I have never shipped International in the past but am willing to give it a try. I usually offer free shipping and plan to do so when I can for Domestic sales. I plan to include International sales, but for a fee. If so, should I set a fixed fee or use the "calculate fee" option. Also are there any recommendations on what Countries to exclude? Any other obstacles or pitfalls that I should be aware of? Thanks, Mike
I ship from the UK worldwide, I block quite a few countries but the ones I`ve had the most problems with before I did tracked and signed shipping were Italy, India, UAE and the USA. I don`t ship to Italy, India or UAE but since tracked and signed I`ve had non stolen in the US so continue to ship there. Most allegedly went missing in New York. There are good and bad people the world over so hope the good are the ones that buy from you.
Calculate fee or a flat fee for a flat rate option. Lots of countries are risky to ship too. Most people exclude all of Africa, the middle east, east Asia besides South Korea/Japan, Italy has a spotty postal service, China, eastern Europe, South America ect. Australia, UK, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand are the most reliable to ship too.
If the excuses of Italian customers are to be believed it would suggest the staff of Poste Italiane and the Customs Dept have some of the best coin collections in the world
Thanks for the replies. I'll make a note of the countries to exclude. A couple of other questions. Any package restrictions? Size? Material? Padded envelopes OK? Do you purchase mailing labels through Ebay or do you buy at local Post Office? What do you list on customs label, certainly not "coins"? Sorry to be a pain with the questions, but I rather ask for help from experienced sellers than make a costly mistake. Thanks, Mike
I place coins in a plastic coin evelope and tape it between two pieces of cardboard. I use plastic mailing sacks or bubble mailers. Customs label says "Numismatic Item" with a low value so it does not attract thieves.
I use small flat rate boxes when possible. Padded envelopes are usually fine too. USPS.com if it's expensive and you want insurance on it. For some reason eBay doesn't let you put USPS insurance on it. They kind of fill themselves out now and generally reputable countries won't have anyone steal them when there's tracking or insurance but Numismatic will work, some do Hobby Supplies or Metal Disks ect. Just don't put collector coins
