Selling to the United States

mr_green_3

I am new to ebay and have started a clear out of stuff I dont use. I have two enquiries frm the us about cost of postage one of which includes an offer to buy now. What are the pros and cons of selling to the U S. In particular in the area of taxes. Am I going to have to get an export licence or am i going to be lumbered with export charges, The amounts in question are under £50. Any advice would be appreciated

martindow

You need to calculate postage costs fairly accurately so you don't find it will cost lots more than you have charged. Find prices here
http://www.royalmail.com/portal/rm
and if it is over £32 you will need to charge them more to send by International signed for or Airsure so it is insured. Below that figure just ask for a (free) certificate of posting. You will need to fill in a customs declaration (given to you at the PO) where you write what is being sent, its value and weight.

There may be charges as it enters the US but those would be paid by the buyer not you. There are no export licences for the sort of things you are likely to be sending - I assume it's not anything like a nuclear submarine or live elephants!

helens39

hi
dont worry about selling to the usa or europe,just as long as you charge the correct shipping rates , ask them to include insurance which is about £3.50 . the post office will weigh and give you the cost if you dont have accurate scales.
Make the payment terms clear , dont accept money orders in anything other than pounds sterling , or western union transfers ,Paypal is best .
Pack the item well , the usa parcel system is not known for being careful .


i wouldnt accept an offer of buy it now as this is usually experienced buyers who know the item is worth more . hang on till the auction finishes as this is usually better.

hope this helps

mr_green_3

Thanks to martinsdow and helen 39,
The items in question I couldnt get a pound for them at the car boot and now im offered 30 pounds from the US so it looks lik its on its way across the water. Thanks for the info.

Tony