Posting Ebay Item Overseas?

[mrs.chappie]

Apologies for wrong category but don't know where this should go.

I have a listing on eBay due to finish shortly and the highest bidder (so far) is in Portugal.

I've always chosen to post to the UK only (I know it restricts bidders but it's what I prefer to do). On checking the listing, I see that eBay have added to it that I will post to the UK and many other countries, with a link to various countries (Portugal being one of them).

The postage I've charged is parcel rate for UK only, and won't cover the cost to Portugal. Could anyone give me any advice please?

[kvalidir]

Contact your high bidder and tell them how much postage will cost to Portugal. We post worldwide and it's no hassle but Ebay is a pig lately with it's postage nonsense. Give your high bidder the chance to withdraw if they wish, given the postage difference.

[mrs.chappie]

Many thanks for your reply, Kval.

I got an email from eBay telling me the item had been sold through the Global Shipping Programme (a new one on me) - apparently I have to send it to a UK address (a parcel handling depot in Derbyshire) and pay the UK postage - they then send the item on to its international destination, with additional costs being paid by the buyer. At least, I think that's what happens...this afternoon's conversation with an Ebay advisor was difficult as her English was not too good, unfortunately.

She informed me that I have been automatically registered for this service and if I don't want to partake, I have to change the shipping preferences in my eBay settings.

[kvalidir]

Ebay seem to have a team working on how they can be the an even worse company to deal with than they already are. I hadn't heard of this, but then we always ship globally anyway so I probably wouldn't have, but what an annoying thing to happen without informing you first. Getting to really despise ebay:(
Hope it all works out for you :)

[mrs.chappie]

Thanks Kval. It did feel strange to address the parcel to a UK address, knowing that it's going to Portugal. I just hope it turns up for the buyer. :o/