International Selling Hub

Postage can be one of the biggest challenges to face when you start to sell abroad, so it’s worth doing plenty of research at the beginning to save you time solving problems later.

• Domestic and international: Don’t just assume that your domestic carrier is the best one for your international post; spend some time researching options. In addition, it may be worth using different international carriers for different destinations.
• Best for your buyer: Select a carrier where your buyers get the best deal (within 7 days is preferable), this may help you to achieve good feedback. However, it is important to set delivery expectations with international buyers in advance to avoid low ‘Dispatch time’ detailed seller ratings.
• Sites to research: The following sites may help you to find a suitable carrier: www.myparceldelivery.com, www.parcel2go.com, www.parcelmonkey.co.uk, www.transglobal.org.uk, www.payperparcel.co.uk
• Carriers to consider: eBay doesn’t recommend any particular carrier, but here’s a selection of carriers to consider: DHL Express, ParcelForce, Hermes Logistik Gruppe (HLG), FedEx European Economy, TNT Express, DPD Classic.

It’s worth trying out a carrier with a small volume before you enter too heavily into a market.

• Postage costs: The cost of sending items to other countries can vary greatly depending on the distance and postage methods. Most sellers specify that buyers pay the postage costs for international sales – make this clear to international buyers in your listing.
• Insurance: If you sell valuable items, consider insuring them. Check with your carrier for insurance options, or contact a third-party postal insurance provider for insurance coverage.
• Delivery times: Make the delivery times as clear as possible to the buyer (in the item listing and other communications). This will avoid unnecessary questions around postage and delivery times.
• Import restrictions: Be aware of import restrictions as these differ from country to country.
• Customs: Ensure awareness of customs requirements and import duties.

As with postage, it’s worth doing some research into local customs requirements. All international packages outside of the EU must clear customs in the destination country, and you'll need to complete the appropriate customs forms. It’s also good practice and it will help to avoid negative detailed seller ratings if you make it clear to your buyer on your listing when items will have to go through customs.

Customs is a government agency responsible for regulating items entering a country. All items being sent to and from a country must clear customs first. As an eBay seller, you'll need to provide the correct documentation so that your item won't be held indefinitely by customs. Your carrier can easily arrange for customs clearance before you post your items. Full details of British and European customs considerations can be found on the HM Revenue and Customs site.

Note: You may need to pay additional costs if items have to be returned because they don't clear customs. Also, goods can be held up if your carrier does not arrange for a customs broker in advance (most carriers provide this service automatically).

There are no customs borders within the EU and ‘goods can move within the EU member states without customs presentation and paperwork or the payment of customs duties’. Current EU member states include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK.

You’ll need a commercial invoice for postage outside of the EU to present to customs. This invoice should contain a description of the item and its value. You’ll also need a Certificate of Origin showing where the item was manufactured if the customs authorities of an importing country ask for proof of origin or a customer requests additional paperwork.

Please note that you are not allowed to declare your packages as gifts or non-commercial in order to avoid customs.

Some eBay sellers choose to open international logistical or delivery centres in the countries in which they’re selling. This can help with the speed of delivery and returns.