Chinese Bronze Censer, Further Research?

I agree with Komo. Tell him, politely of course, that as soon as his payment is in your account you will do your best to accommodate his shipping and packing needs, which could require additional fees. In YOUR PayPal account, no wire transfers or similar


And, once more. You did a great job.

 

So, you advice no other method of payment but paypal. What's wrong with wire transfer?

 

He wants declared value $1000 and marked as a gift. I am ok with the first but not sure about the second. Will Ebay system anyway let me mark is as a gift?

 

I've always refused such requests even if it has meant the sale collapses.

 

Well, the thing is that when dealing with Chinese items, every second buyer( 90% from China) wants to do that. Especially with the more expensive pieces. Breaking the deal and relisting the item will probably lead to another buyer with the same requests.

 

Another thing. I don't understand why Chinese buyers wants lower value. If not wrong, the antique imports into China are tax free, are not they?

 

If they want lower value there has to be a reason. Somebody more knowledgeable than me may help but a quick spin on duty calculator suggest that China has no customs duty BUT has 17% import VAT on delivered costs. So I'd guess classifying as a gift and stating value of $1,000 may save the buyer a shedload of tax and the local authorities may take a dim view of that. I'm unsure as to where you would stand on the custom's declaration but it's not a place where I'd be comfortable.

 

Ditto rhiwfield

I've shipped many, many overseas, but not that price range. So I can only say that I've read quite a few sellers' comments like - "DON'T ASK ME TO MISQUOTE VALUE"
I'm pretty sure it's a crime.

And for PayPal.............. to me a bit safer than direct to my bank account.
On the other hand I don't like PayPal having control of that kind of money.
On the other hand they really do control it anyway. If the buyer convinced them the transaction was fraudulent they can take money from your bank account.

Ask someone more experienced. Just, if it were me, I'd be anxious to get that money out of the buyer's account NOW.
I've always followed the rule, "Count your money when the check clears."

 

a guy in China who can spend that kinda money on an ebay item from the USA, can afford the customs fees............cheap son of a bitch !

I foresee trouble.

 

You can't possibly put down a customs value of $1,000, then turn around and insure it for $8,000. The buyer should understand this, and understand why you must fully insure it.

 

You're all supplying advice I agree with 100%. ESPECIALLY Komo's BOTH remarks.

A question, though. (I ship ONLY USPS Priority. Domestic or International.) Not sure on Inter, but domestic max. insurance is $5,000.

What insurance method do you members use for over $5,000?

FedEx? Last time I used them with insurance - package shipped to Texas - contents antiques. Insurance $10,000. Paid for all. All arrived in perfect condition. THEN WAS TOLD that they DO NOT INSURE ANTIQUES. Phoned them and they confirmed that they will only pay the value of a NEW replacement. Do not insure ANTIQUE items. (but didn't refund my insurance fee)

I call UPS United Package Smashers. And I'm not the only one.

 

I also agree with you but you guys have to understand that this is what Chinese buyers want. Maybe not all but most of them. If you don't play their game you have less chance selling the items.

 

Are you saying that Chinese buyers are more difficult to deal with?

I've never sold and shipped to China. How large is your Chinese buyer base?

Do they more or less pass info to each other concerning which sellers to use and which not?

Sounds like you're very reluctant to disturb the Chinese market, and I won't argue with you about that. It's your business and choices.

If it were me I would likely be more aggressive. I've dealt with scammers and was always polite, courteous and "yessing." But also firm. I can only guess that maybe if I were in your shoes right now I might drop some mention of "Second chance" offers to bidder 2 or 3.

 

I shipped a $ 12,000 totem pole cross country with fedex.....only 1000 insurance.....so I packed it well enough you could drop it........from an airplane !!!!

 

& I'll respect your fear of that......except.....did the guy ....the winner...who was offering you $$$$ every six hours.....even mention gift or lower value.......???

or....only after he won !! ???

That's not honest !!

 

With wire transfer, money is in your account and no way buyer can take it back. I'd think of that as an advantage over Poopal which always, more or less, sides with buyer if a problem occurs. Also you will only pay a small WT-received fee, something like $20. usually, but Poopal takes out lots more. Agree-Fedex does not insure antiques.I don't like the idea of a phony declared value. Frankly I'd quote him the correct full value of the merch. Plus shipping plus insurance and see what happens. I would not feel good about becoming his partner in crime. I'd feel better telling him like it is and if he refuses to comply with the legal terms of the sale, go to 2nd bidder or relist and simply state why, and put appropriate remarks in feedback if possible. You may need to block his bid if you re-offer.

 

Thanks Komo and Spfld.

Spfld. Thanks for the note on WT. I didn't know it was that safe. Thought one might have to give account numbers, etc. Never used it to receive, but once to send.
And strangely that was to China. Never could figure what he was doing and fully why. Taxes, going through a divorce, or just a money saver.
He's a dealer I know in India. Very respectable and no problem trusting him. It was not cheap, though. I think it was something like $50.00 for $2,500.

Komo, I don't think I would have taken your chance. Have to admit, though, that all I can picture is something wrapped up resembling a telephone pole, but a few feet shorter and a bit wider in diameter. Alert me next time you do something like that with a map of the plane's route.

 

Fee to rec WT varies with receiving institution but I don't recall having paid over $25. when using banks but may be more for international. You do have to give them your account no., bank routing no., etc. but anyone who gets a check from you gets same info, no way to use it to take your money. If receiving wire $ banks almost always have a webpage with all numbers and codes you need but if you haven't done it before it is worth the time to call bank or go there and have them write all the numbers and codes down for you.

 

Every time you write a check you give out your account number.
No one thinks anything about handing a check to any Tom, Dick, or Harry, they need to.

 

Thanks, both.
So what does an old paranoid nut case want to say?

What would you suggest I do if I receive an e-mail from such as Morgan-Chase, Bank of America or similar.

It says that they finally tracked me down and I have an account I had forgotten about. They will transfer $485.72 to my current account if I will give them the routing number and account number.

First I click on "Details" in the address bar and it seems OK, but................