Tob thou would the seller know? I've never used it after I found out the cost. Waste of money.
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: skyjackers on February 03, 2019, 07:34:22 AM
When I've sold posters in the past I've always used plastic drainage pipes, very strong and quite cheap. Failing that I've reused one of Bruce's tubes.
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: ddilts399 on February 04, 2019, 10:53:04 AM
INTL shipping can be a PITA if you manually fill out the forms. Also risk of shipping damage goes way up and increased risk of loss unless you insure.

Shipping rates are really out of hand, its almost like there is international collusion going on to sky rocket rates to detour mail order business or something.  USPS rates have more that doubled for INTL shipping the past 10 years.  Unless I can get a pay and hold or a large order, I don't buy much out of the country anymore.  I dont buy the large ticket items much either though, if you are buying a 500.00+ poster, who cares if you pay 15.00 or 30.00 for shipping.

Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: erik1925 on February 04, 2019, 11:16:00 AM
Filling out a customs form by hand *maybe* takes 5 min. Not sure why some people thinking filling out one form is such a hassle. Ive sent any number of parcels to people in the UK and elsewhere in the EU, and it's been simple.

I usually keep a small number of the cust. forms at home, fill them out there, then get enjoy the REAL PITA, which is standing in a long line, with PO workers moving at the speed of maple syrup in winter.

As long as one has all their info handy and ready to write in on the form, I think it's a breeze.

And, knock on wood, all parcels have arrived damage free, and never gotten lost.  whew.gif   thumbsup.gif

Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: crowzilla on February 04, 2019, 03:31:40 PM
People still go to the post office, and stand in line to mail things?
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: MoviePosterBid.com on February 04, 2019, 04:20:16 PM
it has become too much to ship overseas and it does take more time to do international shipping.
that's from this side. I've also had more damaged parcels going overseas than ever before in the past year

also, while shipping from overseas has always been cheaper for them, prices are skyrocketing there also in some countries

however, shipping domestically has become a real back breaker. I haven't raised my shipping charges in 5 years, but I can't eat the difference anymore.
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: eatbrie on February 04, 2019, 04:48:17 PM
Any UK seller that nervous has probably had a bad prior experience and my money is on his use of thin tubes. You don't say if you sent him your packing/shipping instructions prior to his refusal but it is next to impossible to buy strong tubes (ones you can't indent with your fingers)  in small quantities here. His refusal may be a blessing in disguise.

Mark

That's probably true, Mark, although the few Ebay sellers I regularly buy from use tubes stronger than anything I've seen in the US.  So they do exist.  But I know exactly the tubes you're talking about.  The ones you can crush with one hand.  You'd have to be pretty dumb to ship something in those.

T

Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: MoviePosterBid.com on February 04, 2019, 07:28:13 PM
you guys do realize that postal employees and UPS etc all have a person devoted to the handling of your package from drop off to destination don't you? They handle each package with white gloves & rest it on a bed of feathers as it gets transported.



at least, that seems to be how people think it happens
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: 110x75 on February 04, 2019, 10:36:26 PM
People still go to the post office, and stand in line to mail things?

Stand in line in the customs office with an open tube and a roll of brown paper, get the tube inspected by customs employees, close the tube taking care the poster is safe inside, wrap the tube with the brown paper, get the wrapped tube stamped by the customs employee, walk to the dispatch line, fill out a content declaration form, a customs form with value of contents and weight, pay for shipping and then walk out of the post office. You can return home walking, by bus, or car, whatever you prefer.
It's awesome sending international packages from Argentina
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: 110x75 on February 04, 2019, 10:38:12 PM


For the record I have never encountered a UK, France, German, Argentinean or Australian seller that refused to ship to at least the US or Canada. 


I will stop shipping there just because of you.  ;)
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: CSM on February 04, 2019, 10:47:58 PM
I will stop shipping there just because of you.  ;)

You caught me Mr. Matias!   8)
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: 110x75 on February 04, 2019, 10:50:50 PM
I might seem to be disappeared, but I'm always everywhere... >:D
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: eatbrie on February 04, 2019, 11:07:01 PM
So since the guy said no to my 225 pounds, he has sold... (roll drums)

Zéro posters.

I assume that 225 pounds is nothing to him, but if it is, why even bother selling posters for 20-30 pounds.

I think you guys explained it well, I get it, but then I don’t.  If you’re trying to sell something, I think it’s better if you actually sell what you’re trying to sell.  But that’s me, and I never sell, so what do I know.

T
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: Crazy Vick on February 04, 2019, 11:19:51 PM
Stand in line in the customs office with an open tube and a roll of brown paper, get the tube inspected by customs employees, close the tube taking care the poster is safe inside, wrap the tube with the brown paper, get the wrapped tube stamped by the customs employee, walk to the dispatch line, fill out a content declaration form, a customs form with value of contents and weight, pay for shipping and then walk out of the post office. You can return home walking, by bus, or car, whatever you prefer.
It's awesome sending international packages from Argentina
You  gotta pack your posters in front of them...man that is brutal.  So many people watching, so much pressure!
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: MoviePosterBid.com on February 04, 2019, 11:53:08 PM
You  gotta pack your posters in front of them...man that is brutal.  So many people watching, so much pressure!


 laugh1

and you didn't even mention the molestation part...
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: 110x75 on February 05, 2019, 12:28:17 AM
You  gotta pack your posters in front of them...man that is brutal.  So many people watching, so much pressure!

Indeed
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: 110x75 on February 05, 2019, 12:29:18 AM

 laugh1

and you didn't even mention the molestation part...

So much tubes to inspect...
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: skyjackers on February 05, 2019, 04:54:39 AM
I had a collector friend ask for help shipping from the UK to Australia. The seller wouldn't answer her request to ship to Australia so I contacted him and said I'd buy on her behalf and reship. For some strange reason he wouldn't ship to me either and I'm already in the UK! I guess he didn't really want to sell his posters.
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: erik1925 on February 05, 2019, 09:17:12 AM
You gotta pack your posters in front of them...man that is brutal.  So many people watching, so much pressure!

Not sure what you mean. There is no packaging of posters (or anything being sent international) in front of any postal clerk (here in the US, anyhow).

I take the sealed tube/flat parcel to the PO counter, along with the customs form and CASH  ;), and the parcel is then given its pretty postage label and off it goes to start its trip to the EU.

Easy.  thumbsup.gif
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: CSM on February 05, 2019, 11:06:55 AM
Not sure what you mean. There is no packaging of posters (or anything being sent international) in front of any postal clerk (here in the US, anyhow).

I take the sealed tube/flat parcel to the PO counter, along with the customs form and CASH  ;), and the parcel is then given its pretty postage label and off it goes to start its trip to the EU.

Easy.  thumbsup.gif

I suspect Argentina offers a whole new level of experience  8)
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: 110x75 on February 05, 2019, 11:21:44 AM
I suspect Argentina offers a whole new level of experience  8)

Always!
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: Crazy Vick on February 05, 2019, 07:13:24 PM
 the argentinian postal clerks just like watching mattias packing his own tube.
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: 110x75 on February 05, 2019, 07:18:36 PM
Damn voyeurs!
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: originalcinemaposters on February 20, 2019, 12:15:20 PM
did the seller state that he would ship internationally? when listing its an option you have to choose
Where you trying to buy via Ebay.co.uk or Ebay.com?
If the seller chose not to ship internationally then the posters should only be visible on the co.uk site

Paul
Title: Re: Why do some UK sellers refuse to ship to the US?
Post by: Simes on February 21, 2019, 05:09:46 AM
Where you trying to buy via Ebay.co.uk or Ebay.com?
If the seller chose not to ship internationally then the posters should only be visible on the co.uk site

Paul

Sorry Paul, what does this mean?

Listing on .co.uk does not denote auto listing on .com as well if international shipping is ticked...! 

Which is to say, I list on .co.uk, I ship internationally, but my items appear only on .co.uk.