OK, here is a quick scenario...

In anything I sell on eBay, I always state that I will only ship to the US and I think I get all the subtle listing options set to prevent sales outside the US.

Well, today an item sold to someone outside the US and I don't know what to do.
It is not that I won't ship to anyone here on TIG outside the US, but on eBay it is a freaking nightmare to figure out costs that won't scare buyers with the additional headaches, let alone I have to deal with the Post Office in person, so I choose not to ship to non-US buyers. Sorry eBayers.....

However, the item sold... so what can/should I do?

I sent a message to the buyer (who didn't pay - he just requested an invoice so that is positive so far) saying I don't ship to the US, but I didn't say anything else... I honestly am lost on what to do.

Any advice would be appreciated!

cheers!

Get a price for tracked, insured postage with a signature. The price may scare them off.

I am guilty of bidding and winning items on ebay, under the circumstances you outline. The seller states that there is no international shipping, but if it is something i would like to add to my collection, i bid on it anyway.
By doing this i fully understand that the cost of shipping will be what it is for international shipping.
I find that most sellers will make there judgement in regards to the buyer based on there feedback as a buyer.
If you feel uncomfortable with the buyer, you could always ask them in a subtle message if they could provide some more feedback other than eBay.
You will find that most buyers of vintage will be on forums with feedback threads which could help you make your decision.

I usally just message the sellerand ask if they mid shipping outside the US most have no issue I only had one where the seller couldn't figure out how to get the invoice to work that's when It switch to plan be and have it shipped to friends or family like my last purchase.

I have done this too, but I've messaged the sellers first and asked if they would quote me shipping to the US. Usually when they reply back with an amount it means they're willing to ship here. They're usually happy to do it. I'd say in your case if you decide you don't want to sell to him, you have every justification to cancel his bid since the buyer did not meet the terms of the auction. However, if it's just a matter of calculating shipping, you should be able to get a quote online and then send him an invoice like aussiejames suggested. What country are you shipping to?

I'm guilty of doing this, and I've even done one today

My wife sells things to overseas customers. The reason the buyer requested an invoice is due to the fact that your auction was not listed for Overseas sales. In order for him/her to pay you must send an invoice. For the wife to figure out prices for overseas shipping she goes to USPS.com looks for the shipping cost to Australia, which is the furthest place away from us. She can adjust the shipping after the sale because then she knows where she is sending. Typically you have 2 choices...International Priority,( faster & cost more), or Parcel ( A tad bit cheaper but takes longer). You have the international flat rate boxes or a box of your choosing that you will then weigh and input the dimensions. Of course you can ship the box of your choosing for the Priority rate as well.
 The customs forms are printed at your home of course, 3 of them, but Yes you will have to drop off at Post Office. Now bear in mind that you never stated in your auction that you would sell overseas so the potential buyer infringed on your auction and you can cancel and re-list if you do not want to go throught with the shipping to overseas. That is your prerogative as a seller who did not list shipping for overseas.

Hope I shed a little light if any;)
1 more thing. I attempted to buy an item from overseas before and the listing did not state they would send to overseas. I emphasize attempted...I was unable to "Buy It Now" because I belive the seller had set up the auction to deny any buyers from overseas from buying? I don't know how they did it but I couldn't buy.

Thanks for all the replies!!!
All good points, but really, in the end, I just don't want to ship to random ebayers internationally. Sorry.
Again, I will ship to anyone I know here where ever they live.

It is a pain in the ass for me to get to the post office during the week. It wouldn't be too bad if I could just ship from the house, but the customs stuff must be done there. And yeah, the time to figure out the best way to ship things internationally isn't worth my time, especially for small, inexpensive items and even more so for things I can't weigh at home so all leg work needs to be done in person. Not fun.
I hope I am not coming across as a dick or anything, its just my preference.

I figured out what to do regarding eBay... I had to request a cancellation from the buyer and play the waiting game for up to a week. The buyer can either accept or reject that offer. I still am confused as to what exactly it means if the buyer rejects my request. He hasn't paid a penny so technically he hasn't bought anything, so I am very confused.

And then there is the fear in doing it via the eBay system; will the buyer have a chance to post negative feedback?
I don't know how this works as this is yet another eBay first for me.

Anyway.....

I get why you guys say you would go for something you want even if they don't technically ship to you, but if you do win and the seller doesn't want to ship, how have you dealt with that?
Did the seller open a case requesting you accept the cancellation or did you just move along and not pay and forget about it?
I honestly hoped the latter would happen for me, but I haven't heard from the guy for 2 days and I hate it when things drag out.

Anyway..... Anyway.....

Thanks again guys!

Hey Jay -

I totally get where you are coming from - if you don't want to ship internationally it is your prerogative to choose not to . I certainly don't believe it makes you a dick because of it - your a dick for so many other speacial reasons (Just kidding of course)

I will ship anywhere in the world myself , as long as folks are willing to pay the actual shipping costs , but I do feel any seller should be able to choose not to sell internationally if they don't want to . Selling internationally is a bigger hassle and involves more risk - to send a package tracked is very expensive and most buyers balk at the rate . Unfortunately it is the only way to protect yourself against loss , theft or damage (or the occasional scam artist too). If you choose to send 1st class - there is no way to prove that a package is mailed or arrived at its destination and in Ebays/Paypals eyes you will never win a item not received case .

I know if I want to buy something from a international seller , and they choose not to ship to the US , I respect their decision and move on . They have the right not to sell to me if they choose - buying from them anyway to me would be akin to holding a gun to there head and saying "your going to sell to me or else ..." . If I didn't normally ship internationally already , I would have no problem with a buyer contacting me and asking if I would be willing to ship to them - letting me base my decision on feedback (and how willing I was to go through the extra effort required) and not trying to force the issue on me .

As for your worries about neg feedback - if the buyer doesn't pay and leaves neg feedback it is easy to have it removed by contacting ebay .

Hope this helps a little ...

walkie wrote:

I'm guilty of doing this, and I've even done one today

Me too!

I always ask before I do anything on ebay, just to make sure because I'm a good boy

I'm with AJ on this though, go for the highest possible postage options imaginable, if that doesn't throw him off, then just end it for the cheapest signed for postage and pocket the extra cash.

And don't feel bad for doing it either, he should ahve read the description properly, I've jumped in on sales in th past without reading the desription thinking I've bagged a bargain, only later to realize that in the description it says 'broken' or something, I just bite he bullet an except that it was my own daft fault.