Posting abroad when only stated UK postage

emmielou

Hi, I was wondering if someone could help me.

I had an auction where I was selling an item end on Sunday. The buyer is from Malaysia and I had only listed UK postage but I did not notice that the auction said post worldwide.

In the past I have sold to sellers abroad but they have always contacted me for a postage quote.

As of yesterday the buyer haad not paid so I assumed that they were waiting for me to invoice them with postage charges. I sent them a message with two options of postage, either airmail or surface mail, and the amount of time each would take.

Today they have made a payment to me with a standard international rate? Even sending by surface mail this is going to cost more than the amount paid.

Is this correct? I am not familiar with this standard international postage charge although it has been a while since I ebayed!

MyOnlyPost

There is no standard international rate set by eBay. It is the term eBay use for you to add your own standard charge.

If the amount paid is less than the invoiced amount it is likely the buyer has changed the amount before paying. Personally I would refund the payment and invoice them again with the full amount and an explanation note.

gavjbrown

Surface mail is asking for trouble. Not suitable for Ebay.

soolin

gavjbrown wrote: »

Surface mail is asking for trouble. Not suitable for Ebay.

I second that- no buyer is going to wait weeks for an item especially this close to Christmas when deliveries are often slower. You will almost certainly get a protective INR claim in well before it is due to arrive.

Obviously_the_best

I appear to be the only seller on the boards to use surface mail, as long as you are sure the buyer knows the service they've selected, and confirm in writing (or an e-mail) that they know it may take up to 8 weeks etc I'm fine with using it.

theonlywayisup

Obviously_the_best wrote: »

I'm fine with using it.

TBH it's irrelevant whether you as the seller is happy to not.

It's down to the buyer ultimately.

soolin

Obviously_the_best wrote: »

I appear to be the only seller on the boards to use surface mail, as long as you are sure the buyer knows the service they've selected, and confirm in writing (or an e-mail) that they know it may take up to 8 weeks etc I'm fine with using it.

Maybe I always look on the basis of 'what is the worst that can happen' and as that is a buyer putting in an INR to beat the 45 day deadline I will not risk it. I am interested though in what you think your confirmation in writing from the buyer is actually going to help you with?

I used to use surface mail to relatives in Canada but when it regularly started taking 8-12 weeks I was forced to give up. Although checking recently airmail is actually cheaper that surface once you get to a certain weight.