How Australian eBay Sellers Can Expand to International Shipping

More Australian eBay sellers are now getting interest from buyers overseas, especially for collectibles, vintage clothing, and locally made products. When that first international order comes through, it often brings excitement and a lot of questions.

One seller on Reddit shared, ‘I just got my first international order and had no idea how customs or shipping would work. I didn’t even know where to start.’ It’s a common experience for new sellers who aren’t familiar with customs forms, couriers, or eBay’s international delivery options.

This guide explains how eBay international shipping works, the difference between the Global Shipping Program and self-managed delivery, and what Australian sellers need to set up before sending an order overseas.

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How to Ship Internationally on eBay from Australia

Here’s a quick overview of how Australians can start selling and sending orders to buyers overseas on eBay.

eBay Global Shipping Program (GSP)

Parcels are first sent to eBay’s local shipping centre. From there, eBay handles the international delivery, including customs, duties, and returns. This option works well for sellers who want a simple process with almost no paperwork.

Self-Managed Shipping

The seller manages the full process, including selecting a courier, preparing CN22/CN23 customs forms, setting postage rates, and handling returns. This approach gives sellers full control over pricing, couriers, and delivery speed.

General Process and Costs

Choose a shipping method, set up international delivery options in Seller Hub, review postage rates for each destination, and check each country’s customs requirements before sending parcels overseas.

This table helps identify which method suits different selling volumes, delivery expectations, and budget preferences.

As of 2024, eBay has about 18 million active sellers worldwide. With that much competition, a smooth shipping process can help your listings stand out.

How to Set Up International Shipping on eBay

Setting up international shipping on eBay only takes a few minutes through Seller Hub. These steps outline the process for Australian sellers:

To get started:

1. Log in to Seller Hub: Access the dashboard to manage shipping preferences.
2. Open Shipping Preferences: In Account Settings, select Shipping Preferences to view available domestic and international options.
3. Choose a Shipping Method: Select between the Global Shipping Program or self-managed international delivery.
4. Set International Shipping Policies: Add delivery rates, handling times, and eligible countries for overseas buyers.
5. Enable the Option in Listings: Ensure each listing includes international delivery so it appears to buyers outside Australia.
6. Prepare the Parcel: For self-managed deliveries, complete any required customs forms (CN22 or CN23), confirm the item meets export rules, and select a courier service.

Couriers & Freight can assist with generating shipping labels, preparing customs documentation, and comparing courier prices in one place.

How Much Does eBay International Shipping Cost?

International shipping rates vary based on destination, parcel weight, courier choice, and delivery speed. Express services usually cost more but offer shorter transit times, while standard economy services take longer and may have fewer tracking features.

• Destination: Shipping to countries like the US, UK, and New Zealand typically costs more than domestic shipping.
• Parcel Weight: Heavier items incur higher shipping fees.
• Courier Choice: Different couriers offer varying rates and services.

Below is a table of prices for small parcels (around 0.5 kg to 1 kg), based on Australia Post’s 2024–2025 rates and comparisons from major couriers. These figures are indicative only and can change depending on size, dimensions, and surcharges.

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced eBay sellers run into issues when sending parcels overseas. These are some of the most common problems and how to prevent them:

Missing customs details

Incomplete CN22 or CN23 forms often cause delays at the border. Ensure all fields are filled in and match the item description on the listing.

Slow delivery times

Economy services can take several weeks, especially during peak seasons. Use express options when buyers need faster delivery.

Lost or disputed deliveries

Full tracking helps reduce disputes and keeps buyers informed. One seller on Reddit noted a U.S. buyer claimed an item hadn’t arrived despite the delivery scan, highlighting why tracking and delivery confirmation matter.

Sending restricted items

Regulations vary by country. Check each destination’s list of restricted goods, as items acceptable in Australia may not be permitted elsewhere.

Unexpected taxes or duties

Clearly state who is responsible for customs duties and import charges in every listing to avoid confusion for international buyers.

Going Beyond eBay: Managing Your Own International Logistics

As sales grow, many eBay sellers begin managing international shipping directly to gain more control over delivery speed, packaging, and courier selection. This approach works well for sellers who ship regularly or want to offer faster options to overseas buyers.

Key advantages include:

• Cost control: Negotiate better rates by comparing courier options.
• Faster delivery: Express services can be selected for time-sensitive orders or high-value items.
• Stronger packaging: Sellers can choose their own packaging materials to protect fragile or bulky goods better.
• Improved customer experience: Direct oversight of tracking, delivery windows, and communication can lead to fewer disputes and clearer expectations.

Multi-carrier platforms make this easier by allowing sellers to compare prices, book shipments in bulk, and track multiple consignments from one dashboard.

How Couriers & Freight Helps eBay Sellers Ship Internationally

Many eBay sellers find international shipping easier once they have tools that bring couriers, documents, and tracking into one place. Couriers & Freight offers a practical way to manage this, especially for sellers who send parcels regularly or need access to multiple international carriers.

With Couriers & Freight, sellers can:

• Compare rates from international carriers such as FedEx, DHL, Maersk, CMA CGM, and OOCL
• Generate shipping labels and required customs forms (including CN22 and CN23)
• Track shipments from pickup to delivery
• Manage returns and keep shipping records in one dashboard

These tools help sellers organise their international deliveries and choose services that match their budget and delivery window.

Compare courier rates for your next eBay international order and book in minutes.

Ship Your eBay Orders Worldwide

Compare international courier rates for your next eBay shipment and get the best option in minutes.

Get a Quote Now