International shipping seems intimadating but it isn't. Now, you can print out international shipping labels via eBay's, 'My eBay' making it even easier.
BidPay is no longer in business. The reason many sellers were using BidPay is because PayPal doesn't cover 'unconfirmed addresses'. Most international buyers cannot have their addresses confirmed. Thus you're open to 'chargeback' with no recourse.
However, PayPal infroms me that most Canadian and United Kingdom buyers can now have their addresses confirmed. So, you could ship to them as long as you use an electronic tracking option.
Which leads us to out next hurdle -- Global Priority Mail doesn't offer delivery confirmation. Global Express Mail offers both delivery confirmation and insurnce but it's considerably more expensive. Since the international labels have been able to print online, I've noticed the system is using the 'customs' number as a tracking number.
Recently, I shipped an item to Spain. It arrived in 3 days via Global Priority Mail. I was able to see the delivery status via 'My eBay' under 'shipping status'.
You might want to call PayPal and ask them 'exactly' what to do with regard to 'confirmed addresses' for Canadain and United Kingdom buyers. They will advise you. You can reach PayPal at this number M-F 4am to 10pm and Sat / Sun from 6am to 8pm. 1(888) 221-1161.
To play it safe, you could only ship to Canada and the UK. Let these buyers know the 'must' confirm their address through PayPal. Then use the online shipping to print out your labels.
Once you add in the shipping costs to Canada or the United Kingdom into your 'presets' it will automatically add this shipping cost to whatever listing you allow these buyers to purchase from. Require insurance, no exceptions.
1) Call Paypal and get all the info you need.
2) Update your listing 'presets'.
3) Go to the post office and grab a bunch of these forms, (green & white) form 2976. Very, very easy to fill out. Basically, you fill in your mailing info and theirs, the item, it's value, its weight and then sign and date it. Attach it to the outgoing package. Now, that you can print out your international shipping labels you can schedule a pick up for these as well. I really love the convience. I hope this helps. It's not as bad as you think it is. Once you do it a few times, you'll see.
Good luck!
