The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi folk

A slightly off track question, though one that troubles me greatly. My question relates to the
variation in shipping costs from the US to Australia on Ebay for phonographs and phonograph equipment.

Usually the listings I look for are priority delivery up to 14 days from the US to Sydney with a tracking number,
although this can vary, with what goodies are being offered.

Over the last few months I’ve seen quoted Amberola 30 shipping costs varying as follows: $76 - $175 (these are the cheap ones).
I recently paid $76 delivery for an Amberola 30, which took just under two weeks to arrive, it was double boxed, with bubble wrap
and peanut foam packing. I also paid $195 to have an Amberola 50 delivered, though I have seen a quote of $450 for delivery of a 50.

Last week a friend of mine here in Sydney paid $105 for delivery of a Fireside phonograph together with #10 Cygnet horn. This
machine was beautifully packaged and took just over a week to arrive from the US. This afternoon I saw an Amberola V on Ebay,
with a quoted shipping cost of $1005 to Australia. I cannot see why costs vary so much, as it excludes international buyers like us,
and also disadvantages the seller because of the lack of competition in the bidding process.

Is anyone able to tell me why the shipping costs vary so much? Could it be Ebay user inexperience, or the way Ebay structures its default pricing?

I have contacted Ebay, and I'm awaiting a response but will research a little more, before considering if there is anything I can do to remedy this
situation.

Ade

some sellers just plain don't want to deal with foreign buyers, but the quote you see is Ebay's quote according to the dimension given by the seller. I always ask how much it would really cost to ship because of that.

Most buyers wish to know shipping costs in advance. The way eBay sets up the listing format, only one international shipping price can be shown. It doesn't matter if it's Australia or Zanzibar, it must all be quoted at one price.

There may be some sellers who are either scrimping on the packing, to save costs, or deliberately taking a loss on the shipping as an enticement. I myself sometimes offer free worldwide shipping, but neither FedEx or USPS (my primary carriers) ever offer any "free" days.

Lastly, may I add that shipping by USPS is often difficult or impossible due to size restrictions, which differ between inbound to the U.S. and outbound, with outbound limits often much smaller than inbound. And that varies by country, too.

So, let me say, if you are confused as a buyer, welcome to the club, I've been an eBay seller for 16 years and still can't figure it out either. My advice is to look at the total costs as a package and make your value judgement accordingly.

Thanks Leo and Raphael for your replies.

Raphael, I think you hit the nail on its head, in that you said
you are confused after 16 years a seller….

I will continue to look at this anomaly, because I believe
someone is being diddled…

Ade

Not sure any "diddling" going on, it's more a function of eBay's method of squeezing maximum commissions (the shipping costs are subject to their fees) with a minimum of effort on their part.

Another thing to consider is packing and handling. I spend upwards of over $1,000/month on shipping supplies. Things like bubble-wrap, double-walled boxes, etc. aren't cheap. The costs for packing (and insurance) must be built into the overall equation, either on the front-end or back. And international shipments require a lot of paperwork, and sometimes an export license (due to value), which costs money too.

Like I said, look at the total cost and see if it suits you. If not, don't look at the seller as being at fault on the shipping end, most of us would rather not ship at all, it's a necessary evil.

Over the years I've shipped many packages over seas. In addition to what was stated above, some other factors that effect the cost and differences in shipping cost from the USA.
About two years ago our postal service stopped offering the economical parcel post service for shipping out of the US. So now were left with the more costly Priority Mail and Express mail for shipping items over 4 pounds.
Also some sellers will print shipping labels online which give the seller a discount and they pass it on. If the seller takes the package to the post office for the label there is no discount. I've seen these discounts as much as 25%.
For what ever reason some countries are far more costly to ship to than others, and I find Australia to be one of the most costly. (Germany is the slowest)
In the end Ebay doesn't really have anything to do with it other than taking their fee from the shipping cost as well as the item cost. I thinks it's just a matter of how use the seller is to shipping over seas and how they handle the extra expense to do it.

Best Regards, Larry

Gentlemen (each of you who has responded), thanks for sharing your advice, experience
and information, it is appreciated and enlightening.

My overall experience with ebay has been good, and honestly, I have truly been uplifted by the genuine
goodwill, generosity and understanding of 99.99% of people I have made purchases or enquiries from in North
America. I really mean that.

I am learning that ebay, like any other business can be quite complex and is buyer beware (or seller for that matter).

I have worked hard all my life, now nearing retirement, and I’m looking forward to being able to work on and enjoy
Edison’s (and others) wonderful art. I guess my little cry from the wilderness was more out of frustration, although
I have been quite fortunate with several purchases, and that was just a matter of being vigilant.

Half of the fun is in the chase, and there is plenty of room for everyone to have fun.

I won't bore you any longer on this matter.

Sincerely

Ade

“We didn't all come over on the same ship, but we're all in the same boat” (Baruch)