eBay is said to be preparing for the September launch of a new program that is meant to simplify international shipping.
EcommerceBytes reports that eBay will start its new Global Shipping Program next month, partnering with Pitney Bowes, a provider of customer communications technologies. Through the new shipping program, U.S. sellers who ship internationally will be able to handle the shipping process within the States, and leave the overseas delivery details to Pitney Bowes, according to the report.
This includes estimating costs, dealing with customs, providing insurance and making sure items make it to customers. However, “sellers opting into the Global Shipping Program have no control over the shipping service or cost of the international leg,” EcommerceBytes reports.
Buyers will see the cost of shipping in one lump sum, plus an import charge Pitney Bowes will set. All of these fees are paid during checkout so there won’t be surprise tariffs when shoppers get their items, the site states.
The news site adds that items delivered through the Global Shipping Program must be paid for with PayPal and can’t exceed a value of $2,500, noting that sellers will be responsible for shipments during the domestic portion of delivery. That responsibility will end when packages reach international shipping providers.
The program will eventually become the default international shipping option for all sellers, according to EcommerceBytes.
Mixed reaction
News of the new program made some sellers unhappy.
“I have to say that really ruined my morning,” writes my_things_for_u in an eBay seller forum. “As usual, eBay is launching it just in time for the holiday season—what a nightmare this looks like. Seems like shipping for [international] buyers will cost a lot more (at least much more than FCI) and who knows how long delivery time will be?”
Rebecca Miller, an eBay seller of more than 13 years, says she’s not sure how to feel about the Global Shipping Program.
“I kind of want to sit back and see how well it works before I try it,” she says. “I might let other sellers dip their toes in the water first to see what they think before I give it a shot.”
eBay has yet to announce the Global Shipping Program. Sellers will reportedly be asked to opt in via emails and on-site prompts on eBay’s U.S. site.
