Notes for Overseas Buyers

Shipping costs. I charge the actual USPS shipping costs only. However, be aware that shipping costs can be exorbitant, depending on where you are and what the item is. The shipping calculator at the top of the listing provides all shipping options and costs.

Please note that I have no control over the shipping costs. The figures quoted by the calculator on the listing page are not mine; they are automatically calculated by eBay and are the actual United States Postal Service rates. I've shipped hundreds of packages overseas, and my experience is that the calculator provides accurate shipping quotes. If the calculator says that shipping is expensive, then it's expensive, and asking me to recalculate the cost is not going to lower the cost. I cannot offer reduced rates. If you think the cost of shipping is too high, you're probably right, but you should lodge your complaint with the United States Postal Service.

First-class shipping is not available for packages weighing more than 4 pounds.

Insurance. I require insurance on all packages with a value of $50 or more. I usually don't require insurance on overseas packages of lower value. However, I reserve the right to require insurance on any package, depending on the value of the item, the country to which it's going, and the buyer's feedback rating. Please note that insured packages must be shipped standard priority; flat-rate priority and first-class packages cannot be insured. An insured priority package can cost significantly more to ship than an uninsured first-class package; make sure you consider this extra cost before you bid.

Refunds. I do not issue refunds for uninsured packages that are lost or damaged; the buyer accepts the financial risks.

Handling fees. I rarely charge a handling fee, but I reserve the right to add such fees if an overseas package requires special treatment or extra packing materials (which is hardly ever). If you have questions about such fees, contact me before you bid.

Duties and taxes. When you consider how much you're going to bid on an item, don't forget to factor in any duties or taxes you might have to pay. Please be aware that asking sellers to falsify customs forms violates eBay policies. I will not honor requests to claim purchases as gifts or value purchases at less than their purchase price.

Tracking and registering. Please note that first-class mail does NOT come with any kind of tracking service or other documentation that might offer a paper trail for a lost or delayed package. After a package has left my hands, it is in the system until you get it, and I have no way of determining where it is or where it’s going.

Proof of mailing. I generally will not use a certificate of mailing for cheap, lightweight packages such as postcards and ephemera. I do not have any proof of mailing for these packages; if such a package is lost, you will have to take my word that I mailed it. If you are uncomfortable with this arrangement, then you should request a certificate of mailing, which is available for a nominal fee.