Retail Question: Why Don't US Retailers Ship...
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From: La La Land
Retail Question: Why Don't US Retailers Ship...
... overseas? I have a friend in Taiwan who wants to buy online stuff from American Eagle, Banana Republic and other companies popular in the US. However, the online shops that these companies host do not ship overseas. Why is that???
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From: 2005 Silverstone/Blk Sold
I always wondered that myself. When I was living in Taiwan, I'd always have things hand carried back by friends who worked for the airlines or friends who happened to be traveling. I think our biggest achievement to date was a set of AP2 wheels with tires mounted. 
Maybe they don't want to deal with customs declarations and such? Or maybe they are afraid of their goods being knocked off? They may also have Asia affiliates or subsidiaries whom they have agreements with as to what can be sold there.
Maybe they don't want to deal with customs declarations and such? Or maybe they are afraid of their goods being knocked off? They may also have Asia affiliates or subsidiaries whom they have agreements with as to what can be sold there.
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From: Tucson, AZ
Could be numbers of reasons:
Not enough oversea sales to support the infrastruture. It's not just shipping, there are currency exchange mgmt, cross international sales policies, sales and customer support, etc.
Most of all, I think it has to do with international red tapes. China only likes to export, but not likey import.
Not enough oversea sales to support the infrastruture. It's not just shipping, there are currency exchange mgmt, cross international sales policies, sales and customer support, etc.
Most of all, I think it has to do with international red tapes. China only likes to export, but not likey import.
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From: SJC
My best (nominally-educated) guesses:
1. Tariffs and Customs - they simply cannot guarantee that the items will get there.
2. Theft (aka 'Shrinkage') My buddy the audio dealer got scammed out of $12K worth of equipment - yeah, sure they paid half up front, but that barely covered the retailer's cost of the system
3. Rights and priveledges of distribution - you have to spend money to set up a LLC of the home company in that country. That can be a lot of moolah.
1. Tariffs and Customs - they simply cannot guarantee that the items will get there.
2. Theft (aka 'Shrinkage') My buddy the audio dealer got scammed out of $12K worth of equipment - yeah, sure they paid half up front, but that barely covered the retailer's cost of the system
3. Rights and priveledges of distribution - you have to spend money to set up a LLC of the home company in that country. That can be a lot of moolah.
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From: Denver
It's a PITA.
If you ship USPS, the paperwork is stupid and must be done by hand. If you use an international carrier (DHL/UPS/FEDEX) the shipping costs are stupid expensive. Most people pass when they find out their $20 product costs them $60 to ship.
If you ship USPS, the paperwork is stupid and must be done by hand. If you use an international carrier (DHL/UPS/FEDEX) the shipping costs are stupid expensive. Most people pass when they find out their $20 product costs them $60 to ship.
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