Beyond Basics
Global Shipping Best Practices
Take full advantage of eBay’s online global marketplace by specifying you’ll sell and ship to buyers in other countries. Reaching out to the international market is a great way to expand your business.
When you offer international shipping, you pay Final Value Fees on the first shipping option you specify, even when your buyer chooses international.
For example:
- You offer free standard shipping as your first domestic shipping option and First Class Mail International to Canada for $12.85 as your first international option in your item listing.
- Your buyer chooses and pays for the international option for $12.85.
- Even though your buyer chose the more expensive international option, your Final Value Fees are calculated on your first domestic shipping option. In this case, your fee will be calculated on free shipping—you do not pay a fee on the $12.85 international shipping option your buyer selected.
If you sell internationally, you can get insight in your Seller Dashboard into the service you provide to buyers from other countries to help improve your service and boost your international sales.
Remember, your US seller performance rating is based only on your transactions with US buyers.
International Shipping Tips
Specify shipping destinations and rates. Use the “Shipping Details” section of your listings to clearly identify the regions or countries you ship to along with you shipping costs. The eBay Shipping Calculator lets you calculate costs to any country for USPS and UPS shipments. The Ship-to Exclusion List allows you to choose countries where you are willing to ship.
Set different shipping services for different countries. Choose different shipping options that best suit the countries you ship to—up to 5 international services. Or ship worldwide and offer a variety of shipping options, including expedited and overnight, for buyers who need the item fast.
Offer shipping services with tracking. Pay postage and print your international shipping labels using eBay labels—tracking is automatically uploaded and the information sent to your buyer. Or, from My eBay, you can upload virtually any shipping carrier’s shipping tracking information. When you upload this information to eBay, your buyers receive it via an automated email, and can access it from within their My eBay.
Use eBay labels for pre-filled customs forms. Key information in the customs form is already filled in and the customs form has the latest fields required for international shipping. International labels are in PDF format making them easier to print.
Explain customs, duties & tax responsibilities. Let international buyers know they may be responsible for customs fees and may experience customs-related delays.
Insure your shipment right from eBay labels with ShipCover. As a best practice, consider insuring your international shipments. ShipCover is a shipping insurance solution with low, competitive rates, worldwide coverage, and fast claims processing. Sellers in the U.S. can purchase ShipCover insurance for USPS shipments only, when you pay for postage and print shipping labels on eBay (terms, restrictions, and exclusions apply). Other options include:
- USPS: Insurance coverage is available up to $5000 for EMI and PMI parcels through the USPS online. To purchase higher insurance coverage, take the item to your local post office.
- FedEx: Sellers can provide a declared value for shipments which represents the maximum liability for FedEx in connection with a shipment of that package. FedEx does not provide insurance. Alternatively, sellers may transfer this risk to an insurance carrier of their choice through the purchase of an insurance policy.
- UPS: Sellers can Declare Value against loss or damage for international shipments when you print and pay for shipping services using the PayPal Online Label Solution or at UPS.com.
- Other Carriers/Shipping Insurance Providers: For shipping carriers other than USPS, FedEx® or UPS, please contact the company for their international insurance shipment options.
Clearly state any international limits to your return policy or warranties. For example, if you don't cover international return postage or have specific warranty limitations, spell it out in your listing and other communications.
Keep your lines of communication open. Update your Find Answer page to anticipate questions from international sellers.
Research trade restrictions. It may not be legal to list or sell your item in some countries or you may need a special license, especially for foods, weapons and some branded items.
You can find additional information on international shipping restrictions in the following areas:
- eBay's policies on prohibited and restricted items
- FedEx® Global Trade Manager
- UPS Import/Export