AboutMarvinator Expertise I`ve been involved with Ebay practically since it`s inception. I`ve spent a lot of free time in helping people find the answer to problems as well as selling techniquest on the Ebay system. I`m more than comfortable with the Ebay system, it`s rules and policies and the why`s and wherefores of it`s day to day operation and the operations of both a seller and buyer.
Experience Been a consistent seller on Ebay since 1997 and have been regarded as a 'source' for information on Ebay itself. (Under Expertiese, it should be techniques, not techniquest...sorry bout that....)
Expert: Marvinator Date: 6/11/2008 Subject: Buy International
Question I live in Venezuela. Can I buy something on eBay or Amazon? Can reach the article to my house in Venezuela? How long does it take to reach my house in Venezuela?
Buy International
Answer The answer to your inquiry is rather complicated.
Let's start by understanding that when you purchase on Ebay, you are not buying FROM Ebay. You are buying from an individual, or business unrelated to eBay. Ebay is a venue, much like the newspaper. If you were to buy a car from a newspaper ad, you don't pay the newspaper, you pay the owner of the car. Ebay works the same way. Each auction is merely an advertisement for an item in auction format. If you bid and win, you deal with the seller, not ebay.
Ok, so now let's examine what this means. Some sellers will gladly sell to a buyer out of the US. Many do not. So, as you browse the auction listings, be aware that many will have restrictions limiting who can bid. If they say they don't ship out of the Continental US, then you know you wont' be able to buy from that particular seller. If International bidders are welcome, then you can bid. You really won't know until you actually look at each auction and hunt down this information (located in the bottom portion of the listing.)
If you haven't already, check into getting a Paypal account. Some countries dont' have Paypal available to them, but having an account will make payments so much easier. Always take the time to transfer the money from your bank account into your paypal account before you bid. This makes your payment immediate. If the money is NOT in your paypal account, paypal puts through an E-Check and the seller must wait for the E-Check to clear before shipping your item, sometimes as much as 2-3 weeks! Seller's done' like e-checks because they also cost the seller more money in higher fees! Credit card purchases may be fast, but also cost the seller more money in higher fees. Whenever possible, make your purchase with money already in your Paypal account.
If a seller says they will ship internationally, then you can bid and, if you win, the seller will ship direct to your house. Make sure that you understand that YOU, as the buyer, will also be paying for the shipping from the seller's place of business (or residence) to yours. In addition, also be aware that the listed shipping price in the auction may NOT be what YOU will pay for shipping. Most sellers only list shipping within the US. International shipping may be a lot more.
How long it takes to get from the Seller to you depends entirely upon the shipping method. Being international, I'd ask the seller to use a service such as UPS, FedEx or DHL which will track your item door to door. (US Postal Service does not.) You can get more information on shipping at any of the web sites for the shipping companies. USPS.gov, UPS.com, dhl.com and fedex.com.
