To Ship Or Not To Ship OVERSEAS

[Aubrey]

Gents ... I am in Africa so my kind friends in Nigeria have managed to get a lot of attention with their scams ....... I normally enter any offer by clarifying that I am in Africa and that I will pay for insured airmail with signature. International PP also attracks a higher cut so I also offer to make good on that. I also make it very clear that it is perfectly understandable if they decline to do business because of my location ....their stuff, their call!! I say thank you and search on....this depsite having a solid record without a single negative ....I respect your decision. I may still want the knife but hell, I want a lot of things and that is but one ..... Oh, I treat all postal employees as idiots ...that way I am not too disappointed each time ....and they are all the same. US, UK, Oz, Africa (OK, we are a little worse) and also China ..... old saying ....... Pay peanuts, get monkeys!!

 

[Gunnar S]

Wow there are many opinions here
I respect those not willing to ship internationally. Never been a problem for me.
I've missed a couple deals, but there are plenty to go around for all of us.

 

[Last Visible Canary]

As I said at the start, the percieved problems don't happen exclusively in overseas transactions. It's very silly to think otherwise.

They can happen anytime.

Luckily there are plenty of good guys prepared to get out of the house and go to the post office.

the last time I had problems with conus shipments was when a canon lens mysteriously "disappeared" from a package. I sent two packages to the wrong adress, one with 2 lenses and the other with 1. when I received back the package containing 2 lenses, one was missing.

I don't know if the buyer took it before shipping. I don't know if a package handler took it. what I do know is that by providing the weight of the two individual lenses and showing that they were in fact shipped initially by the scale total I was able to receive the 225$ refund claim from fedex ground within 1 weeks time.

There is no way in hell I could have done that with international shipping.

It's nice to hope and believe that every transaction will go well, and for the most part this is true. but having completed hundreds of sales for a variety of goods I know that if one of those problems crops up during international shipping: I will either end up losing the money or spending months trying to get it back, generally at 50$ less (or more) because of shipping costs or customs charges. my claims are not based on an imaginary fear of the unknown, on "I know a guy who once" stories or on a dislike for paperwork. I NEED the money I get from these sales. I don't have the luxury of a disposable income that can be tossed away without receiving a sellable good for it. Selling to the conus curbs my financial risk in a palpable way.

I don't know what to say to "your reason good enough" or "thats just an excuse". I will say that "your claim is baseless" is absolutely wrong. I've done a lot of deals and have experience with what happens when deals go wrong in a myriad of shipping situations.

 

[philwar]

What
I think you need to read back a bit farther, because i know for a fact I didn't start the ill whiney tone of this thread(check post #24 for that). 100% positive.

I pointed in a random direction. Not yours. I was trying to emulate a kindergarted schoolyard: "He started it!"
Apparently it did not come across well.

 

[Ken44]

Wow there are many opinions here
I respect those not willing to ship internationally. Never been a problem for me.
I've missed a couple deals, but there are plenty to go around for all of us.

Great attitude:thumbup:, and I'm sure with that kind of attitude most here would ship to you if you send a PM as polite as your post(even if they post CONUS only). I know I would.

I pointed in a random direction. Not yours. I was trying to emulate a kindergarted schoolyard: "He started it!"
Apparently it did not come across well.

My bad then! I went back and read it and now get your point:thumbup:
But it was under my quote, and you putting "you" instead of "he" threw me off.
Now that I get it, it is funny:thumbup:

 

[BlackDiamond]

If you want to avoid any problem forget the postal service and use an express courier. You'll have your knife delivered in just few days everywhere in the world !

 

[Jaxx]

Unbelievable...

After reading some of the posts in this thread, I am actually rather upset with the attitudes on both sides of this issue...

If the biggest problem facing you right now is that someone won't sell you/ship you a knife, then you ought to be on your knees thanking your Higher Power for blessing you with such luck.

Also, here I thought Americans were the only ones with that negative "sense of entitlement" attitude seen so frequently these days... Seems I'm wrong, and it is a worldwide problem that we all share.

It's pretty simple... Those who sell the goods make the rules. I'm sorry to have to lay it down like this, but it's true. These are private sales from individual to individual, and this is everyone's personal choice that they have a right to. Some, like me, are willing to ship internationally until convinced otherwise (which this thread is doing a pretty good job at, unfortunately). Some aren't. If you don't like it, then deny those same people if they try to buy from you. It is NOT our fault that Busse is based in Ohio and that it is easier for those of us in the USA to get our hands on these knives, or that the majority of Busse knife owners most likely live here in the States. If they (Busse) were based in any other country, we here would have the same problem, and those who are in the same nation as the company in question would be defending their position.

Even though I like to try and ship across borders, here's some of the problems & requests I've faced when attempting to strike an international deal:

"Will you declare the package for $50 on that $500+ knife?" :grumpy::thumbdn:
"Will you send it uninsured?" :thumbdn:
"Will you drop the price 30% because I have to pay import tax?"

Sound familiar to any others here (whether in the US or abroad)???

Like I said, I don't mind the extra paperwork involved, but hearing these same questions repeatedly even after writing out the conditions of sale in the FS threads, which answers all these questions and more shows me that some (and I do stress some, not all) international buyers feel that we here should meet their every demand/request. To be fair, however, I do get some stupid requests from time to time from Buyers who live here also.

I apologize for my rant and hopefully it serves as more of a wake-up than a beat-down, because life ain't fair, and we all don't always get what we want whether here, there, or anywhere. This issue isn't worth fighting over or causing hard feelings between all of us. Get over it, and try to enjoy the knives, companionship and the other good things you have with the good friends and family you got because as I learned this week, all of that has the potential to change in a single day...

 

[Bravado]

Unbelievable...

After reading some of the posts in this thread, I am actually rather upset with the attitudes on both sides of this issue...

If the biggest problem facing you right now is that someone won't sell you/ship you a knife, then you ought to be on your knees thanking your Higher Power for blessing you with such luck.

Also, here I thought Americans were the only ones with that negative "sense of entitlement" attitude seen so frequently these days... Seems I'm wrong, and it is a worldwide problem that we all share.

It's pretty simple... Those who sell the goods make the rules. I'm sorry to have to lay it down like this, but it's true. These are private sales from individual to individual, and this is everyone's personal choice that they have a right to. Some, like me, are willing to ship internationally until convinced otherwise (which this thread is doing a pretty good job at, unfortunately). Some aren't. If you don't like it, then deny those same people if they try to buy from you. It is NOT our fault that Busse is based in Ohio and that it is easier for those of us in the USA to get our hands on these knives, or that the majority of Busse knife owners most likely live here in the States. If they (Busse) were based in any other country, we here would have the same problem, and those who are in the same nation as the company in question would be defending their position.

Even though I like to try and ship across borders, here's some of the problems & requests I've faced when attempting to strike an international deal:

"Will you declare the package for $50 on that $500+ knife?" :grumpy::thumbdn:
"Will you send it uninsured?" :thumbdn:
"Will you drop the price 30% because I have to pay import tax?"

Sound familiar to any others here (whether in the US or abroad)???

Like I said, I don't mind the extra paperwork involved, but hearing these same questions repeatedly even after writing out the conditions of sale in the FS threads, which answers all these questions and more shows me that some (and I do stress some, not all) international buyers feel that we here should meet their every demand/request. To be fair, however, I do get some stupid requests from time to time from Buyers who live here also.

I apologize for my rant and hopefully it serves as more of a wake-up than a beat-down, because life ain't fair, and we all don't always get what we want whether here, there, or anywhere. This issue isn't worth fighting over or causing hard feelings between all of us. Get over it, and try to enjoy the knives, companionship and the other good things you have with the good friends and family you got because as I learned this week, all of that has the potential to change in a single day...

Very well stated. :thumbup:

And for those that feel entitled please don't come on here and start making it personal especially with people who've been here longer than you and are in good standing, it only worsens your chances for someone wanting to ship across the pond for you. (IMO)

 

[is it sharp? OUCH !]

jaxx, the problems you mention are normal negotiations that take place BEFORE the decision to sell and ship. i dont expect anyone to cater to unfair or fraudulant requests. i dont know why this thread is helping convince people not to ship OS as you say. is there more chance of customs or postal issues when sending packages to A/holes(i might as well say what alot of u are thinking).for anyone who hasnt been to australia, this place is very modernised and sophistiacated. everything is by the book. standards are very high. its like the straight A student getting overlooked for a university postion for the wrong reasons. i was hoping to hear some feedback about safe countries and unsafe countries to ship to but it seems most feel theyre all unsafe.from my perspective ive never heard of losses incurred when shipping to UK AUST or WESTERN EUROPE . if theres a bad attitude by some non US buyers its because we always seem to get relegated to the RUNT of the litter. please please give me a scrap a crumb anything as though we are scavengers. bottom of the food chain. after a while it can get to you. in any case its been interesting to hear you all and thanks for commenting. good luck God Bless

 

[PeterPHWS]

Well this thread has opened my eyes....if what is referred to as "good standing" means that you're entitled to level broad stoke allegations that most foreigners are somehow tax dodging high risk fraudulent traders who are not worth the risk of selling to....then I would'nt like to see the guys held in "bad standing"....

Hell....some of you need to think about the boot being on the other foot!

 

[Ken44]

Well said Jaxx.
I apologize for even posting in this thread. One post got to me, and I should have just left it alone. My bad.

I to have had a recent loss of a VERY close person. It does put things in perspective.

If the biggest problem facing you right now is that someone won't sell you/ship you a knife, then you ought to be on your knees thanking your Higher Power for blessing you with such luck.




This issue isn't worth fighting over or causing hard feelings between all of us. Get over it, and try to enjoy the knives, companionship and the other good things you have with the good friends and family you got because as I learned this week, all of that has the potential to change in a single day...

 

[philwar]

<snip>
It's pretty simple... Those who sell the goods make the rules. I'm sorry to have to lay it down like this, but it's true. These are private sales from individual to individual, and this is everyone's personal choice that they have a right to.

No one is disputing this, you're building an argument around a point no one is denying.
So just to refresh your memory: The OP's question was wether or not US sellers should ship outside the CONUS. It was not wether they're obliged to.

 

[philwar]

Well this thread has opened my eyes....if what is referred to as "good standing" means that you're entitled to level broad stoke allegations that most foreigners are somehow tax dodging high risk fraudulent traders who are not worth the risk of selling to....then I would'nt like to see the guys held in "bad standing"....

Hell....some of you need to think about the boot being on the other foot!

Yeah, isn't that cool, how US citizens are all just upstanding honest guys and gals (a sentiment I happen to agree with most of the time) and the 5.7 billion 'foreigners' are a pain to deal with at best, and thieves and frauds the rest of the time.
I do think it's ironic that Busse, Swamprat and Scrapyard themselves have no problems selling overseas. It's just a few paranoid/lazy/take your pick private sellers that choose to exercise their right not to sell outside the CONUS.
Oh well. Can't argue with that. Like the other 'foreigners' have said, it's a hassle, but we get what we want in the end.

 

[STEELWHORE]

Well this thread has opened my eyes....if what is referred to as "good standing" means that you're entitled to level broad stoke allegations that most foreigners are somehow tax dodging high risk fraudulent traders who are not worth the risk of selling to....then I would'nt like to see the guys held in "bad standing"....

Hell....some of you need to think about the boot being on the other foot!

Amen to that +1:thumbup:

 

[Ken44]

Wow...Now this is just getting sad

 

[Jaxx]

No one is disputing this, you're building an argument around a point no one is denying.
So just to refresh your memory: The OP's question was wether or not US sellers should ship outside the CONUS. It was not wether they're obliged to.

I answered that...

snip...

...It's pretty simple... Those who sell the goods make the rules. I'm sorry to have to lay it down like this, but it's true. These are private sales from individual to individual, and this is everyone's personal choice that they have a right to....

IF they want to, great! ...They don't have to. Personal choice is a wonderful freedom. Does that clear it up?

 

[PeterPHWS]

Wow...Now this is just getting sad

I agree.

This post might have been of some benefit if a discussion was raised on how to cover off posting internationally so the risks were managed.

Instead the post is full of situational examples of "losses" without any meat on the bones as to how the loss happened.

The issue of "insurance" and how it works or does'nt work would be a really suitable topic.

Instead the topic has descended into a broad stroke scenario of justifying blocking or not doing international sales based on a discriminatory overview that tax dodging and stitch ups in France etc all mean a basic high risk scenario and something to avoid.

No heed or care has been given as to how the honest foreign buyers might feel about being lumped in with this to me....insulting....overview.

Now I agree some posts have got a bit too personal and jibe like....but equally the whole tenor of posts from others seems to me to be premised on a very broad stroke bias towards foreign buyers being a high risk.

Which if you step back and consider it....is simply not true.

 

[Bravado]

Well this thread has opened my eyes....if what is referred to as "good standing" means that you're entitled to level broad stoke allegations that most foreigners are somehow tax dodging high risk fraudulent traders who are not worth the risk of selling to....then I would'nt like to see the guys held in "bad standing"....

Hell....some of you need to think about the boot being on the other foot!

Actually I've never had a problem with an individual it's usually the Customs agency for that country or their postal service that is the problem with most transactions that I've read about. Also as I've previously mentioned already many times I've shipped many times overseas so you're barking up the wrong tree just to demonize me. It's all in GBU just search and you'll find it's common knowledge.

 

[PeterPHWS]

Bravado, I dont want to demonise anyone.....but at the same time I would like to make a valid point. The point is that there is just as likely a safe and insured method for an international sale as there is for a domestic sale.

Issues on problems on GBU within the US will be just as common or more so than with foreign deals.

If sellers have difficulties on foreign deals lets get our heads together and see if there are answers.

Let's try not to get personal.....and lets try to work together.

The "boot on the other foot" apect is something to consider. Put yourself in my shoes and you would probably see that all I want to do is see if some of the confusion or misconceptions about dealing abroad could be cleared up.

And that is a fair enough thing to ask or so it seems to be to me.:thumbup:

 

[Bravado]

Bravado, I dont want to demonise anyone.....but at the same time I would like to make a valid point. The point is that there is just as likely a safe and insured method for an international sale as there is for a domestic sale.

Issues on problems on GBU within the US will be just as common or more so than with foreign deals.

If sellers have difficulties on foreign deals lets get our heads together and see if there are answers.

Let's try not to get personal.....and lets try to work together.

The "boot on the other foot" apect is something to consider. Put yourself in my shoes and you would probably see that all I want to do is see if some of the confusion or misconceptions about dealing abroad could be cleared up.

And that is a fair enough thing to ask or so it seems to be to me.:thumbup:

Agreed our system isn't perfect but in most cases probably just as if you were to sell something local in your country you have some type of recourse such as filing a claim or having your best Mate go knock on the persons door to get your money back. Again my biggest problem is the worrying involved in whether the person will get their stuff and with the other persons countries customs agency or mail carrier. it's a general fear of the unknown. Also as jaxx has eluded to it really is a personal decision of the seller so to the overseas buyers don't take it personal if someone doesn't want to sell to you.