INternational shipping help

[charlyg]

A Czech bought myu G&L even though I said only ship to NA. He is saying I can keep the case. unbolt the neck for smaller package and ship it? What do you folks think. I asked him to cancel but he wants it. I told him, that it would be expensive, but he says he has done it before.


What would you do?

[bails]

As an Australian, I can say that it sometimes really peaves me when sellers won't ship internationally for no real reason, other than they don't like dealing with foreigners.

Shipping internationally is the same as shipping within the US, except for the customs declaration sticker, which simply requires a description of the goods. Apart from that, it's exactly the same. Of course, I'm not talking about an example where an International size limit applies, or some other restriction causes more effort on the seller's behalf, but when a normal package requires a trip to the Post Office anyway, then who cares what the address label reads?

If you have been paid in a secure manner, inculding the extra for international shipping, and the funds have cleared, then why would you still worry?

I'd even ship to Nigeria or Indonesia, as long as the payment was fully secured!... Carefully ensuring that a payment is legit should go for all local sales too, and sitting in a Paypal account does not count as fully secured as far as I am concerned!

[charlyg]

For my previous sales, I have always waited until the funds are in my bank account before shipping. I did state Shipping to NA and SA only, so he knew going in.

[bails]

I don't condone buyers disregarding the rules set by the seller. If you said you wouldn't ship to The Czech Republic , then this buyer had no right to bid unless he could provide a US address for you to ship to.

I'm just putting out the word to sellers to not be afraid to ship to us foreigners. I've only ever had one seller who refused to ship to me unless I provided a US address, so I got a forum member to act as the receiver, and he sent the goods to me.

This buyer should have clearly asked you beforehand, but that said, he was willing to pay more than any other bidder, so it's your choice whether he is worth the hassle or not.

[wmthor]

Charly, if you agree to sell the G&L to him, despite the fact that you stated NA/SA only, I see nothing wrong in unbolting the neck for a smaller package. However, make it clear that was his idea and that there would be no refunds.

[jps]

Don't forget the extra shipping cost to him. Make sure he pays you enough to cover those expenses.

[mudder]

I've shipped guitars to Austria, Australia, Luxembourg, Mexico, and the UK all with good success. If you can unbolt the neck it will save a lot of money.

If you can you should pay a bit more and use EMS through the post office. They are great, fast and consciencious. I'm not sure if EMS goes to Czech, so int'l priority should be fine through USPS. Insure, pack well, take pictures while you pack. Have the buyer understand they're paying for all shipping costs, taxes, customs fees, etc.

There's a cool product I'm experimenting with for shipping, expanding foam. It's form fitting and really tough stuff. Not too spendy either.