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UK Warriors, Help Me Out!

by ahlexis
10 replies
Hi! I'm in the USA, but was over at eBay and noticed that some things go for a LOT more money in the UK than in USA. What I mean is, if I go to ebay.co.uk, the price is in GBP, not in USD (obviously). But what is strange to me is, it is the same NUMBER. For instance, something I was considering selling is listed and has sold at $65-$75 USD on the .com site. At co.uk site it sells for $65-$75 GBP. Which, when I go to xe.com to check the currency conversion, 65GBP = $112 or so USD.

Because that's almost double, it got me curious.

My question is, since I am in the US, is it worth it to list this item on ebay.co.uk and ship it? Will the extra shipping work and/or costs outweigh the benefit of the higher sales price? And am I creating extra headache(s) for my buyers by selling this way?
#warriors
  • Profile picture of the author Diana Lane
    These days I try to avoid eBay in the same way as I avoid cleaning the oven, but I vaguely remember that at one time they'd show prices in the currency that your IP told them you were coming from. I'd make sure that what you're seeing actually is GBP.

    I once sold a roll of plastic sandwich bags to an American after bidding went up to what was the equivalent of ten dollars at the time (and that was BEFORE shipping - even now that still amazes me), so I imagine it would work the other way round occasionally too. Someone over here could well want to pay an astronomical price for your sandwich bags, but it's not something I'd rely on. Otherwise I'd be cheerfully selling sandwich bags on eBay all day long
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  • Profile picture of the author Richard Tunnah
    The simple fact is that many US Ebayers sell to the UK market as many things are cheaper for uk ebayers even by paying hefty shipping charges. You'll need to check import charges for you or your customer and of course shipping charges (usually it's much dearer to ship via air then to take a week overland).

    Rich
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  • Profile picture of the author ahlexis
    I'm seeing this "£" in front of the number on the co.uk site, and "$" (without the quotes) on the .com site.

    And yes, I'd be selling sandwich bags on eBay all day long, too, if I thought I could get that kind of money!

    Thanks for the heads up on the IP address details. I'm starting to wonder if the auctions I am seeing with the higher prices aren't getting advertising from sources outside eBay, such as TV or some other media source that not all the listings are benefitting from.
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  • Profile picture of the author spearce000
    It would probably be worth your while. It's been a while since I listed something in eBay, but as I recall, it is possible to list on both the UK and US sites at the same time, although you'd have to charge the same price and it would be converted into the other currency at the current exchange rate. I don't know if it would be possible to have different accounts for diffent currencies, but it might be worth asking.

    They don't call Britain "Treasure Island" for nothing!
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  • Profile picture of the author garyk1968
    Yep I'm afraid the dollar-sterling symbol swap has *always* pi$$ed me off. For as long as I can remember being a techi and buying techie books they have always been the same amount in sterling here as they are in USD which is plain wrong.

    regards ebay, you would have to try, I think it depends on the item and many ebayers like to buy from UK sellers.

    Gary
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  • Profile picture of the author mpruben
    I used to buy stuff from the US all the time, but found that about every third shipment was stopped by customs who demanded VAT, various random duties and a "collection fee" (levied by the shipping co) of over £30.
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    • Profile picture of the author Richard Tunnah
      Originally Posted by mpruben View Post

      I used to buy stuff from the US all the time, but found that about every third shipment was stopped by customs who demanded VAT, various random duties and a "collection fee" (levied by the shipping co) of over £30.
      If it's sent as a gift then no duty is levied but true UK customs have the right to add duties to all goods entering the UK. I've been hit with this a few times and as the courier pays this you don't get your goods until you pay them!

      Rich
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      • Profile picture of the author thatkiwiguyonline
        Originally Posted by Richard Tunnah View Post

        If it's sent as a gift then no duty is levied but true UK customs have the right to add duties to all goods entering the UK. I've been hit with this a few times and as the courier pays this you don't get your goods until you pay them!

        Rich
        Well then does He sign up to ebay.uk and ebay.com
        Money wise GBP is worth more than the USD
        Just to throw in a mixer you could also look at another site here called
        and sell to both ebay sites
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  • Profile picture of the author ahlexis
    . . . "collection fee" (levied by the shipping co) of over £30.
    OUCH!

    Looks like for the item I am considering selling it would not be worth it. Maybe so for me, but not so much for the UK buyers.

    Thanks for everyone helping me with this. You've probably saved me a lot of aggravation!

    ahlexis
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  • Profile picture of the author Will Edwards
    Since my website is targeted at the US market, this is exactly why I price my products so inexpensively. People always say they are too low a price, but I always wanted to provide good quality and good value, so I first arrive at my UK price - and then I sell them for that same figure in dollars. I know my prices are very low, but I sell a lot of stuff.

    Will
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