When you ship something which is not deminimus, there is a customs broker involved who takes the item from the shipper, files the paperwork and, on the otheer side of custome, gives it back to the shipper. If the item is being paid by a letter of credit confirmed at a local bank, additional documentation is required coresponding to the FOOB point where title passes.

Someone has to pay the bill at the receiving end. In the case of UPS/DHL/FedEx, it's the recipient, in the case of a common carrier, you end up going to the airport to get it. Ebay is simplifying it for the shipper (and, I guess the recipient) for a fee. The cutting to the deminimus shipping thing makes things far more complicateed if you by overseas and have it shipped to you.

Jeff

Macroeconomic Trends and Risks FAQ

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