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michael

Michael Edwards

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Has anyone any experience of selling overseas? I have a potential purchaser in the USA who wants to buy three of my abstracts and whilst I have sold many works to overseas buyers they have all so far been collected in this country, purchased direct at overseas exhibitions or have been personally delivered through contacts. I guess the main question is payment - he has suggested Cashier's Cheque, Personal Cheque or Money Order - I've not yet googled this but I would guess a money order is the safest from my point of view with shipment on receipt but is this right? Any suggestions or advice will be appreciated. Also I assume I should stipulate payment in sterling.

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by MichaelEdwards

With Sarah, Phil, Ellen, Rose the dentist, and the granddaughter whose name I forget.

Robert Jones, Napa

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I don't know the answer to this Michael, because I've always dealt through third parties for international sales - but if you inhabit Facebook at all, you might look up Malcolm Ludvigsen (who has his own website, and also sells through Artfinder): I know he sells to the US, and I'm sure he'd be happy to advise you if you got in touch with him. You probably don't need to be told to be careful with this sort of thing - I deal with Paypal, which I've found a safe way of doing things, or with direct payment to my bank account - with distinct preference for Paypal. There are a lot of scammers out there, and you need to be sure that everything is, as it were, kosher.... You might also find some guidance on the WetCanvas website, or just ask a question there: it's a mammoth and labyrinthine site, but it does have its uses now and then.

Alan Bickley

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Yes Michael, I have some experience of selling to the USA, actually, just posted one this morning as a coincidence. I always deal via PayPal (as RJ advises), it's quick, safe and hassle free, just exchange email details, raise an invoice online in Sterling (PP will convert it at the current rate), and also sets out the invoice page, you just fill in the amount, plus postage and packing. If your buyer hasn't got PapPal, ask them to set one up online at no cost and it's simple and instant, easy as that. - and SAFE... Remember that you will need a customs form CN22, pick some up from your PO, or print some off online, that's for goods up to £350. Over that figure will require a CN23. both very simple and straightforward to fill in, and of course Air Mail stickers (from PO). The States don't like any commas or full stops in the address also, and your return details should also be included on the reverse. I tend to use RM International Standard Tracked, does everything I need and is a fast service. Price is obviously dependent on the size and also the weight, all this info is available online. I'm certain that you know most of this anyway, but there may be something of use amongst this lot.
michael

Michael Edwards

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Thanks all. yes I have a paypal account and don't why I didn't think of it in the first place - your advice is most helpful. The client is arranging collection and shipping so don't need to worry about this.

John Kay

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Perhaps a word of caution, I understand that recently Paypal has increased the percentage it charges for collecting credit balances from it. It doesn't affect those who just buy things from it. I'd recommend checking this first if you expect to draw the amount from it, once it has been paid into your account. Best John

Alan Bickley

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They may well have increased their fees, but I haven't noticed any changes, and I still consider it a comparative pittance to pay for a 'secure transaction'. I have a PayPal ACCESS MasterCard, which allows me to spend any balance in my PP account without any charges.

Alan Owen

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yes . I have sold to parts of the states .the cost of postage depending on size say (9x11 )around eight pounds or more ..don,t forget dollar exchange is not good ,, and the paypal charge ..I have a request at the moment from a friend in NY doing charity work with children ,unfortunatley the least I can charge is fifty dollars just to cover me ,,normally I would not consider it. the trouble packing and standing in a post office que is not worth the hassle.especialy on pension day ,or Monday shopping returns . use a flat pack ,watercolours over 200 lbs will crease in a tube under two inch di.a ((I may end up thirty quid in hand) good luck

Alan Owen

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consider the exchange rate if dollars the paypal changes to English pounds ,I also state on the back that it is an art gift to a friend and write my name and address ,,customs may check

Edited
by alanowen

With Sarah, Phil, Ellen, Rose the dentist, and the granddaughter whose name I forget.

Robert Jones, Napa

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Posting artworks is a horror - I worry too much, which doesn't help a bit. Paypal does have its downsides, but it's virtue is that it's safe - which is more than you can say of some couriers I could name.