I sold my first item using Auctiva the other day to a client in Germany. He could not get the checkout to work so he used PayPal direct. I am a little confused about this insurance stuff. I want to send the package by USPS or any carrier that will allow me to insure it for $1700 (the amount paid) and have it tracked. With the USPS, I cannot insure for more than $500. I also cannot have it tracked all the way to delivery. Am I to assume that the Auctiva insurance is paid or charged and I don't have to get postal insurance. As I cannot use the Auctiva checkout on this,how am I covered? Furthermore, do I NOT buy, say USPS insurance, and just use the Auctiva insurance?

Auctiva's insurance will cover international mail up to a value of $2500. Generally, tracking is not a requirement, but on a shipment of that value, it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to get something with tracking, just in case. I believe you can only get (true) tracking with Global Express Mail with USPS.

Check the coverage rules, just to make sure what you're shipping is eligible for coverage:

http://www.auctiva.com/help/pages/My%20Account/Checkout...ettings/Overview.htm

You can also estimate the insurance charges at the above link. To purchase insurance for your package, just click the "Sales" link, and then "View All Transactions", and then find the appropriate eBay sale in the list, and you will see a link for adding insurance.

I believe you have 3 days from the transaction date to purchase the insurance. If you missed that window, just file a support case with Auctiva, and they should be able to help you with that.