International sales questions

[sonpuff]

Just wondering what percentage of artisan pipe makers out there offer to sell their pipes internationally.

I was haveing this conversation with someone on eBay and they told me that if you typically have no problem selling your items nationally then the hassels of international sales are not worth the head aches. However, they qualified this statement by saying it you are selling high dollar items, and the items have just as much interest both nationally and internationally, then international sales may be more attractive and worth the effort.

If you go to the lengths to read all that eBay has to say regarding international sales, the process of just wading through all the dialog is enough to scare some people off.

On the other hand though, I feel the process could possibly be easier than imagined, because I have read the shipping instructions for some of the high end artisan pipe makers which basically read:

* For international sales shipping will be a flat $35.00.
*Payment is required through PayPal only.
* Returns for international sales will be honored but the pipe must be returned unsmoked and with its original box and sock.
*If returned in its original condition credit will be issued through PayPal less the shipping costs.

These simple instructions sounds to me like the seller simply boxes up the pipe, takes it to the post office, fills out any required customs form, and away it goes.

Is it that simple, or is there more to it than that?

Seems to me it would really open up your market possibilities if international sales were a simple issue.

Can some of you experienced sellers out there enlighten us on the pros and cons?

Thanks,

Sonpuff

 

[monbla256]

Do they mention ANYTHING about either US or European Customs Duties ? These will ALWAYS ADD cost factors and as I understand it the shipper and receiver have to deal with them depending on the particular application and NOT e-prey or the payment organization. Just an additional factor to take into consideration with International commerce.  :twisted: The TAX MAN ALWAYS gets his  :twisted:   :twisted: 

 

[dshpipes]

I've only sold one pipe internationally, but I can say that I was surprised by how easy it was. I used USPS shipping to Sweden. With insurance, the cost of shipping was less than $25 and took less than 2 weeks to arrive at its destination.

 

[sonpuff]

Thanks for everyones input and insights on this subject.

I just had a nice running conversation with a pipe maker who does quite a bit of International sales.

He told me he charges $20.00 to Canada and $25.00 to anywhere else in the world and this is for USPS Flat rate priority mail.
He also makes sure he purchases insurance to cover any losses that may occur in event of a non-delivery sitiuation and he ends up having to reimburse the buyer through payPal.

He said of all the packages he has shipped so far in his business only one was lost and that was in New York and he has had zero incidences internationally.

He also went on to say that he will not falsify information on customs forms even if asked by the buyer in order to lower any customs or added value taxes for the customer.

He said all taxes, added value taxes, customs taxes, duties or whatever are all on the buyer and to make sure international customers are aware that they will be responsible for these additional costs when purchasing your item.

He said the process is simple and well worth the additional sales.

Myself, I would probably qualify this by saying that from viewing his web site that it appears he is not selling extremely high end and extremely expensive pipes. So the duties and taxes on what he does sell outside the U.S. would probably not amount to much to the buyer, which could explain the interest for his products overseas.

It would be interesting to know how many high end pipe makers sell internationally. I mean the $500.00+ and up pipes.

I'm certain there are the wealthy outside the U.S. that spend money on high end items like artisan pipes as well.

 

[sonpuff]

Do you do any shipping to China?
I just read an article in the "Pipes and Cigars" catalog that I just received where the author mentioned that China is the largest pipe consuming market in the world with the American market making up only %40 to %45 of this authors business.
So, it would not make sense to me to leave China out of a pipe makers market if this is the case.

 

[KevinM]

Related Q, if I may --

Suppose you have a relative in Europe who you occasionally gift with an estate pipe or a few ounces of tobak. This isn't a commercial transaction -- purely personal and infrequent.

I'm thinking no taxes or fees would apply for sender or receiver, though it may depend on the destination country. Is that right?

I'm also thinking it may not be a great idea to be excessively explicit about the package content -- something like, "Carved Wood Ornament."  A tobak gift could be, "Knit Socks." Any comment?

I'm just too lazy to begin dreaming up new birthday presents and such when pipe-related items have been satisfactory for decades. I also don't want to cause unnecessary expense for the recipient.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

[Growley]

I've sent pipes to China, Canada, Australia and Papua New Guinea. I've never run into any problems or had any buyers report any ridiculously crazy taxes. I'm always a bit nervous until it gets there, but to date I've had 100% delivery with no issues.

I know people like Rad Davis also ship internationally, and I know he's probably shipped more than just a few.