Since online shipping labels have become available for international shipping, I've ventured out and accepted international payments via PayPal without incident. The majority of my international sales go to Canada and the United Kingdom. Both according to PayPal can 'now' be verified. I just sent a package to Spain. They paid through PayPal. So, we'll see. I've often considered scrapping international sales because of the extra hassel. I dunno, I'm sticking with it for the moment. So far, no worries. I may decide to limit sales to Canada and the United Kingdom in the future. I haven't decided. I get enough international sales that I hate to give it up altogether. Even packages that someone 'claims' didn't arrive can be tracked most of the time via form 542. It takes about a month. PayPal told me that if they ever decided in favor of an international buyer and then found out later on (via form 542) the item was delivered all monies would be refunded. Anyway, something to consider.
If eBay goes listing hike increase crazy, I'll have to rethink a few things as well. If they raise the gallery again -- I will no longer use it period. Or very sparingly. As it is, I plan to cut down using it on any item $9.99 or lower. It's a big waste. You have to figure an entire page (30 items) of $9.99 'no gallery' items are paid for if one of them sells. Gallery is the biggest ripoff on eBay. Yet, everyone continues to use it. If the entire community stopped using it 'together' then, eBay would have to change. Of course, this isn't going to happen. If eBay starts charging more to list 7 days versus 5 days, screw them. I'll list 5 days. I'm not going to worry about it.
I know, BTPS already has a few eCrater stores. I think an off eBay website is a very, very good idea. Using eBay as a way to capture customers and convert them to your off eBay store is the goal. You can use PayPal for credit card payments (a merchant account) for $20 per month and fees. It's the Pro package they offer.
Anymore it seems lower prices and big, big volume is the key to success on eBay. If a seller can purchase their inventory at low, low prices they can do this. I dunno, there are markets for all types of buyers. So who knows.
Anyway, back to the holiday fun.
Come back again, BTPS.
Cya.
