"US Sales only" - ?

Posts

2,260

Likes

11,390

Lonestar

·Nov 19, 2020

Hi OF

I have seen this a few times in the BST, and I'm still struggling with understanding what's truly behind it.

What is so particular about shipping from the United States of America to the (ghastly, I reckon 😁) rest of the world that makes it so troublesome? I lived in the USA for a few years a couple of decades ago and I was shipping stuff across the world without much trouble (already had international hobbies back then 😁 )...

I see this line a lot more often on non-watch BST boards, but once in a while it pops up here. Some sales seem to be missed because of this... even if the international buyer offers to pick up the extra S&H (which seems a fair thing to do).

Can someone please educate me?

Thank you,
Paul

 

Posts

10,891

Likes

53,898

Walrus

·Nov 19, 2020

I can’t say but I have seen sales for Europeans only so I guess it goes both ways

 

Posts

4,593

Likes

10,810

janice&fred

·Nov 19, 2020

There is absolutely no valid reason for limiting sales within the USA. When we list something it's usually free shipping in the USA but lately USPS shipping worldwide is not much more than $10 to $12 bucks more. Last 3 package deals we posted here went to UK and France without a problem.

 

Posts

4,593

Likes

10,810

janice&fred

·Nov 19, 2020

Walrus

I can’t say but I have seen sales for Europeans only so I guess it goes both ways

Probably has something to do with the language barriers 😁

 

Posts

479

Likes

1,548

MoclovFlop

·Nov 19, 2020

With the instability we here in the U.S. have had with out post system over the last few months, some people are shell shocked about the risks and delays. I personally have also limited some sales to U.S. only when selling on something like eBay because of the risk of the extreme delays (there was a time this summer where packages leaving through the Los Angeles/Long Beach ports were held for a month or more.)

And with this, people don't want to hand-hold the recipient telling them it's just delayed, and "please don't leave negative feedback or open a case, I promise it'll get there eventually, just have patience".

Some buyers get angry if it doesn't arrive yesterday and will take it out on the seller.

There's also a risk of another country messing up the shipping even after it leaves our shores. I had on package that was delayed *somewhere* in Europe (tracking stopped updating after the second month) that didn't arrive to its recipient for 4 months.

Of course I've also had packages get lost when shipping to a neighboring state. So there's no lack of risks any way you slice it.

Most of the time it all goes smoothly. International or not. But some people don't want to deal with that added layer of unknowns.

 

Posts

1,561

Likes

3,671

Gav1967

·Nov 19, 2020

In general I don't see the point of limiting sales in this way but I guess I have some sympathy when large values are involved,

Clearly the further you send something the more risk involved with different carriers and postal systems. Add to that VAT and tax implications and the different legal and contractual interpretations once you cross international borders then for large value purchases I understand reluctance to send far afield.

 

Posts

4,593

Likes

10,810

janice&fred

·Nov 19, 2020

MoclovFlop

some people don't want to deal with that added layer of unknowns.

Very true. However those same people are limiting their potential customers and should understand their sale time might be prolonged.

 

Posts

5,084

Likes

15,687

eugeneandresson

·Nov 19, 2020

I'll speculate that most folks (but not the fine OF yanks I have bought watches from) do not want to do the extra paperwork...'time is money' and all that.

PS: great thread idea, have often wondered myself, but don't like opening hornets nests thus never sucked 'em in and done it...

 

Posts

4,593

Likes

10,810

janice&fred

·Nov 19, 2020

I know there are members that will disagree with my views, but when it comes to sales ads on watch forums I generally understand the potential dealings to be "arms length transactions" among members and not necessarily with complete unknowns like on Ebay...despite their feedback program.

So along with stern declarations on who can or cannot buy a watch listed for sale, I find it very off-putting when a sales ad comes off as "strict", that is with a list of rules on how the transaction will be conducted. Rather than list all the arbitrary rules a seller conjures up in their ad in regard to payment and shipping, a simple example of suggested payment methods and a friendly "contact me if interested" so details can be worked out comes off as much friendlier. 👍

 

Posts

712

Likes

2,598

redzer007

·Nov 19, 2020

Shipping outside of any common trade area can be a pita. Buyers end up getting annoyed about duty etc. Not all, but enough to not warrant shipping outside of your no customs region. I would only ship to person outside of the EU if they were fully aware of the potential additional costs etc. Also risk in both sides is increased as tracking becomes less transparent when using multiple post services

My 2c

 

Posts

12,140

Likes

40,415

abrod520

·Nov 19, 2020

More of a pain if you're not already familiar with the process. There's also more of a perceived risk due to the much higher number of stops it has to make and people handling it. Next time you want to buy something that's US-only you could always offer to send a shipping label, so the seller just has to drop it off rather than draw up customs documents etc ... that usually works

 

Posts

1,428

Likes

2,956

Marsimaxam

·Nov 19, 2020

I've sold a few watches and bought a few watches internationally and didn't find it difficult at the time. I do recall having to fill out custom forms when shipping to other countries and also having to pay custom fees and taxes when purchasing from outside the US, especially if from large auction houses or large international dealers.

Maybe some just don't want to deal with any additional paperwork... other than that... no clue.

 

Posts

6,312

Likes

21,511

pdxleaf

·Nov 19, 2020·"I cut it TWICE and it's still short!"

I confess to having bought into the idea that there are more complications to selling outside of the USA where I am located.

I have purchased watches and camera lenses from Japan and Europe but for some reason feel uneasy about selling to those same areas.

Thinking about this now, a couple thoughts come up. One is the money exchange. It really shouldn't be an issue though. Another concern are duties and Vat. But again, the buyers deal with that and are aware of this so why would it matter. And the last complication is the thought of a lost package and shipping fees. But actually, I probably should be just as concerned if not more so about losing a package through the US postal service here in the States.

Maybe the idea of selling within the USA comes closer to a face to face? That is of course ridiculous but it could influence the idea.

So in summary, thank you for asking the question. I would like to know if there are legitimate concerns raised here. Even if true, i suspect there will still be a workable solution.

Okay everyone, the USA is open for business. Come and get 'em!

 

Posts

13,770

Likes

53,727

Larry S

·Nov 19, 2020·Color Commentator for the Hyperbole.

I think its the paperwork and the punishing tariffs into the EU, which can lead to all sorts of negotiation and transactional issues. Personally I think it limits your market.

 

Posts

4,593

Likes

10,810

janice&fred

·Nov 19, 2020

Marsimaxam

I've sold a few watches and bought a few watches internationally and didn't find it difficult at the time. I do recall having to fill out custom forms when shipping to other countries and also having to pay custom fees and taxes when purchasing from outside the US, especially if from large auction houses or large international dealers.

Maybe some just don't want to deal with any additional paperwork... other than that... no clue.

I don't want to sound like I'm virtue signaling but I recently had to ship a heavy multiple watch package deal to the UK. The member had contacted me right away when I listed the stuff and acknowledged that it was an added hassle to ship the stuff overseas but he really was looking for and wanted one of the watches I had in the package deal for a long time. What am I supposed to do say no? The guy was excited so it's certainly not too much trouble for me to wade through the additional 10 minute process of customs forms at the post office. 👍

 

Posts

1,984

Likes

9,493

140dave

·Nov 19, 2020

It is simple Fear of the Unknown. It is different than domestic shipping, adds more variables but at end of the day J&F kinda hit it simply:

janice&fred

The guy was excited so it's certainly not too much trouble for me to wade through the additional 10 minute process of customs forms at the post office. 👍

Thats why I shipped my last sale international after saying US sales "preferred" and happy I did as I think it will make someone very happy.

 

Posts

6,609

Likes

26,751

Scarecrow Boat

·Nov 19, 2020

I have no problem with shipping overseas and regularly do so. I have a rotating door of film cameras and when I want something new, something I own has to go in it’s place. Most of what I sell is high value medium format Hasselblad’s, Pentax 67’s, 35mm Leica’s, And so much more. I’ve shipped to China, Germany, Russia, UK, Italy, and more, and never once had an issue doing so. Paperwork is a pain, but once you become familiar with it, it’s not an issue... just one more step to complete. Shipping prices can be expensive, but if the buyer wants it, they will pay for it. It’s not always the case, but the only country I have had issues with is the same country I live in- the US. I agree with @janice&fred that it’s off putting with location only sales.

 

Posts

24,613

Likes

54,655

Dan S

·Nov 19, 2020

Insurance is an issue for me. Within the US, I can easily insure up to $5k using Priority Mail and $50k using registered mail. I have basically no way to insure a watch for more than $500 when sending internationally. And even that varies country by country.

 

Posts

6,312

Likes

21,511

pdxleaf

·Nov 19, 2020·"I cut it TWICE and it's still short!"

Scarecrow Boat

...It’s not always the case, but the only country I have had issues with is the same country I live in- the US...

A little off topic but you made me think about traveling. Even as a US citizen coming back into the States is normally a bigger hassle than entering other countries, including China or returning from visiting Canada.

Okay, got that off my chest.

 

Posts

5,084

Likes

15,687

eugeneandresson

·Nov 19, 2020

Dan S

Insurance is an issue for me. Within the US, I can easily insure up to $5k using Priority Mail and $50k using registered mail. I have basically no way to insure a watch for more than $500 when sending internationally. And even that varies country by country.

Secursus. And their policy force-helps the recipient with his *ahem*ahem* import-thingy-not-to-be-discussed....