Question
Thanks for the heads up, Susan. Interesting 'stuff'.
http://www.ebay.com/advancedsolution...geName=CMDV:AB
I especially like the FREE TRIAL part for the search feature.
Answer
Hey Neil, they have a special set of tools for the Canadian buyers.
Borderfree
• Canadian Buyers can now use Borderfree to:
• Access many more eBay.com listings
• Understand all applicable costs in advance
• Lower Canadian shipping costs
• Service to more countries coming soon
Oh,OH. There's a small problem:
http://www.borderfree.com/ebay/buyers/index.jsp
There are 2 ways you can use Borderfree if you are an eBay Buyer
1. Bid on items from U.S. Sellers who are already enabled with Borderfree. To see a list of the items currently available, Click Here >>
2. If you want an item that is not available internationally, you can request that the Seller use Borderfree to get you that item should you win. To learn more, Click Here >>
Blanche
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It appears to be real ...I thought it was a joke when I read Neil's thread title.
"Pluck"
• Free add-on for Internet Explorer! (more spyware?)
http://www.pluck.com/partners/ebay/?GCID=C12286x020
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I just don't get this whole borderfree crap? Obviously the intent is to make even MORE money off of their user base, but why does a Canadian need to go through some dumb azz eBay feature to buy from a US based seller?
I don't get it.
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They are making things too complex.
So now, to bid and buy something, you need a search service, sniping service, email service, payment service and feedback service. Throw in different TOS and shipping amounts, makes online B&M looks easier and easier.
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Neil, maybe this has something to do with it:
Bid on items from U.S. Sellers who are already enabled with Borderfree
So, is there a fee for sellers to become enabled with borderfree? If so, then eBay has a nice TWO BAGGER.
commentary, I agree. It's becoming too complicated and confusing to shop on eBay.
Blanche
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I saw that, but the whole concept seems assinine to me. Do they really think people are going to pay for a service when they can already do the same thing ..... for free? I know we're a bit slow up here, but .......
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Well, the service has the USA seller ship item to a USA address. So at least in the case of myself, they get cheaper s/h. Presumably Borderfree will work some magic at the border so that they have to pay a smaller customs fee or pay it less often. Certainly, at least, they won't have to pay the $5 handling fee of canada post.
Borderfree also has some interesting guarantees that are not available when a seller ships directly to the person in canada.
I guess we'd need some canadians to run the numbers and tell us if the deal is worthwhile.
As for Borderfree itself, it's been around a while, so it's a legit service.
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Oh, I get it now. This is eBay's way of 'helping' Canadians cut deals with US sellers that refuse to ship to Canada. Technically with this service the US based seller would be shipping it to a US addy. So eBay realizes that Canadians are their number 2 buying pool (size wise), and that the more bids placed the more they can make.
I like the part about screwing Canada Post out of their $5, but the rest of it seems like a huge hassle. I imagine most Canucks will simply find a seller that doesn't have a problem accepting their bid.
Answer
Good Evening,
Neil…..Neil………you have been spending too much time with the Labs.
It is Canada Post Borderfree. A service introduced by your very own Canada Post. I didn’t read what it is supposed to do. I can never make heads or tails of Canada Post. There is also something called Borderfree Ltd.
Host: eBay Staff with Craig from Borderfree
Date: Tuesday 07/27/2004
Time: 14:00 - 15:00 PDT
Location: Workshop Board <http://forums.ebay.com/forum.jsp?forum=93>
Description: Borderfree is a company that helps make the border issues disappear for the US sellers and make the mystery of extra charges disappear for Canadian buyers. We’ve partnered with them because the service is fast and easy for our sellers - simply tell Borderfree what the item is and where it was made and then ship your sold item to their US processing centre. For your Canadian buyers, they will know and pre-pay all taxes, duties and shipping fees on your item. We will also be happy to respond to any questions or concerns sellers may have with dealing with Canadian buyers. They hope to add other countries very soon.
Now that eBay has opened their API (the NET API), they are encouraging developers to do stuff like these “buyers tools”. I am convinced that opening the API is one of the reasons the site is slower than ever, (also there is the ever increasing number of 3rd party cookies and crap, Ominture is a real duzzy…) I have a fast connection and the slow site has really put a crimp on my sniping, which wasn’t all that good anyway.
Plan on more add ons and junk. Remember the first rule of eBay, (no silly, it isn’t Community), follow the money. More diversification to increase revenue, they sure can’t rely on increasing auction revenue with a reported 37% sell though.
BTW……I don’t know what happened to my user id. I got an email with an updated pass and this was the associated user name. I know I have been “away” for quite a while so I am not going to give anyone any grief. Anyone have any hints about uploading an avatar? I am jealous of RD's magnificant fish and Blanche's graphics. (Blanche, nice to see you. ) Susan