I purchased a nice little Enicar diver on eBay last week. Unfortunately the seller chose to use eBays global shipping program, but it was a scarce model and I wanted it, so I bit the bullet.
It was posted nice and promptly, USA to UK. The problems started when it arrived at the global shipping centre, it was labelled restricted return to sender ( I’m presuming it was the radium dial). Ebay charged $140 on a €470 purchase for this service. What a joke, that’s the last time I buy anything that’s being sent via eBays global shipping program.

 

I've not used it before. Is the $140 import duty and VAT (i.e. going to the government) or is it an admin fee charged by eBay?

Either way it sounds like a total rip off. I only look at watches in the EU now for that very reason. And I guess my choices might narrow down even further come 31 October!

 

Ebay GSP does everything by the book in terms of declaring full value for all customs/duty/etc. It ends up with huge fees. Most of the time buyers will back out of the deal and refuse to pay when they see what the GSP fee is. I never use it as a seller because the chances of non payment are high, and I wouldn't use it as a buyer either.

 

The price was annoying but I was willing to pay it as I really wanted the watch.
What really annoyed me was the returned to seller.
No dialogue or explanation.

 

One of the many reasons I really dislike eBay. They are no longer just a host site. They are the arbiters of real/fake decisions, returning of items and payment/refunds. All based on some eBay experts located ??? and knowing there is basically no recourse

 

Global shipping program + US to Europe = no sale in my case (I rarely buy in the US because of customs costs anyway). Period. Saves me tons on money

 

I offered to buy the watch from the seller and have him send it to me through regular post. eBay have informed him that he must only sell it domestically and if he try’s to send it abroad his account will be deleted.
Wankers!

 

Any US members willing to help

 

What rot Jeeves!

 

Man, that's terrible. I just saw the watch was relisted today (I was following it) and was wondering what happened.

Did eBay at least refund your shipping charges?

 

I’ve had a very kind offer of help from @bgrisso and I’m just trying to make up my mind as to whether it’s worth the hassle. Must mention the eBay seller as well, he’s offered me the watch at my original purchase price. Which is nice as none of this is his fault.
Fortunately no monetary losses, just an over reaction to a little radium.

 

If there is anything you need help on this. Let me know. Would be happy to. I am in Miami Florida.

 

Thanks for the heads up on this, disabling global shipping program on all my auctions now!

 

I think the offers of help tie in with @M’Bob’s post about watch collecting being populated by good people.

 

why was that even disclosed by the seller. old watch or broken clock would suffice for customs

 

What is a reasonable way to ship from the US to the EU via ebay?
Regular airmail has no proof of delivery. USPS Priority have delivery confirmation? Didn't the last I checked.
I have been reluctant to sell international the last few years due to back to back "package not received".
Just curious what method people on the other side of the pond prefer.

 

I assume UPS or Fed Ex ?

 

Most countries have registered mail. Slow, as each step is signed for by the next clerk, but in most countries quite safe and insurance is available.

 

As far as I know the seller didn’t even know it was radium. They picked it up at the eBay global shipping centre.

 

I have had lots of watches with radium shipped via the global shipping service with no issue. Why should the charge you rather than the vender. Something smells!!