Skylab
Reviewerus Prolificus
Eneloquent is right on. Shipping overseas is a MUCH bigger hassle than shipping domestically. First, anything heavy requires the very long, detailed customs form. And where I live, it means waiting in line, as opposed to domestic US mailing where I can use the automated machine, or using UPS, where they will literally come right to my doorstep and get it.
Next, there is the issue that I, for one, will not falsify customs documents. And yet, almost every international buyer asks for this - "please mark as gift". Guess what? It's NOT a gift! So I will not mark it as such!
And finally, there is the issue of cost. Shipping overseas is much more expensive, for heavy items, and in many cases, the economics does not make sense. Take for example the Ming-Da amp I just sold. In the US, it costs about $15 to send it via UPS. Overseas, the shipping would be $60 or more. Does this really make sense for a $300 amp?
Anyway, it's just silly to suggest this is somehow people having a closed mind. I have made some great friendships on head-fi with folks outside of the USA - for this, the internet is great. But for buying and selling - it solves nothing. I have done a LOT of international shipping - but the only thing I really don't mind shipping overseas are tubes - because they are nice and light weight
Lastly - this is in the wrong forum
Next, there is the issue that I, for one, will not falsify customs documents. And yet, almost every international buyer asks for this - "please mark as gift". Guess what? It's NOT a gift! So I will not mark it as such!
And finally, there is the issue of cost. Shipping overseas is much more expensive, for heavy items, and in many cases, the economics does not make sense. Take for example the Ming-Da amp I just sold. In the US, it costs about $15 to send it via UPS. Overseas, the shipping would be $60 or more. Does this really make sense for a $300 amp?
Anyway, it's just silly to suggest this is somehow people having a closed mind. I have made some great friendships on head-fi with folks outside of the USA - for this, the internet is great. But for buying and selling - it solves nothing. I have done a LOT of international shipping - but the only thing I really don't mind shipping overseas are tubes - because they are nice and light weight
Lastly - this is in the wrong forum