i buy stuff from all over the place and have only ever had 1 problem - the only package that DIDNT arrive was from that emporium chap - cant remember his full ID but you know who i mean, i am sure!

i am quite happy for things to be sent to me in whatever the buyer is happy with, providing the shipping is not too expensive, then i will look at a cheaper option - i never mind how long it takes as long as i know its going to get here.....which is why i now scrutinise the feedback and get a feel of what others have been saying - this applies all the more when the more rare and expensive items are being sought as the risk is often a lot higher. ppl like draco76 and bclarkie etc are great as i know they are reliable and very easy to deal with - makes for a nice easy deal all round and i would certainly go back and get more.

as for m-bags, i only ever ask if i can use that service if the item(s) are VERY heavy, making the shipping a ridiculous amount. i know the risks and hence only ask for it with someone i know i can rely upon. i am also very aware of delivery times and have no problem waiting it out. so far like i said, only 1 item has never arrived, because it was never bloody sent grrrr.

so as for the above, the element of trust is required. if the seller packs an item(s) very well so the item can be shipped m-bag - there isnt a problem. IF the item is damaged slightly even then, then thats my problem as i have asked for it to be sent that way. either way, i have no problem at all if a seller adds a little handling, for all the messing around etc. i would rather someone go an extra yard and sort something to my satisfaction - charge a little for the trouble and then everyone is happy.

most out there do not appreciate this and think they are just being ripped off, but i guess thats down to the individual!

anyways i need some food - so cyas later

Alan

dave wrote:Out of curiousity, what is the risk of using an M-bag? Is it any worse than sending something surface mail?

Regarding the economy, with the US dollar falling in value with respect to the euro, it makes some US exports more competitive, including used RPGs. But it also means American citizens holding US dollars are losing money. Their savings are worth less this year than last year. Next up the US dollar will be losing money against Asian currencies.

well don't send anything fragile that way as its VERY likely to be bashed about. you can't insure surface m-bag but can airmail m-bag (apparently...)

its one of them "use it at your own risk" services. the buyer MUST be made aware of that, as the risk is totally his/hers.

BaconTastesGood wrote:1. Because shipping is so much more expensive, very often international bidders compensate by bidding lower so the same total price works out.

This is probably untrue for RPG stuff. The exchange rate is so good ATM, that we Brits can push prices high in Dollars with relative ease.

BaconTastesGood wrote:2. For non-RPG stuff, when customs/tariffs are involved, I am often asked to undervalue the item on the manifest, which hurts if insurance is required.

There is no reason why you can't simply state in your terms that the declared Customs Value will be the final Auction Value plus shipping, and that this is not negotiable. You will not undervalue for Customs reasons. Besides, doing so is illegal. UK customers do not pay duty on 'educational materials' and 'books', they also do not pay duty on anything under about $200 (£140).

BaconTastesGood wrote:3. Lack of tracking when sending via inexpensive methods can mean problems with lost shipments.

You may also insist that tracking be included on all oversees orders. You are the seller, and as long as you state before hand what your terms of sale are to bidders, there can be no disagreement. You simply say when asked: Refer to the terms and conditions of the sale as referred to in the auction.

Aside. A warning for UK sellers. If you sell to a European customer, and you are a UK seller, PayPal require that you ship all packages with tracking in order to qualify for seller protection. I know that you get £28 compensation with proof of postage, but is a buyer does not receive his item and claims his money back through PayPal, they will receive a full refund of their money if you have not got tracking information for the package. The Recorded Delivery tariff (63p) comes with a tracking number that is only trackable by the Royal Mail, but this counts as tracking information and accepted by PayPal when fighting against chargeback under PayPal's Seller Protection. I get the impression that different rules apply for US sellers.

Nevermind on my question about M-Bags. I see you answered it to someone else. Now that you mention it, I do recall that they had to go looking around for the tag when I asked to ship by that method. They did have one, but then again, this was an airport post office for a fairly good-sized city. I'm sure small-town local post offices probably wouldn't have the tags readily available.

ya if you ship overseas I'd block couger 1st thing lol.  Hell I'd even be willing to use M-bags with the right person, like some of the guys from here I'd have no problem with it.

I've bought quite a few items from the US, in fact all my 'rares' (Lost Tamoa; 3rd print Brown, B3 Orange etc).



A couple of things from the buyer's point of view.

1. I've had, I think 4 items go missing; 2 not sent, and 2 lost 'somewhere'. The items were insured and the funds refunded to me.

2. When surface mail says 6-8 weeks, read 3 months, putting it close to 'no-feedback time'

3. For the expensive goodies, Mr Taxman at the customs house just loves it. The actual cost from US is reasonable $US20odd, but it's the $AUD250 slug for a $US1,000 item that will kill you (including customs agent).

The only way around it is to mark the actual price down (and subsequently the insured amount) even if it's marked as a gift, which opens up all sorts of ethical questions, and leaves the buyer open to loss if it goes missing.



I can say that I've never had any problem with any goods described and sent by an Acaeum member.



Adder (Australia)

I love youffie  :wink:

bclarkie wrote:

killjoy32 wrote: ppl like draco76 and bclarkie etc are great as i know they are reliable and very easy to deal with - makes for a nice easy deal all round and i would certainly go back and get more.

Alan

Aww, Thanks Killjoy!! I really do try hard to please

draco76 wrote:Ya killjoy is a nice guy,

I agree totally.

awww shucks youre too kind



i like m-bags tho, for certain things... i think all methods of posting have their advantages and disadvantages really, but in the end, it IS nice to have a choice to a certain degree that the buyer AND the seller are both happy with. that way, you will always deal again.

lol this kinda reminds me whats going on with the $ and the pound......





Subject: Fluctuations



I had a bunch of Canadian dollars I needed to exchange so I went to the

currency exchange window at the local bank.



Short line... just one guy in front of me...



The guy in front of me was an Asian guy who was trying to exchange yen

for dollars and he was a little agitated... he asked the teller, "why it

change, yestoday I get two hunat dolla fo yen - today I get hunat

eighty? Why it change?"



The teller says, "fluctuations" (fluc-tu-ations)



The Asian guy says, "fluc you white guys too!