As you guys know, I'm setting up my puppet store, and I'm planning on selling internationally, but am wondering whether it's worth it at this stage.

The puppets I'm selling are pretty small, but would have to be shipped in a small box at the very least. Shipping overseas using a box is quite expensive, and the way I've got payment currently set up (via Paypal), I'm only using one shipping cost.

What do you guys think? Do you sell overseas, and is it worth it? How do you deal with the different shipping costs?

Thanks!

Na

It's a hassle, but I do it. You have to put a note that overseas shipping is higher and to email you for shipping costs. Then you can send a money request via paypal.

Thanks - I'm thinking about not doing international orders for the time being, just so I can get everything launched on time. It's either follow your suggestion, or in fact, make two buy me now buttons for my site...

Once it's done, you'll be able to better see why I'm having trouble with it.

I've thought about doing it too but have some reservations. I know if things are shipped from US to UK we often have to pay import duty. I have been stung on that before as it can be quite expensive, I will have to see if I can find a site to work out how its calculated. The extra charge might put people off and its a bit of a shock if you're not expecting it!

Maybe I can sell your guys stuff to the UK populace and you can sell mine to your countries and we can just do bulk shipments to each other, what do you think? (yeah I know, always the business woman!)

Wyoh

Oh, I hadn't even thought of customs...

I had decided yesterday after thinking about it that I could just raise my shipping price - make it a flat rate for no matter where you are. It's only a few dollars, and would cover packaging etc, and any extra made on domestic shipping could go towards packaging costs for international shipping. (So it evens out in the end).

But I forgot about customs. I'll have to investigate it more.

Maybe I can sell your guys stuff to the UK populace and you can sell mine to your countries and we can just do bulk shipments to each other, what do you think? Smiley (yeah I know, always the business woman!)

I'll have a think about this     Eventually, I want to have my own physical puppet store... (One thing at a time though!)

Hey all - tonight I launched my store! Let me know what you think:

http://puppetsinmelbourne.com.au/index.php/sale

HOW FREAKING COOL IS THAT!? 

Way to go, it's an awesome way for customers to get a good visual on the build of their custom puppet!

-Michele

really neat idea....can they have more than 1 eye   : P

I L ve the idea especially the visual aspect. 

What a creative idea you have.

I hope that it takes off very well for you.

Daryl H

Wow ! I think you've got it................ a great idea that is . I love the visual. Great Job.

Billy d.