Don't want to post abroad but keep being asked. What am I doing wrong?

Mindless_Clone

Sorry, this has probably been asked before but it's come up for me twice this week.

Having a massive clear out including selling off a lot of children's clothes. Some friends and I had a brainwave, decided to pool things on one account so as to offer combined postage where possible and, yep, muggings here got nominated to do all the work. :cool:
So I have a dozen or so listings, which is probably why this issue has reared it's head as I don't notmally have more than a couple of things a month to sell.
I listed it as post to UK only, which is says on the listing. I also set buyer requirements to restrict those with primary address outside the UK.
But still, twice - different items - I have been asked if I will post abroad. Both members are registered in the countries they want posting to so not worried about that. To be fair, I don't actually mind posting abroad but it's the hassle of calculating out postage, which won't be cheap... plus I already have bids on them, presumably from Uk buyers.

Just wanted to check if I've done it right and set everything so they can't actually bid? Are they just people who've seen the listing and are chancing it? Will they actually be able to bid?

Also, is there some way to permanently set buyer requirements, so I don't have to put them in every single time I list something?

RFW

Mindless_Clone wrote: »

But still, twice - different items - I have been asked if I will post abroad. Both members are registered in the countries they want posting to so not worried about that. To be fair, I don't actually mind posting abroad but it's the hassle of calculating out postage, which won't be cheap... plus I already have bids on them, presumably from Uk buyers.

Just wanted to check if I've done it right and set everything so they can't actually bid? Are they just people who've seen the listing and are chancing it? Will they actually be able to bid?

Also, is there some way to permanently set buyer requirements, so I don't have to put them in every single time I list something?

International postage isn't too difficult to work out, if anything it's easier than UK as there isn't large letter/packet to consider. If it was then too expensive that would put the buyers off without stopping their bids. Despite the news constantly telling us otherwise some parts of Europe actually have a few bob!

It does sound as though you have your settings set correctly to not bother though and you can set it as a default setting.

prowla

If you've stated it in the auction then you can always just ignore the requests.

There was a phase where I kept getting asked if I would post to Italy...

theonlywayisup

prowla wrote: »

If you've stated it in the auction then you can always just ignore the requests.

There was a phase where I kept getting asked if I would post to Italy...

Actually unless you have specifically set your listings to exclude buyers from specific countries, then they can still buy, even if you haven't added the postage.

i wouldn't advocate ignoring anyone who asks a question. Either set your listings to UK only or add the postage options for other countries.

If you need talking through how to properly set up your listings for UK purchasers only, then ask.

Mindless_Clone

Thanks all.

theonlywayisup wrote: »

i wouldn't advocate ignoring anyone who asks a question. Either set your listings to UK only or add the postage options for other countries.

I kind of thought I had already done so when I listed it:

Set it to UK postage (no international postage options).
Set my buyer restrictions to restrict buyers with a primary address not in the UK.

Is there something else I can do or is that it?

Not going to ignore them; I will probably reply back with a price because, ultimately, it is no bother to calculate it out if they ask and I'm not averse to sending it abroad. Just didn't think they could bid if I've set it to not let them. Also I know from posts here that some countries are a bit no go zones for posting to and I'm not versed enough is selling to know what ones to avoid!
Oh well, will see if they do bid and win and jump off that bridge when I get there.

theonlywayisup

1. Site preferences - show all - postage and packing preferences - exclude postage locations from your listings - edit - select countries - tick checkbox apply to all current live listings.

2. Site preferences - show all - buyer requirements - block buyers who - edit - buyers in locations to which I don't post - tick - block buyers whose primary address is in a location I don't post to - apply above settings to active and future listings.

By leaving international postage blank and only doing number 2, then you are allowing international buyers to buy and ask you for the postage cost. It shouldn't be like this, but it is unfortunately.

Angie74

I only know Russia and Italy have dodgy post. Other than that I have no idea where else the postal system is a bit of a nightmare. I try not to post abroad if I can help it. I have in the past and not encountered any problems yet but as I'm only selling low price items, I'd rather not be bothered with the hassle if anything goes wrong.

macfly

theonlywayisup wrote: »

1. Site preferences - show all - postage and packing preferences - exclude postage locations from your listings - edit - select countries - tick checkbox apply to all current live listings.

2. Site preferences - show all - buyer requirements - block buyers who - edit - buyers in locations to which I don't post - tick - block buyers whose primary address is in a location I don't post to - apply above settings to active and future listings.

By leaving international postage blank and only doing number 2, then you are allowing international buyers to buy and ask you for the postage cost. It shouldn't be like this, but it is unfortunately.

I don't think that's correct. The OP has set the auction to UK only, which is all you need to do. The exclusion bit is if you wish to sell abroad, but block specific dodgy countries.

soolin

macfly wrote: »

I don't think that's correct. The OP has set the auction to UK only, which is all you need to do. The exclusion bit is if you wish to sell abroad, but block specific dodgy countries.

You need to do it all to stop them bidding.

theonlywayisup

macfly wrote: »

I don't think that's correct. The OP has set the auction to UK only, which is all you need to do. The exclusion bit is if you wish to sell abroad, but block specific dodgy countries.

You do need to do this.

Mindless_Clone

OK, thanks all.

I think best option is if I leave auctions as they are and add a note to contact me for international rate. Then, if anyone's particularly interested, they can email for a rate. I will block Russia and Italy though.