LISTING ITEMS: More Details
Listing items so that buyers in other countries can see them is easy.
Simply use the Sell Your Item Form as you normally would, except in the
"Ship-to Locations" field of the "Shipping & Payment Terms" section of the form specify either:
- "Will ship worldwide" (for maximum buyer audience reach), or
- "Will ship to the United States and the following" and then select the countries/ regions from the list to
which you are willing to ship (provides larger reach than domestic only with less complexity than full international trading).
COMMUNICATING WITH BUYERS: More Details
Currencies: When communicating with buyers there are two key features that help international buyers convert the
price of your item to the currencies they understand:
- Bids and prices on the View Item page automatically appear in both the currency you specify and the approximate
home currency equivalent for the site from which the buyer is viewing the item.
- A buyer can convert all Search and Listings prices to local site currency by clicking the "Show all
prices in local currency" (for example, Pounds Sterling on the U.K. site) link in the "Show" box on the Search and Listings pages of all non-U.S. eBay sites.
Learn more about using PayPal to accept multiple currencies.
Language translation: If you do not speak the same language as the potential buyer, you may want to use translation
software to translate key phrases. Some translation services are available free on the Internet, but many are not 100% accurate
and eBay cannot guarantee their services. If you use such a service, provide simple, grammatically correct phrases free of
abbreviations to maximize the chance of an understandable translation.
RECEIVING PAYMENT: More Details
- Review the international capabilities of your preferred payment methods so that you can highlight these to potential buyers
and increase item appeal. If your preferred payment methods aren't available internationally, add new payment options
that will work for the buyers you're trying to attract.
Note: If you accept PayPal payments, you can accept credit card payments from buyers in over 35 countries, often in their own currency (if you wish).
- Be flexible and responsive to buyer needs. If your buyer suggests an alternative payment method that
is faster/easier/safer, consider using it. Such flexibility could get you your money faster and will improve your buyer's
experience.
- If you are passing shipping costs on to your buyers, review the Shipping Internationally
information and use the Shipping Rate Calculator to
accurately estimate shipping costs. Your buyers can then add this to their payment. If there are any duties, taxes, or additional
fees (for example, insurance) inform buyers accordingly (see
Shipping Internationally for more details).
SHIPPING INTERNATIONALLY: More Details
SHIPPING COSTS
How do I determine what my shipping costs will be?
International shipping costs are based on a combination of the following:
- Weight and dimensions of package
- Method of shipment such as Ground, Next Day Air, etc.
- The location you're shipping from (city, state, country or region)
- The location you're shipping to (also called the destination country or region)
Therefore, costs may vary greatly depending on what, where and how you are shipping. Costs can be considerably higher for
international destinations.
Generally, buyers pay additional costs that may apply such as duties, taxes and customs clearance fees. For example,
international rates may or may not include pickup and door-to-door delivery with customs clearance. Your package will
arrive at your buyer's door, but he/she might need to pay extra international fees.
Some carriers will offer customs and brokerage services to help you learn more about what you need to tell your buyers
about additional charges, duties, and taxes. An "extended area surcharge" may apply to your buyers depending on their
international locations.
Visit the Shipping Calculator to calculate
shipping costs to and from any country or region.
What if I'm shipping a package from the U.S. to Canada?
In Canada, buyers are responsible for paying duties, taxes and applicable customs brokerage fees separate from the
merchandise cost. Buyers will generally pay these fees upon receipt of your shipment. It's a good idea to tell your
Canadian buyers that they may be charged additional fees once they receive your package.
How can I make it easier to ship to Canada if I live in the U.S.?
UPS offers U.S. sellers a Non-Resident Importer (NRI) Account. The U.S. seller can then bill the customer up front for
duties and taxes, as well as shipping and handling.
The advantages of having an NRI account:
- No cash on delivery (C.O.D.) or Power of Attorney (POA) to worry the buyer.
- Quicker shipment of goods as UPS does not have to wait for the release from customs.
- Delivered as prepaid.
For more information on setting up a Non-Resident Importer account, call 1-800-PICK-UPS.
TIME IN TRANSIT
How long will it take for my package to reach its destination?
It varies depending on where you're located and where your package is going. International shipments, of course, usually take
longer than domestic deliveries.
You can check delivery times to and from any country or region with UPS Time in
Transit. Customs clearance can increase the delivery time if your package is delayed by customs officials.
INSURANCE
Should I insure my package?
You should always insure international shipments if your carrier does not provide automatic coverage.
Some carriers automatically protect your package from loss or damage up to $100 of your item's value. If your item is worth more
than $100, you may want to purchase additional insurance.
Note: It is very important to make sure your item is appropriately packed. If your item arrives broken due to poor packaging, your
carrier may not pay your insurance claim.
Canadian buyers and sellers: You should verify whether or not insurance is offered for your items when choosing UPS, as personal
effects (home computers, bicycles, clothing, electronics, etc.) may not be protected.
CUSTOMS AND DOCUMENTATION
What is customs?
Customs is a government agency responsible for regulating shipments entering a country or region. All shipments being sent to and from
a country or region must clear customs first.
As an eBay seller, you'll need to provide the correct documentation so that your item won't be held indefinitely by customs. Your
carrier can easily arrange for customs clearance before you ship.
If you ship with UPS, UPS Worldwide Express PlusSM, UPS Worldwide ExpressSM and UPS Worldwide ExpeditedSM shipments automatically
include routine customs clearance.
Note: Additional costs may need to be paid by the seller if items have to be returned because they don't clear customs. Also, goods
can be held up if your carrier does not arrange for a customs broker in advance. (Most carriers provide this service
automatically).
What kind of documentation do I need to include with my shipment?
Accurate documentation such as an invoice is required for shipping anything other than letters and documents. Let UPS recommend
which documents you need and help you to prepare documents
online for UPS shipments.
Required for all packages
- Invoices:
Provide specific information about the transaction between the seller and the buyer.
May be required for some packages
- Shipper's Export Declaration:
Required for single items with value over $2,500 or those items requiring an export license.
- U.S. Certificate of Origin:
Required for certain commodities to enter various destinations. Descriptions and values listed on Invoice must be consistent with
this form.
- NAFTA Certificate of Origin:
Required if a shipment's value meets or exceeds a participating country or region's specified shipment value amount. Used by U.S., Canada and
Mexico to determine if goods qualify for reduced or eliminated duty under NAFTA.
- Other: Consular Invoice, Inspection Certification, Insurance Certificate. Check with your carrier for more information.
What else do I need to know before I try to receive an international package?
- Certain items are not permitted in various countries. It is the seller's responsibility to comply with government regulations
or laws of each country or region. To help you verify that your items can be shipped across international borders, please review the
Prohibited Articles list.
- Proper packaging is very important for international shipments as they will undergo much more handling than domestic packages.
Proper packaging includes using a sturdy box, properly cushioning the contents, securely closing the package, and using proper
labeling.
What else do I need to know before I ship an international package?
- Certain items are not permitted in various countries. It is the seller's responsibility to comply with government regulations
or laws of each country or region. Verify that your items do not fall on the
Prohibited Articles list.
- Proper packaging is very important for international shipments as they will undergo much more handling than domestic packages.
Proper packaging includes using a sturdy box, properly cushioning the contents, securely closing the package, and using proper
labeling. Visit the UPS Store outlet if you need help packing your items or see more
packaging tips.
Please note: This shipping information is provided to you for your general information purposes and may
not be applicable or accurate for shipments processed with certain carriers or for goods shipped across certain international borders.
Please check with your carrier for any special rules that govern your shipment of goods. For international shipments, please also
check with any countries whose borders your shipment may cross for any additional rules, regulations, duties, or taxes that
may apply.
MANAGING RISK: More Details
Escrow Services: Prior to using an escrow service, consider the value of the item and the risk exposure compared to the fee the
escrow service will charge.
- Review buyer's feedback.
- Consider the value/nature of the item.
- Assess risk and, if uncomfortable, conduct the transaction via a third party escrow service (if available).
Learn More
Please note: The information in this section is provided to you as a starting point for general information
purposes and may not be applicable or accurate for every situation.
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