why do i have such a hard time on MCB?

[knownothingmags]

damn it
lol

[smilestyler]

Ok, so being from Canada, and having bought and sold lots of stuff across the border, I feel your pain. But in reverse of course. IMO if he never told you how he wanted it shipped, you shouldn't split any fees with him.
But shipping to Canada doesn't have to be a pain. The basic rules should be; always try to ship USPS because it is has a flat rate brokerage fee for the buyer no matter what the item cost is. Couriers like FedEx have their own private brokers that almost hold high priced items for ransom, and if you list an items value high ( in case it gets lost) they hold low priced items for ransom also.
Also, tracking numbers do not track properly, but in every case, they still show that a package was dropped off by the seller, and was received by the buyer. So it still does it's purpose.
Lastly, the Canadian has to be patient. The length of time will always depend on how long the package will sit on somebody's desk at customs. Sometimes things just take a stupid length of time, and it's neither the buyer or sellers fault.
Despite all of this it does hurt when there is something for sale that I need and a seller won't sell it to me even though I have lots of good feedback, but it's the sellers choice not mine.

[JKR]

Granted I don't do a ton of sales and purchases but I have had good luck with transactions made with guys on MCB. Of course, most of my transactions have been made with the well-known regulars like Riddler. I check the feedback and so far, so good.

[bowcycle]

I ship USPS to Canada and have done so a number of times. It has always worked out for me, but I tell the guy ahead of time, "I've had stuff shipped to me while overseas and sometimes it just doesn't show up." I promise to send them a picture of the tracking/customs form on the package at the post, but make sure they agree that I am not responsible if it never shows up.

Sometimes, the folks don't want to play by those terms (which I completely understand), but I've never had a package I sent go missing in all the times we've decided to go through with the deal on these terms.

[BigEvil]

When shipping International, I always ship:
As a gift
With a $20-$40 price tag no matter what it is.
No invoices (never do anyway)
All parts are identified as Parts kits, AGD parts kit, or aluminum replacement parts.
Being vague and very unprofessional packaging helps the process along because customs will normally open and inspect the contents.
I've never had an issue and have shipped around the globe.

This right here.



I will only ship internationally for people here on AO. F-Everyone else. Too much trouble.

[dboggs79]

Anytime i ship international, i always get a price on shipping first. I always use USPS also. Kind of a pain to use any other service where i live. Any additional expense would be on the customer in my eyes. Especially if they wait til afterwards to make some sort of special requests.

[SoulCoffin]

i dont mind dealing with mcb, but i absolutely will not do deals internationally. i'm too lazy to deal with it.

[captian pinky]

the bad part isn't the price of shipping. its dealing with the customs form, the post office if it gets lost, the buyer when it doesn't arrive and the thought that you may have to eat it if paypal sides with him.

[Laku]

I suspect the customs is bitt of a pain on both ends, for the sender the customs form and for the recipient the customs declaration with additional costs.

Here in Finland I can at least do the declaration and payment online, so I don't have to rely/pay on any third party to do it for me.

I'd also like to add that I much appreciate those who are willing to ship to Europe, as most of the items just can't be had here locally.

[OPBN]

I try to avoid shipping to Canada on MCB mainly because they won't allow gifted payments. However, I find that most times I mention that I have had issues shipping there and need them to accept any responsibility for lost parts, they offer to gift it anyways. It also depends on the value. If it is a $15 part, I might now worry too much, but if I am shipping a $200 X valve its another story.

[captian pinky]

i have started refusing gifted payments. unless it is a regular buyer. i would rather take the hit than deal with any issues like that.

[OPBN]

i have started refusing gifted payments. unless it is a regular buyer. i would rather take the hit than deal with any issues like that.

What issues? Not arguing, just seems like no downside to taking them. They are essentially paying in advance with no recourse.

[Frizzle Fry]

What issues? Not arguing, just seems like no downside to taking them. They are essentially paying in advance with no recourse.

If you ship an item international as gift, PayPal will screw you on a claim.

[OPBN]

If you ship an item international as gift, PayPal will screw you on a claim.

Really? Main reason I only ship gifted is to eliminate claims.

[mpsd]

I never had issues there but reading your comments, I think you should not split or pay anything. Communication is an important part of the trade process and he should have said it when he confirmed the payment to you. That's how I do it, anyways. If it is important, say it upfront.

And that is coming from someone who have had several issues with international shipping (I live in Brazil), especially with UPS and FedEx. Today, I avoid having anything shipped from the US to Brazil and I rather have things sent to the hotels I stay in the US whenever I go there (3 to 4 times / year).