Ebay has recently added a "Global Shipping Program" in addition to the shipping charges added by the seller. The GSP is supposed to take care of applicable customs duties, taxes, brokerage and other fees, but has offers Zero guarantee that any these fees are final. I have been charged import duties over and above the GSP. The GSP program amounts to nothing but a cash grab by Ebay and does nothing but hinders sales to Canadian buyers and other non US ship to addresses. As an example recent view of Super Adjustable on ebay. Shipping to US $3.25. Shipping to Canada $12.41 (ok with that). Added GSP $7.30 total combined shipping cost $19.71 not ok with that since item cost is $19.75. Bottom Line: U.S. sellers don't use the Global Shipping Program and increase you sales. Better yet make a Canadian happy.
I don't think the OP is really Canadian. I didn't see a single "sore-y" or "eh" in the entire post. @ the OP their epacket service is giving me issues too. Seems like I was given a invalid/bogus tracking number by the seller (in China) and until the seller responds, I can't track my package.
You must have us confused with Switzerland, Iceland, Denmark and Norway. http://www.visitdenmark.co.uk/en-gb/denmark/art/happiest-people-world
This is a horrible program. First the shipping costs are and the fee for the customs charges outrageous. They charge for customs tax even when there is none. I complained that I was charged this fee for an item that is clearly tax free to Korea because the amount is less than $100. eBay said its to ensure I don't pay any tax and replied that is absurd since it clearly states in English on their customs page what the rules are.... Their final retort, I should be happy knowing my package will arrive with certainty. I told them I never lost a package before. To add insult to injury the shipping costs are also way out of line. Now when I see the seller uses the eBay global shipping program I just give up and move to the next item. Sellers beware using this program will remove all potential foreign buyers, you mist as well say CONUS only.
Ultimately, that's fine by me. Prior to global shipping, I had nothing but trouble with international shipping. So much so that it far outweighed the value of the sale. By offering global shipping, I give the buyer a choice that I had not offered without it for quite some time. I'm glad to be alerted to the problems with the program, and I sympathize with your plight. In many ways eBay is not the delightful option it once was. But so far, I've found no better alternative. When I do, I'll gladly move on. Same goes with PayPal.
