Buying on eBay

[lone-ranger]

Hi All

Have any of you purchased products on eBay? Is it safe & what are the import charges? Where do you pay this over to SARS?

Many Thanks
Lone-Ranger

 

[howardb]

eBay is generally safe; as with all online shopping, do your research on the seller first - and remember if the deal seems to good to be true, it's probably is...

I try and avoid the SA Post Office for delivery - too many things go missing; try Postbox Courier (speak to Gary) or similar - it all depends on the item(s) you're purchasing though.

Import charges vary, depending on what you buy - they generally charge a small Clearance Fee, some items have VAT at 14% whilst others will also have Customs Duty added. These are normally paid to SAPO or international mail hub (also SAPO).
If by courier, then the charges will be given to you by the courier.

If you can indicate what types of items you're looking at buying, maybe list them (or the category type) here and someone can then advise further.

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

As long as the items are on the small side then you're generally good. Also always spend a bit more on shipping if you have the option.

Bigger items become too expensive to ship. As mentioned above you'll also have to pay import charges which can vary wildly on what type of item it is.

 

[lone-ranger]

Thanks for the info. I am looking to buy a spare cellphone battery & charger which works out cheaper on eBay than local shops.

 

[Space_Chief]

Thanks for the info. I am looking to buy a spare cellphone battery & charger which works out cheaper on eBay than local shops.

BatteryUpgrade.com

Free FedEx shipping for batteries.

Li-ion batteries cannot be legally shipped by post office.

 

[Slingshot]

BatteryUpgrade.com

Free FedEx shipping for batteries.

Li-ion batteries cannot be legally shipped by post office.

Their prices are ridiculously high. Even considering the free FedEx shipping.

 

[Space_Chief]

Their prices are ridiculously high. Even considering the free FedEx shipping.

I didn't notice much difference. They also include a $5 OFF coupon with each shipment.

But the best thing is that they are reputable and use reputable makers. Many of the cheaper batteries on Ebay are made by less reputable OEMs or are knock offs. I'd rather pay $5 extra and not have my phone explode or leak in my pocket.

I've used them on several occasions. And their batteries work very well.

 

[Space_Chief]

Hi All

Have any of you purchased products on eBay? Is it safe & what are the import charges? Where do you pay this over to SARS?

Many Thanks
Lone-Ranger

If you find a US seller who ships using Ebay Global Shipping = Pitney Bowes, and pay the full sum, you will get the item delivered to your door by courier using FedEx economy with all tax charges paid. You don't pay a cent more. You'll get a FedEx tracking number you can track your parcel with. It's similar to the Amazon Global Shipping with only one difference. Amazon uses Aramex, PB use FedEx, and Amazon tends to refund you if customs charge less. If customs charge more, in both cases PB and Amazon pay for that.

http://blogs.pb.com/ecommerce/2013/07/10/global-shipping-program/

 

[StNick]

Just thought I'd add my two cents here. I've bought my first item using Ebay's "Global Shipping Program", and so far is is an exercise in frustration. The principal is good on paper, but it is clearly a system designed to protect the seller, with little benefit to the buyer.

My seller shipped my new laptop direct to Ebay's global shipping centre the same day I bought it, via UPS. He did his part; I cannot complain there. The problem is, the item has not budged since Thursday (almost fives days now). It's still sitting at the shipping centre, and I have no way to follow up, or try light a fire under someone's ass. Yes, I like that I have paid up front for all customs charges, but if I'd known what I know now about Ebay's GSP, I would have purchased from a different seller who shipped internationally direct; I would be expecting to receive the item today or tomorrow. Instead, my expected delivery is NEXT week Friday, and I'm not even optimistic about that.

 

[Toothless]

Just thought I'd add my two cents here. I've bought my first item using Ebay's "Global Shipping Program", and so far is is an exercise in frustration. The principal is good on paper, but it is clearly a system designed to protect the seller, with little benefit to the buyer.

My seller shipped my new laptop direct to Ebay's global shipping centre the same day I bought it, via UPS. He did his part; I cannot complain there. The problem is, the item has not budged since Thursday (almost fives days now). It's still sitting at the shipping centre, and I have no way to follow up, or try light a fire under someone's ass. Yes, I like that I have paid up front for all customs charges, but if I'd known what I know now about Ebay's GSP, I would have purchased from a different seller who shipped internationally direct; I would be expecting to receive the item today or tomorrow. Instead, my expected delivery is NEXT week Friday, and I'm not even optimistic about that.

Yep, typical Noob eBay user comment this.

Sit back and relax. You will receive your package, and probably way in advance of the actual delivery time.

Yes, getting things delivered directly via Fedex will get it delivered sooner. Only difference, you will need to pay the taxes to Fedex before they deliver it.

Here is how the Global Shipping Program works:

1. Seller sends the package via normal USPS to eBay in Erlanger, Kentucky. (This may take anywhere from 2-5 days)
2. In Erlanger the package goes through their administration, customs, etc. (This may often take 1-2 or even 3 days)
3. The package is then sent to Memphis, from where it will be sent to the International location. (I found my packages here most of the time 1-2 days)
4. Normally, from here your package is sent to Stansted, ES and then on to Poyle, GB. (This usually happens in 1 day, sometimes 2).
5. From Poyle, GB your package comes to SA and is delivered the same day, sometimes the next, after clearing customs.

Give yourself about a week to 10 days before the package gets to SA. Besides, eBay does not really have live updates before the package is sent from Erlanger.