Overseas Shipping Questions driving me crazy!

boxnife · #1 02-05-2009, 01:12 PM

I have been bombarded by overseas shipping questions from potential buyers for an amp I have. For every amp related question I get 5 questions from people in Italy & the UK just asking about shipping.

What have you guys done about this in the past? I dont want to just categorically say no to international shipping, but my very casual reasearch is pulling up numbers that are about half the value of the amp. Please, do tell about your international shipping for very heavy, large amps (80+ pounds).

thesteve · #2 02-05-2009, 01:28 PM

overseas shipping can be very pricey. The last time I sold a guitar on eBay I said domestic shipping only but one experienced UK buyer contacted me and told me he wanted to bid and was willing to pay shipping, which he already knew would be in the range of $80-$100.

Because of his experience and his eBay feedback record, I let him bid and he ended up winning. I had very little trouble shipping the item to him.

**peabody** · #3 02-05-2009, 01:33 PM

I've found that shipping USPS International has been pretty reasonable, but there are size/weight limits and they vary with different countries. While domestic is always a bit easier, international isn't all that bad once you do it a couple of times.

boxnife · #4 02-05-2009, 01:38 PM

If it's just getting the weird address written correctly, I'd be ok with that.

My conderns are customs documents (not interested in dealing with that) and what method of payment to accept safely.

vin*tone · #5 02-05-2009, 01:44 PM

I've imported quite a few amps from the US but never anything over 80lbs.
The heaviest I've ever shipped in is a B15 via Fedex. Cost roughly $270- well worth every cent.

I'm not clear what your question is but if its about the amps value vs shipping cost then consider this: I'm currently jonesing for a Mesa M-Pulse 600 RRP in Australia $3195! With these sort of numbers I can buy an amp from the US- try it out- if I don't like it- sell it USED for a PROFIT. I've tried out a heap of Ampeg, Aguilar and Eden gear, turned it over and made a bunch of loot in the process.

If you don't want to deal internationally then state it clearly in your ad - but selling internationally is hardly any different from selling domestically. You fill out a customs declaration form at the post office. Thats it. Done. I've never had a bad experience with a US seller and have made many friends in the process.

boxnife · #6 02-05-2009, 01:51 PM

The question was, clearly - "What have you guys done about this in the past?"

I'm just looking for past experiences that everyone's had with intl. shipping. I'm all for it, but I don't want to get tangled up in red tape or get a bogus check from a Nigerian prince.

thanks for the input so far.

BassmanPaul · #7 02-05-2009, 02:12 PM

If you use paypal as a means of receiving payment you are pretty safe. I've shipped stuff all over the world, granted nothing of that weight, and had no problems. At Canada Post I've just got to fill out a small form and it's the same for the States as Japan. Using Fed Ex they handle most of the work but the buyer has to pay for the paperwork on delivery.

Paul

vin*tone · #8 02-05-2009, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxnife

The question was, clearly - "What have you guys done about this in the past?"

I'm just looking for past experiences that everyone's had with intl. shipping. I'm all for it, but I don't want to get tangled up in red tape or get a bogus check from a Nigerian prince.

thanks for the input so far.

Yeah go PayPal fer sure. Its safe for both parties and actually relatively cheap. I've done a bank to bank transfer before and it was an expensive nightmare. Both our banks charged us for the privilege- and took about 10 days to work out.

The hidden sting with Paypal is with their currency conversion rates but this is the buyers problem. They pocket about 2c in the dollar above market rates.

vin*tone · #9 02-05-2009, 02:29 PM

What are you selling anyway?

boxnife · #10 02-05-2009, 02:43 PM

Ampeg SVT

boxnife · #11 02-05-2009, 02:52 PM

Got some quotes - about 450$ to Europe, 600$ to Australia. I can't believe they will pay that. There's a good chance this things going overseas, most questions are coming from over there. Almost makes me feel guilty for the abundance of badass American gear.

vin*tone · #12 02-05-2009, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxnife

Got some quotes - about 450$ to Europe, 600$ to Australia. I can't believe they will pay that.

http://www.basscentre.com.au/index.p...957391234-8397

Scroll down for the price on a new SVT Classic.

A good condition original would fetch about as much on the used market.

boxnife · #13 02-05-2009, 03:33 PM

thats unbelieveable.

vin*tone · #14 02-05-2009, 03:59 PM

For the SVT they will probably also need to get a replacement 240V/220V transformer and have it shipped/installed (add another $500?). The earliest SVTs were not mutlitapped (to my knowledge).

Antonius · #15 02-05-2009, 07:25 PM

For most amps and other gear that runs on mains power the voltage is a problem. Some have switch mode power supplies that adapt to anything between 100-250V, but those are exceptions to the rule.

Shipping costs may seem outrageaous to you, but you may not be aware of the prices we pay for gear here. Amps and cabs routinely cost twice the US price. Make sure the buyer is aware he most likely gets charged for customs and VAT as well.

I've bought a Euro Spector from a US TB-er. Even though originally made in Europe it was well worth paying the shipping costs, customs and VAT for me. Customs took their time, too.

As for being ripped off by a nigerian prince - my experience is that sending some emails/pm's back and forth soon build a kind of relationship where you can tell by the tone or nature of the conversation wether the person you're dealing with is trustworthy. If your gut feeling with the person says no, then don't do the deal. Hasn't failed me (yet).

Bofee · #16 02-05-2009, 07:41 PM

I sold an Eden WT400 on eBay last year and had several very persistant questioners from Europe even though I listed it as USA/Canada only. I eventually capitulated and sold it to a guy in Croatia. He explained that even with the shipping charges, it was a bargin for him on an expensive and difficult to find piece of gear.