11-16-2016, 07:25 AM
I've noticed some annoying changes with eBay during the past 1-2 years.
From about 2005 to 2013, I used to buy a lot of my MRR items from the UK (I model British steam railways). I would often get good deals and pay only a few dollars for overseas shipping by air (a small parcel rate). And I never once paid for customs or duty.
Recently, however, eBay seems to be using a "Global" mailing or shipping system where the shipping price costs almost as much as the item I'm purchasing. The shipping, for example, is often around $20-30 instead of around $8.00 (a small parcel air rate).
Also, customs & duty is apparently charged in this Global tracking system as well. This appears when you click on info about shipping. In the past, I never once had to pay customs & duty but now it seems that eBay is dinging the customer with this as you check out & pay.
This extra shipping and import charges make it almost pointless trying to get an eBay deal these days.
Because of this, I've been "spooked" from using eBay recently but I do miss the good deals I used to get.
Please see the attached image FYI. Has anyone else noticed this & have any comments?
Thanks, Rob
From about 2005 to 2013, I used to buy a lot of my MRR items from the UK (I model British steam railways). I would often get good deals and pay only a few dollars for overseas shipping by air (a small parcel rate). And I never once paid for customs or duty.
Recently, however, eBay seems to be using a "Global" mailing or shipping system where the shipping price costs almost as much as the item I'm purchasing. The shipping, for example, is often around $20-30 instead of around $8.00 (a small parcel air rate).
Also, customs & duty is apparently charged in this Global tracking system as well. This appears when you click on info about shipping. In the past, I never once had to pay customs & duty but now it seems that eBay is dinging the customer with this as you check out & pay.
This extra shipping and import charges make it almost pointless trying to get an eBay deal these days.
Because of this, I've been "spooked" from using eBay recently but I do miss the good deals I used to get.
Please see the attached image FYI. Has anyone else noticed this & have any comments?
Thanks, Rob
Rob
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