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Buying from International sources:
Making payment: When paying for an international item:
- Remember that you must pay the seller the amount agreed in the seller-specified currency using the seller-specified payment method.
- If there is a faster/easier/safer payment alternative available to both you and the seller, for example paying in your own currency via PayPal, suggest it via email. However, be sensitive to seller preferences and be willing to use the seller-specified method.
- If no mutual electronic payment method exists, an escrow service is highly recommended.
- Don't forget to include shipping costs and any additional fees/taxes with the payment as specified in the item description or by the seller.
RECEIVING INTERNATIONAL ITEMS:
SHIPPING COSTS
International shipping costs are based on a combination of the following:
- Weight and dimensions of package
- Method of shipment such as Ground, Next Day Air, etc.
- The location the seller is shipping from (city, state, country or region)
- The location the seller is shipping to (also called the destination country or region)
Therefore, costs may vary greatly depending on what, where and how the seller is shipping, and can be considerably higher for international destinations.
Generally, buyers pay additional costs that may apply such as duties, taxes and customs clearance fees. For example, international rates may or may not include pickup and door-to-door delivery with customs clearance. Your package will arrive at your door, but then you might need to pay extra international fees.
Other fees
Fees, duties and taxes are often not included in the purchase, shipping and handling fees on international shipments. If you are a buyer purchasing goods from outside of your country, you should check with the seller to determine whether the fees (including customs clearance charges), duties and taxes are included in the purchase price.
TIME IN TRANSIT
How long will it take for my package to reach me?
It varies depending on where you're located and where your package is coming from. International shipments, of course, usually take longer than domestic deliveries.
INSURANCE
Should the seller insure my package?
You should ask sellers to insure international shipments if their carrier does not provide automatic coverage. Some carriers automatically protect your package from loss or damage up to $100 of your item's value. If your item is worth more than $100 you may want the seller to purchase additional insurance on your behalf.
CUSTOMS AND DOCUMENTATION
What is customs?
Customs is a government agency responsible for regulating shipments entering a country or region. All shipments being sent to and from a country or region must clear customs first.
The seller needs to provide the correct documentation so that your item won't be held indefinitely by customs. The carrier can easily arrange for customs clearance before the seller ships.
What kind of documentation needs to be included with my shipment?
Accurate documentation such as an invoice is required for shipping anything other than letters and documents.
Required for all packages
- Invoices:
Provide specific information about the transaction between the seller and the buyer.
May be required for some packages
- Shipper's Export Declaration:
Required for single items with value over $2,500 or those items requiring an export license.
- Certificate of Origin:
Required for certain commodities to enter various destinations. Descriptions and values listed on Invoice must be consistent with this form.
- NAFTA Certificate of Origin:
Required if a shipment's value meets or exceeds a participating country or region's specified shipment value amount. Used by U.S., Canada and Mexico to determine if goods qualify for reduced or eliminated duty under NAFTA.
- Other: Consular Invoice, Inspection Certification, Insurance Certificate. Check with your carrier for more information.
What else do I need to know before I try to receive an international package?
- Certain items are not permitted in various countries or regions. It is the seller's responsibility to comply with government regulations or laws of each country or region. To help you verify that your items can be shipped across international borders, please review the Prohibited Articles list for your country which you can obtain from Customs Authorities.
- Proper packaging is very important for international shipments as they will undergo much more handling than domestic packages. Proper packaging includes using a sturdy box, properly cushioning the contents, securely closing the package, and using proper labeling.
Please note: This shipping information is provided to you for your general information purposes and may not be applicable or accurate for shipments processed with certain carriers or for goods shipped across certain international borders. Please check with your carrier for any special rules that govern your shipment of goods. For international shipments, please also check with any countries or regions whose borders your shipment may cross for any additional rules, regulations, duties, or taxes that may apply.
Receiving Your Item
When you receive your item in the mail, inspect it right away to make sure it matches the description in the seller's listing. Next, leave the seller feedback about your experience buying this item and your satisfaction with the purchase.
If something is unsatisfactory, please consider contacting the seller before leaving feedback. Most times it is simply a misunderstanding that the seller will be happy to correct.
Waiting for your item
- When a seller ships your item to you, the seller might let you know how long you should expect to wait.
- If your item is taking longer to reach you than you’d expected, you can contact your seller and ask about the shipment.
- If you don’t receive your item a significant amount of time after the seller said it would arrive, you may be able to track it online through the courier or shipping agency.
Step-by-Step Guide to Buyer Protection
Most common issues can be resolved by communicating directly with the seller, even before using buyer protection programs. TradersMatch.com recommends following these steps in this order:
Step |
Details |
1. Check the item listing. |
Review the seller's terms of sale, item description, and shipping and payment terms. Have you allowed enough time for the seller to receive and confirm payment? |
2. Email the seller. |
If you are still concerned, email the seller with your questions. |
3. Check your email spam filters for messages from the seller. |
It's possible that the seller is trying to email you but your spam filters are blocking the messages. |
4. Check your own contact information. |
It's possible that the seller is trying to email you but your contact information is incorrect. |
5. Call your seller. |
Request the seller's contact information and give the seller a call. |
6. File a complaint with PayPal. |
If you paid with PayPal, please visit the PayPal Resolution Center to file a complaint. Your item may have enhanced protection through PayPal Buyer Protection.
You must have a PayPal account in order to file a PayPal Buyer Protection claim. If you paid for the item with PayPal and did not create a PayPal account, you will be asked to do so before filing a claim. |
8. Contact your credit card company. |
Credit card companies typically provide some level of identity and purchase protection. Contact your credit card company to learn more.
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