PBI (Pitney Bowes) Shipping + eBay U.S. Global Shipping Program = FRAUD

This will be the last video I make regarding this subject as these people dont deserve anything short of being shut down and they are wasting my time and patience.
Think twice before you buy or sell using this program. Both parties are crooked and hide the truth about what happens to the sellers goods and the buyers money. In the end, if you do have a problem, ebay will wind up closing your case and accusing you of doing it yourself to avoid responsibility.

[@oldschoolsk8er599]

I was going to start using the Global Shipping program but not now. I'm glad I found your video. Ebay seller and final value fees already piss me off but this just pushed it over the limit. After what I have listed goes off I'm done selling on Ebay.

[@MrScottyTay]

This video needs to get spread around the internet for awareness because this is completely shocking

[@MarchandendYves]

I'm located in France and I've already received PCBs from the US using this program with crushed packages exactly like you're showing here. And we pay for that ! This is steal. Now every time I'll be interested in buying something from the US from a seller who wants to use this service, I'll show him your video. Thanks for that Luke.

[@janetlstead]

Good video. You're very articulate. I'd like someone to deal with the fact that, thanks to the Global Shipping Program, International shipping charges are now out of reach. $29 for shipping and "Import taxes" - for a dress that actually costs $8 to ship? I have been buying, on eBay, from US sellers for YEARS - but I will no longer be buying from US sellers (who use this GSP program). It is nothing but a rip-off. The Seller isn't getting the money - and PB is not paying the Gov't of Canada the import taxes that they're charging the customer. Nice profits. I agree with BK - I think some legal action is in order.

[@719Don1]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video!! I have opted out of the GPS program! What a scam!!!!!! If we all spread the word like you we can make a difference!!

[@grimnar1985]

My recent experience with the PBI GSP..... The book was damaged beyond repair, also took quite a trip. From SC to Australia. What a job Pitney bowes. You should be proud. In Transit with Destination Carrier Feb-01-15, 01:09 AM, VIC RURAL DEPOT 9993 In Transit with Destination Carrier Jan-30-15, 08:19 AM, VIC RURAL DEPOT 9993 In Transit with Destination Carrier Jan-30-15, 03:01 AM, ALEXANDRIA 2015 In Transit with Destination Carrier Jan-28-15, 12:53 PM, ALEXANDRIA 2015 Customs Cleared Jan-28-15, 12:53 PM, ALEXANDRIA 2015 In Transit with Destination Carrier Jan-26-15, 14:57 PM, LOS ANGELES, CA 90045 In Transit with Destination Carrier Jan-24-15, 23:35 PM, MEMPHIS, TN 38118 In Transit with Destination Carrier Jan-24-15, 19:54 PM, MEMPHIS, TN 38118 In Transit with Destination Carrier Jan-24-15, 12:45 PM, MEMPHIS, TN 38118 In Transit with Destination Carrier Jan-24-15, 02:30 AM, ERLANGER, KY 41048 Shipped from Shipping Center to International Destination Jan-24-15, 01:02 AM, Erlanger Customs Documentation and Labeling Jan-23-15, 03:18 AM, Erlanger Processing at Shipping Center Jan-23-15, 02:54 AM, Erlanger Delivered to Shipping Center-Delivered Jan-22-15, 23:56 PM, ERLANGER, KY 41025 In Transit-Departed USPS Facility Jan-22-15, 03:18 AM, CINCINNATI, OH 45235 In Transit-Arrived at USPS Facility Jan-22-15, 02:35 AM, CINCINNATI, OH 45235 In Transit-Departed USPS Facility Jan-21-15, 04:42 AM, COLUMBIA, SC 29201 In Transit-Arrived at USPS Origin Facility Jan-20-15, 21:45 PM, COLUMBIA, SC 29201 In Transit-Accepted at USPS Origin Sort Facility Jan-20-15, 20:30 PM, COLUMBIA, SC 29209

[@Googaliemoogalie]

someone should start a petition about this, maybe if enough people sign it, eBay will finally get it and stop the bullshit with PBI. (and move your business over to Amazon) I HATE how I order things I ALWAYS used to order (dvds and such) but now I have to pay an extra fee (for no reason because I never paid import fees before) and in return you get damaged products, opened packages. I URGE people to move their online shopping to Amazon maybe that will show them.

[@carmen23131]

I am in Australia and have just bought an item from an American seller who is using PBI. I was unaware of PBI's bad rep (have not ever heard of them) and Googled them to find out why my package was taking so long. Now I know I will certainly not ever again buy from a seller who uses them. I just hope my package arrives soon and undamaged.

[@TheFlatErica]

Thank you so much for this video. Much needed to vent a bit after a bad experience buying from UK to France! Both countries are in European Union, no goddamn import duty taxes! The item has been sent from the UK to Kentucky to France! UNBELIEVABLE! Horrible, horrible, horrible! I paid more for the shipping than for the actual item. I am closing both my ebay and paypal accounts. Again, a huge thank you!

[@drScorp1on]

I just bought something in the US. I first didn't exactly understand what PBI was, when I had the first shipping problem with them, with a SMALL single poker chip in a SMALL envelope.It was returned to the sender since they didn't now what ES means (ES = Spain).Now, just after buying another article shipped with PBI,I saw this video and quite a few things became clear to me.I'll just be "praying" this shipment gets to me in first place,and without damage in second place.I'll never use PBI again.

[@MyHappypig]

That is very enlightening and a great reason NOT to use Pitney Bowes - Ebay Global Shipping programme. As usual , Ebay are pushing sellers to join only to accept no responsibility when things go wrong Even Dick Turpin wore a mask! Thank you for the video and the warning.

[@vwestlife]

That's a USPS Priority Mail Large Flat Rate box. Flat rate means the cost is the same up to the limit of 20 pounds. Because it is flat rate, there is no incentive for the seller to package it inadequately, because it won't be cheaper if they make it lighter for its shipment from them to PBI. However, once PBI gets their hands on it and re-ships it, the box's flat rate status no longer applies, and for PBI there is indeed a cost saving benefit for them to make the box lighter on its way to Japan.

[@Gamester81]

Luke, I'm so sorry for your headaches and frustrations here. I really hope things work out for the best.

[@R9000]

Don't let it go, Luke. Take 'em to court if you have to. People like this cannot be allowed to win.

[@antique_dutch_clock_parts]

Thank you for sharing. It is what I have been saying for months to American sellers it is a fraud this whole global shipping program. Your research proves it.

[@DavidBrown-uj1tv]

Thanks for your great videos. I'm not alone! Currently having my own little battle. Bought a computer and the seller shipped with GSP. No computer arrived, but GSP insisted that the item had been delivered and the seller claimed that it was out of his hands.. The case against the seller was closed by EBAY as they had received confirmation, presumably from GSP, that I had received the package. Just before the email from Ebay arrived closing the case, I received an email from the seller saying that he was getting the computer back from GSP centre. Ebay refused to say who the courier was who lied about delivery. Seems to be a closed shop of cheats and fraudsters. Have appealed the case am awaiting full refund. Hopefully including shipping costs. Thanks again.

[@TheNastystud]

Dude, you are, BY FAR, the most gracious person EVER in the way you faced this situation. I would have been in a BLIND RAGE and wouldn't have been able to constructively deal with these people, even once. I commend you, sir.

[@tastyryan]

This video saved me allot of problems. I already lost 2000 dollars by using USPS. And PBI seems worse by hearing all the negativity. keep this video up to alert others!

[@orangehedgehog2012]

I have had dealings with Pitney Bowes and eBay's global shipping programme. I made a purchase some 2 weeks ago on eBay.com paying over $15 in customs for a $40 item. When I finally received it the box had been tampered with. Inside was a piece of paper reading "NOTICE OF PARCEL CHECK. Your parcel was checked and re sealed because either: the country or origin or number of items had to be verified to complete customs forms; or customs or transportation security officials viewed the parcel" There is literally no customs forms on the box. I can understand how US sellers may have found filling in customs forms a pain but why instead of opening packages can't they invest x-ray machines like all other countries? Then only in extreme circumstances are they allowed to open them to check if the contents is correct. Surely they have all the relevant information about what the contents is? If you ask me its a sham of a operation. Why ruin a good system that was going on before hand. seller sells item to international customer, they fill in customs form and ship the item, not ship to 3rd party company which goes from location to location across the US to Pitney bowes, wait for them to fill in customs form which is no where to be seen on the package so how can customs in your country see and charge you? ship to your destination to be then shipped from delivery company to delivery company taking twice as long. Priority shipping my backside!

[@whomeeeeeeee]

I'm a U.S. ebay full time seller of 2 years. Recently ebay has been cold calling me pushing the "global shipping program" hard. If Luke's experience is the common practice of ebay and PBI, I can only imagine that sellers are dropping out of this shady "global shipping program" in droves. Thanks for taking the time to post this vid Luke. I won't be enrolling in this program.

[@kid_eh]

GSP is the biggest ripoff on eBay. Worst cash grab ever. I paid $32 to have one item shipped to me here in Canada. EBAY LOST IT. I'm still waiting for full refund. In 18 years on eBay, the USPS never lost one package.

[@joshgrossman7444]

Hi Luke - another thing I'd like to throw into the mix with how screwed up eBay Global Shipping is, is that Pitney Bowes is illegally reusing USPS Priority Mail boxes in order to save money from using their own boxes during "re-packaging" and international shipping. According to the USPS, all Priority Mail shipping boxes are considered property of the US Postal Service and cannot be used for anything other than for Priority Mail shipments. The domestic leg of the trip is Priority Mail but then Pitney Bowes ships it again in the same box via their service that they are charging eBay buyers. Thus they are increasing their profits by reducing shipping costs from not using their own boxes. This could very well be considered fraud against the Postal Service, a serious federal crime, and might be your ticket to getting action taken against this horrendous program.

[@l3eaver]

I ordered a remote car starter/alarm combo from Flordia. It arrived here in Canada. The long edge of the padded envelope had been opened with a razor knife. There was slip of paper inside that said my package was opened & inspected by PBI. The piece of tape that was used to reseal my package was shorter than the opening they made with the knife. The tape itself was low grade tape and was not sticking very well and some of the wiring harness was hanging out of the package. The key fob remote was also missing and had fallen out at some point between here ans flordia. I also noticed that the total charges to me were substantialy higher than ususal. And yup... PBI charged me $28.93 to open and "inspect" my goods & to fail to reseal the package properly. Resulting in lost goods. An of course the time and effort making calls. Sitting on hold. Trying to communicate with representatives that cant speak english & dont know any basic information that they should. What a nightmare :s

[@yooamatwa]

Really sorry you had to go through this Luke, small comfort I know but at least this will serve as a warning to others : /

[@dnlmch]

Hey Luke, I purchased an item from a US seller in April and being shipped out by PBI to Hong Kong, haven't received it for 2 months from the date of shipping and never received since then. I think I was the lucky one because I opened a case in eBay resolution centre 4 days before the deadline and I had my money back including the ridiculous shipping fee charged by Pitney Bowes. Anyway, this just convinced me never to buy anything from US sellers who use PBI. Now I just buy from German buyers.

[@Myopinionmatterssorryaboutthat]

This is still happening. Anyone with the same issue ? My parcels come overseas but sit in PB facility without movewnt for months ! I have a parcel from May20th and is been sitting in Bloomington ca for over a month only 30min away from me.

[@rodrigojuanyar8738]

You are so damm right about this program, I not buying anymore in Ebay because this program, 1 of 10 times I bought in Ebay I pay custom fees, not always, they keep the extra money they ask for custom errance and the shipping price is REALLY more expensive and really took twice the time to arrive than USPS....a shame...I hope the sellers on ebay can do anything to go back to the old and great shipping system because they are loosing sales big time. Thank you for your videos

[@Perplexer1]

Great video, like the one before it, but it needs clarificastion for the part at 7:19. The "shipping companies" means the courier companies beyond Pitney Bowes, those that pick up the packages from Pitney Bowes and finally deliver them to your door (ie. your local courier or postman). These are the "shipping companies" that Jessica was referring to. Still, I would probably just go about it the usual way. If the item arrived broken I would open a case, let eBay request that I ship it back, and then I'd ship it back to get a refund. As for losing money when returning, yes that is possible if you ordered something from overseas. P/B won't refund you for the "customs fees", that's kinda understandable. If the seller didn't use Global Shipping Program, you would probably have to pay import tax yourself and nobody would refund you that in case you decided to return the item. So that's the risk you're taking when ordering expensive items from overseas for which you must pay import tax. If something goes wrong and you decide to return the item, then the import tax you paid when you received it, will be for nothing.

[@azoozy466555]

oh my god i just made two purchases four days ago and both over seas. my god hope not having any complications. im really thankful for your time making this video bro. pray for me please...

[@linkinparkonstage]

Pitney Bowes is definitely opening the packages. I bought a CD Drive from the US and had it shipped to Europe. It arrived safely, with padding, but the package had duct tape with the eBay logo around it. I also have other packages via the GSP which have not arrived yet, and I dislike this company very much. They charge you import fees when you are not legally required to pay ANY import fees in your country. Also, they charge EXCESSIVE import fees - for Switzerland it's well above $10 for $25, when the effective applicable VAT is less than $2.50. They will rip you off. Avoid using GSP. In fact, ask sellers not to use it.

[@zviratko]

Thanks for the video. I recently ordered an item covered by GSP and am eagerly awaiting the package. The tracking was funny so I googled and found lots of people angry about GSP and PBI - looks like they are in a huge mess with misplacing items and so forth. However, some things in your video are IMO not completely true and I think the whole GSP idea makes sense (or it will, if and when it works). In some countries, there are lots of different forms to fill with different requirements and different fees associated to them (that every regular overseas buyer is probably aware of, but an occassional buyer might be not be aware of), and this is what PBI should do for you (as a seller or buyer). I'm not sure it's such a huge improvement for the seller, because shipping overseas is not a huge problem if you follow few simple rules, and import is responsibility of the buyer. For buyers, this can actually work if it is as advertised - I know the fees upfront and just sit in my chair and wait for the package to arrive - in theory at least. And I've read some of the legalese associated with GSP and it looks like both the seller and the buyer are covered well if PBI screws up - in theory, again. In practice, this seems not to work that well when PBI mixes packages (since they "repack" them), tracking numbers are confused (my package shows two tracking numbers, one is in the US and one somewhere over the ocean, and they update erraticaly with a 3 day delay) and the arrival estimate is unrealisticaly optimistic. I'm intrigued how it will work with Czech customs after it arrives here - it should not go through Czech Post office (which implicitly declares all individual packages), and I should not have to pay anything or fill any paperwork, but that just another theory. After reading about GSP, PBI and other buyers' and sellers' experiences, I'd probably pick UPS for shipping instead, though. They got it right a long time ago, but they are a lot more expensive then those PBI folk.

[@zviratko]

Btw you would not get $20 for the (2 pound) package if something happened, PBI would get that. From your point of view, you didn't get the merchandise, so you file a dispute with the seller who has to return your money. (And legalese says you also get shipping and import charges back). From seller's point of view, he shipped it to PBI and it arrived OK, so his claim is with them and per legalese, PBI (through Ebay probably) will reimburse him. You should not have to worry about how PBI ships it and what practices they use (though, if you really want the item to arrive well and sound, you'd probably pay more for UPS or some other company that handles things better). I wonder why you say it works otherwise? Or has the policy changed?

[@skinnypig74]

I'm an ebay seller and have been using the global shipping program for about a year. I knew they re-packaged the item, but I thought it was ebay doing the re-packaging, not the shipping company (although I guess ebay wouldn't necessarily be any better at it). We haven't had any buyers mention a problem with the condition of their package, but we sell mostly clothing/shoes/bags, so it wouldn't be as big of a deal if the box was crushed, I guess (although it would look tacky). We are ninja wrappers on anything breakable, so I'm very disappointed to hear how poorly things are re-packaged with the GSP. I see this was posted a while ago, so I hope you were able to find some resolution to your situation. I'm going to have to give serious thought on whether to continue with the GSP.

[@dragonbone5000]

This is terrible. Sorry that you had to go through this. Thanks for making these two videos to get the work out. I will NEVER buy from an eBay buyer who uses the Global Shipping program ever again. I just hope I receive my item already bought.

[@hazelgreenbox6209]

I wish I had come across this video earlier. I just recently purchased an item that is being shipped with GSP. Now, I have to wait and see if my item will be damaged or stolen. I will never buy from a seller who uses GSP again. Lesson learned.

[@soundofthesurf]

I wish I had know this earlier. We recently had 5 international buyers through the GSP and 100% of them are unhappy after being gouged for exorbitant prices. A few months ago, we shipped a WWII Naval sextant and it arrived SMASHED in the most inexplicable manner. We were very suspicious how it could have arrived the way it did without opening it or purposely crushing something that had survived a world war. A national treasure... lost.

[@CRISHTANG]

Thanks for the insight and for sharing your experiences. I received an email saying I was auto-opted into the program and did some looking up and found your videos on the subject. Luckily I figured out how to opt-out, but it is scary that they are now seemingly forcing this method of shipping for international orders. By the way, love your collection back there, as I'm a devoted arcade board and console game collector as well. Am I seeing CPS-2 Japanese B boards in the corner or is it my imagination? Thanks again!

[@rfaithinHim]

Luke I agree with what you said. I have just used this program shipping an item for the first time. The difference between the 5#, 2# packages might be a particular seller combined shipping more than one item that was sent to pbi in Kentucky. That's just a thought. But likely as you stated. With the ease of taking a picture with a camera, sellers could easy have photo evidence of how there package was packed and shipped. Or better yet place a comment one the packing slip stating that very fact. The we have taken pictures of our packing before shipping to pbi in Erlanger ky.

[@HumanDrillBit]

This is by far the best video I've seen exposing the PBI-eBay GSP FRAUD! I'll be posting your video in Seller Central. A+! THANK YOU!

[@iGuruRevolution]

I hope you do a follow up video if the rep gets back to you or the higher ups get in touch. Also cant you report them to some US office (here in the UK we call it Fair Trading) so there has to be something similar in the US, fair business bureau or something!

[@Kyuubeythe3rd68k]

And keep in mind, I live in the US and it disgusts me that international people get the shaft thanks to this program

[@glendabrowne1330]

I wish I had have seen your video before I bought my item which I am still waiting for two weeks past the date it was supposed to be delivered. Pitney Bows charged me an additional $52 for shipping which actually cost more than the item I had bought. I have not been able to track my parcel because have not been able to find anywhere to do this on the Pitney Bows website. I have contacted the seller who contacted ebay, then it was thrown back at me. I feel like I am on a merry-go-round of pass the parcel with no solution in sight other than I have been ripped off by ebay and Pitney Bows. Wish I saw your video first. Thank you. Glenda

[@KarachayTulpar]

Glenda Browne OMG me too, I have not been able to track anything and I have no Idea on even where to do this. F%$K EBAY and global shipping program PBI bastards. I am so pissed!!!

[@camacho98046]

Great Video! I'm a seller and have not opt in with the Global Program. I have heard so many complains. My best option is before buying anything ask If the seller uses the Global Shipping Program. Also Have you contacted USPS regarding PBI using Priority Mail boxes? [ Packaging is the Property of the U.S. Postal Service and is provided solely for use in sending Priority Mail shipments. Misuse may be a violation of federal Law. ]

[@jamiey5779]

I wouldn't be at all surprised if their pocketing all the import charges by not declaring the real value of the items and marking all the items as gifts.

[@robertziolkowski2542]

I am running into the same problem. 11/20/13 an Item sent.My eBay customer was charged by PBI for a $5.99 Item $54 for a First Class package that I could send direct for $12 Direct. He refused and wanted it cancelled but I already shipped it to PBI well packed. Customer rejected the package. Today I find PBI saying it was damaged when it arrived in KY so they couldn't ship it. But I got their Tracer showing it was in transit.for these many months and why did it take so long to let me know. it wasn't shipped. eBay said it should have been insured. No help.

[@IronZio]

Thank you, this video was very helpful. I just had my first (and last) negative experience as a buyer with Pitney Bowes and I will avoid this "service" like plague from now. ( nice setup you have there: "This is Delta Xray Delta, Citizen Z.. do you copy?" :D )

[@peoplepassion]

Well done, mate !... Very enlightening, and much appreciated !!!

[@Bogartboginty]

Great video you are so correct. I was charged double for shipping with no explanation and there was no tracking even though there was a tracking number provided. I'm closing my eBay account as I'm fed up.

[@Funkie_Monkey]

OMG!!!! Ive just purchased a tablet which the seller sent by PBI and just watched your video! I live in the UK and it was only shipping available which cost just as much in shipping costs as I paid for the item itself!!! Now im really worried its gonna arrive with a broken screen and get damaged if they open it and take away packaging material out 😢 I will let you know my experience and if it does get damaged once it arrives...... Thanks for the warning tho.....

[@lukemorse1]

With Pitney Bowes Inc and the eBay global shipping program it is by far one of the biggest scams ever. if you buy somehing through ebay and they use the global shipping program this is what happens. first, you pay for the item and the shipping. the seller then sends your package to the global shipping center and on to the PBI shipping center (which if you are using the U.S. ebay is in Kentucky) . it takes forever for the transit to the center, usually 1 week and ebay will send you updates as your package is received and clears the customs center of PBI and bla bla blah. you are looking at an average of 3 weeks or so to get your package no matter how much you pay for shipping and in some cases the "import charges" you may pay through the Global Shiping Program when some countries dont even have import tax. none the less, when you get your package it could be lighter or in a smaller package or even crushed and the worst part about it is that there wont be ANY sticker on the package showing the shipping price. PBI and the Global Shipping Program take advantage of bothe the seller as well as the buyer and pin them against eachother if something goes wrong. trying to contact ebay in the event of a problem is almost impossible. I hope for the best for you though

[@Funkie_Monkey]

Just got 1 of my tablets which they have opened and broken it!!!! They have glued the back on so I cant take it apart!!!! Cant believe this shit. Still got another 1 to arrive and whats the betting screen will be broken and tampered with!!!!! First and last time I will use global shipping!!!! They also removed all bubble wrap and just put a few pieces of crumpled up paper in its place aswell. Not impressed at all!!!!! 😡👺😡👺😡😤😤👿😾💩💩💩

[@Funkie_Monkey]

+robert19 well like you said, least uve got proof which is more than ive got. My other tablet should be arriving next week as its arrived in my country now so soon find out what s@#t they have done to this 1!!!! Watch this space 👀👀

[@Funkie_Monkey]

+robert19 Thats very true but I'm quite lucky that I buy tablets that are faulty and when I receive them I repair and sell on. Just a small hobby but the tablet I just received I was going to fix and keep for myself thats why I purchased 2 identical tablets to make 1 working tablet but as they have damaged the first I may still need extra parts so hoping they dont fcuk up the other tablet as I need the screen and back to replace the broken parts they did!!!! fingers crossed and pray its not the same person who handles this one and they treat it with more respect!!!! Anyway, will let ya know once its arrived........ To be continued........

[@jpvanalles]

+ian latham I've bought a projector with a spare bulb. Via PBI UK. What is that my parcel goes form to uk to the Netherlands. Does it go via USA Kentucky.

[@FoodLandia22]

Yeah. This is creazy. I just got scammed by Pitney bowes. They charged me amounts that they did not tell me. They hide me :( :( I got scammed by Pitney Bowes. NEVER BUY FROM SELLERS THAT USE PITNEY BOWES SERVICES. Great video. Good work.

[@infiniteascensionn]

Such a shame to hear about this Luke, it seems like large corporations like these are getting away with ridiculous things like this every day - I hope everything works out for the best.

[@ravynx]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I found out Parts Express' economy shipping uses PBI so I paid the extra $7 to go with UPS.

[@RadenAgung]

Agreed about Fraud!! To Indonesia the payment rate will rised until 60%-90% from original product price because this scam program. I always choice the seller who used ordinary postal and i will pay more 0% until 30% from original price for customs.

[@vnctmrn]

These "Import Charges" just refuse me to buy ANTHING from eBay ever again. I saw a great deal yesterday, 620$ plus 30$ shipping to Switzerland. And then, they want me to add 270$?? Really? WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT? That makes me to contact every seller and ask him/her to make the deal via PayPal invoice, which is not allowed. But fuck it, I would never ever pay almost 300$ that are totally unnecessary. Looks like this is the beginning of the end of eBay. They try to add a fee to everything, what are doing next? Make you pay a fee for having a profile?

[@Josephthinleg]

vnctmrn No shit huh? I totally agree with you. They probably will start charging for an account, haha! Man they are greedy, I mean how much money do they need? Seriously though. Anyways, eBay used to be so awesome both as a buyer and seller, now they just keep raising fees and making more stupid rules, etc. Everytime I figure something out that works, they change it. Seriously, everytime. It's near impossible to make money on ebay anymore (as a constant, like part time job). Also, as a buyer, it's much harder to find really awesome deals like we used to. And that's b/c the sellers have to charge more just to barely break even in the end. Ebay is going to fail eventually unless they change it back to the early 2000's format.

[@xbmc767]

I think what's happening is that the seller is addressing the package to Pitney Bowes (PB) then PB sends it to the buyer. Since the package is in PB's name they can legally open it. If shipping via USPS it is indeed a violation of federal law to open parcels if you are not the recipient. The only exception is Media Mail which is subject to USPS inspection. They do need to leave a note and an explanation why the package was opened however. Of course Customs can open anything too unfortunately

[@paulink]

I am pretty glad now that I opted out of that global shipping thing, this looks outrageous Luke and hopefully you can reach a resolution where you get your money back.

[@arcadeuk]

Hey Luke, sorry to hear about your troubles. Sadly you are just one out of hundreds/thousands of people. FYI, in the UK, we have better luck with the customer service people if we phone up and escalate the call. Email support is so so terrible. Shame those sucks and hopefully it will all come good in the end

[@Locut0s]

Hay Luke I've got an idea that sellers should get into the habit of doing. They should provide a printed picture of the package as they packaged it and pack the picture in with the goods. They should also send a copy of the pic via email to the buyer. This way if anyone opens the package they know that someone is expecting to see a picture of what it looked like when sent, and you can detect any tampering.

[@keywindgem]

I ask seller to send to Australia "First Class International Post" usually in most cases 1/2 to 1/4 of the cost of Priority International Post.

[@xbmc767]

I've actually heard bad things about the BBB too. If you pay your dues then for the most part you are protected from most complaints; it’s almost like a protection racket. I think Rori's Yelp analogy is pretty apt IMO

[@Coutionor]

On top of all this bullshit with opening, repacking, reduced padding, crushed packages, no refunds and so on - It also takes a shitload of extra time. Horrible! The packages I got sent to me not only arrived in worse condition they also had me waiting 2 fucking weeks longer then the standard USPS First Class Mail Intl (I live in Sweden). There isn't a single positive thing to say about the global shipping program.

[@Muxerius]

SOME FUCKING PEOPLE ARE NOW GETTING RIPPED OFF, PAYING AN ITEM LETS SAY 300$ THEY TAKE FUCKING 150$ SHIPPING WTF!!!!!!

[@lethalchaos19]

Ur right im waiting a transformer megatron KO overaized and it yook me more than 2 wks now and it just received by pitney bowes when i saw that logistics name i said to myaelf ehat the heck is this. Usually back then china post after past their customs it will handed over to usps for delivery now theres another party is involved. Thats bullshit!!

[@COBOL]

What a sad situation... In my country we use to call this a "gum wall". No matter how much force you use, you'll always bounce back. Creating a gum wall is the easiest way big companies use to deal with troubles that can need refounds and apologizes by the company itself. They simply bet that the costumer, after a while, get tired and surrender. Usually works in pseudo-monopoly and business cartels enviroments like this one. eBay is de-facto a monopoly in online auctions... :(

[@shwink]

I live in the U.S. and shipped internationally and never had issues. The trick is to do it yourself and not to skimp on filling out customs forms or fees. I would just let the buyer know that it will probably be a high price for shipping. Customs forms are kinda pain to fill out but its not that bad. Plus I would always make sure to contact the buyer to make sure they got the package.

[@rivetgunner]

The pricing of shipping in this case seems reasonable to me. Do you ship packages directly to the buyer without using any middlemen? I use a different proxy company, and they put 15% markup on the ending price. That's how they make a profit. The problem with the Global Shipping Program is that all the fees are already predetermined before the package is even sent.

[@Mikeywil0003]

i just received a package that was shipped locally in the States, and it said PBI on it, also from eBay, and it pissed me off cuz of what they put you thru. It gets me all fired up when eBay sellers screw around with the shipping.

[@KUPHSER]

this video is old but i thought i would comment on something which is currently happening with me. i tried to buy an item off ebay, as usual it was listed with its price, plus shipping cost (roughly $350 all up). it said nothing about a shipping program. i went ahead and attempted to buy it like i do any other item on ebay, but there was an error message saying the transaction could not be complete. i tried once more, same error message, so i took a screenshot. i contacted the seller and told them about the failed purchases, and sent the screenshot so they could see what i was talking about. they said that i was meant to choose an option in the cart area where i choose to use a third party shipping program... for me, this has never had to be selected when i buy something off ebay. i sent a message back saying i cant find the option, it has the shipping price on the invoice with the price of the item. from here on i get no reply from the seller. it was late at night, so i went to bed. i wake up in the morning and check my email, nothing from the seller. then i opened my internet banking to do some banking and notice that over $3000 in $102 individual transactions have been made by a "Pitney Bowes Inc". this account had roughly $2400 in it so it got overdrawn and i got dishonor fees from the bank for every $102 transaction when it went below $0 balance. all unauthorized to my knowledge. i contacted the bank and they understood my situation and reimbursed me the overdraw dishonor fees. then i contacted the seller, and again, no reply. i then contacted paypal, im not sure what they've done exactly but the money has been refunded to my paypal account, and is still pending. lucky... now the store on ebay has opened an unpaid item case with me, yet they will not reply my messages explaining why this has happened. and until the money is past "pending" i can not buy the item, nor do i feel safe buying from them... what a head fuck!!! be careful, these people withdrew money from my account way over the price of the item. and all i had done was attempt to buy something twice, which failed both times.

[@BitHead1000]

Geez Luke, this video made me furious. I wish more people could see this. I will Favorite this video. I'm glad you made this video.

[@joewalton89]

I have purchased an item that is currently at Federal Way, WA coming to the UK I have only (quite stupidly) read the reviews of the GSP after making my purchase. Firstly PBI haven't taken their portion of payment yet when do they take this? Secondly I'm now worried that my item will arrive in poor condition Thirdly even though PBI charge import fees are there any further charges at the delivery end?

[@tilberry19]

Is Pitney Bowes still the Global Shipping Program provider for ebay?? as of today???. I only shipped to my country until one day I noticed I had to ship something to Afghanistan thanks to eBay automatically selecting GSP for me without asking. This sounds really sketchy and i am hoping eBay has finally got off their ass and fixed this. I take the time to make sure my stuff is shipped safely sometimes even paying more for shipping than I need to just to be safe. This is scary and hopefully fixed. Thanks for the heads up and info!!!

[@DavidDavisDH]

I hope PBI goes out of business for doing this kind of stuff. I usually don't have problems with Ebay, but I don't order international. I hope you get your money back and resolve the problems.

[@Lil1Dragonfly]

Dude, I completely agree, they are so dodgy. It was bad enough that they were padding out shipping to Australia by 2 to 3 times what it normally costs, but I bought 1 package through them and the item has arrived damaged. I doubt I'll get a favourable conclusion to this... is there anything we can do? Maybe petition eBay? This is nothing short of extortion.

[@BryanPhoto22]

Hey Luke, I might be able to help in person. If these PBI packages were repackaged in Louisville KY, that's where I live. Maybe I could go down there in person and tell them someone is destroying packages going to Japan, etc. and make them aware. Let me know if you'd like me to do it via PM, etc.

[@AhmedHabab]

this is 100% truth I am one of Thousands of people Suffered the same fraud Thank you so much for sharing this I hope that you not Suffer again

[@andrika1990]

Oh shit.....Too late I just bought from a seller using this program I hope like hell I have no complications. Damn.

[@KarachayTulpar]

andrika1990 Shit me too, my exact worries.

[@andrika1990]

WogtimusPrime It actually didn't turn out so bad it took maybe a week for the item to arrive

[@Vampier]

Sorry that this happened Luke.... this is insanity and one of the reasons why I don't do business with ebay anymore unless I accept the risk. I only accept risk if I can save more money than my risk is worth. I guess you have to contact the seller going forward to make sure to no ship with ebay.

[@Anton-ul1xn]

I also learned my lesson some weeks ago. if I see an Item that I like, and it is covered by the Global Shipping Program, then I will just ask the seller to turn the GPS options off for that particular item.

[@METACOUSTIX2]

Thank you for your review. I absolutely agree, this legal fraud from eBay side just gives them under their Pitney Bowes Inc. make even more money of us both as buyers and sellers, and it seriously pisses me off. I personally chose rather buy of amazon if its not possible to buy from the seller directly avoiding these scammers.

[@Ub3rGoob3r]

Wow. I'm SO GLAD I'm in Canada and my sold items don't have to go through this.

[@smarr6269]

THANKS for taking the time to make this very informative video. Its just outrageous!!

[@GlitchedBird94]

This is stressing me out, i'v just bought an expensive projector with pbi shipping and i hope it will arrive in perfect condition, I'll keep you updated :/

[@sufamidan1006]

+Mathieu Boudreau update?

[@aaron11322]

Shipping companies always round up to the nearest pound. So removing bubble wrap should not have any effect on the cost of the shipment. Also you should be able to refuse the package upon delivery if damaged. And you should not have to pay. This is my understanding of shipping.

[@teabagNBG]

i already used the service over 20times... it always arrived! but sometimes the shipping takes very long and also the tracking isnt good... multiple carrier has some bugs... also if i pay customs to pittney bows where are my papers for customs? this is a little bit funny.... i dont think they actually pay customs lol also i noticed sometimes if somebody uses interantional ebay shipping programm.... some prices are very very high for shipping i dont know why but i had a case where ebay said 150 for shipping!!!!! then i contacted the guy he should look how much shipping is this cant be... he aggred and looked and it was about 30bucks shipping only then! you pay extra for multiple carriers, because pb alsways use theyr own shiping route even if its longer, they need to go through this route because this way they can bypass the customs....

[@calvinkim934]

I purchased an item which worths about 140-160 USD including shipping. Somehow the shipping address doesn't include my apartment number (600 households have the same street address). I contacted eBay to correct it but I was denied. I contacted Pitney Bowes. The customer service required me eBay order number which doesn't exist but item number and tracking number which I did. And no more reply... I contacted several times more but none of eBay and Pitney Bowes responded....

[@McBla5t3rs0n]

I only use usps through ebay....hope that they are safe...i will never use PBI or Ebays global shipping...thank you for putting light on these unsavory bussiness practices

[@coolcraker123]

I just bought a $480 computer then my seller ships it with pbi tracking. I am really worried because I live in ireland near England, which is a long way away. If they remove packaging my item will be damaged. What will I do?! My seller provided a 60day warranty with the item and has been very helpful in answering my questions. Should I be worried?

[@stevefrey5475]

Luke, how long did it take for the package to be delivered to you from PBI in Kentucky to your place in japan? Thanks, Steve

[@superrobotfan1099]

Question: is it legal the use of USPS postal boxes to ship international by PBI? this is a nightmare Thank you Luke people facebook this video!!!

[@javavlover56]

I just got off the phone with EBay as I'm going through the same thing. Don't know if I will ever see my money again. The seller has been suspended as I'm sure what they were selling was a scam!

[@erezsampson]

Hi I ordered a laptop(4 days ago) via the global shipping program from USA, from top rated seller, and I live in Israel. It said that the service is: International Priority Shipping. (USPS?) Does my package is going to get open and replace by other box? Thanks! :)

[@ricardoblikman2676]

Seems they getting away with it pretty good. I just bought something from ebay which i didnt use for over a decade the price was 540 bux + 21 bux shipping and they add 210 bux when i tried to pay. the item is like 1 pound of carton/paper. Collectible cards, used, most countries like mine dont even have import duties or tax on that. In the Netherlands its forbidden for 3th parties to collect tax on their behalf. Dunno i guess my ebay days are over I am not gonna pay a penny but I really dont understand why all sellers I ask to sell me not using GS refuse to sell me because they find it hard to drop off a parcel from the us to an adres in Europe. PBI even tax customs on deals within Europe, Europeans do not even pay tax we have free trade here, I guess soon PBI will tax Americans to for buying from another state. But I really dont understand why sellers want global shipping in the first place

[@papanewjee569]

Luke, Not sure what you are talking about. International Shipping laws are very complicated and the process to ship the parcels is not as simple as you might think it is. There are parcels and items that are required by customs law to be opened as they cannot be on passenger planes. If a parcel item does not have a country of origin declared by the seller then it has to be opened to declare in customs paperwork. PBI is a third party for eBAY that uses a mix of vendors to get your parcel overseas

[@MrRalliartX]

This sounds like a terrible situation mate. I hope some luck goes your way in regards to it. It sounds absolutely crazy that a company can open your package and do whatever they want with it before sending it to you for a premium. Will definitely stay away from this. Thanks for the heads up.

[@matthewgaudet4064]

To pay 25 pounds on shipping is insane. And have it take a month to arrive. We are talking about priority express shipping option. I'm in the states and the seller is in UK. Should be no more than 2 weeks tops. and the tracking at system is a joke. They will have an item locally at a sorting center in New Hampshire or Massachusetts and bounce it back to NJ after it leaves customs. And then back to MA for delivery. Adding an extra week to 10 days to the shipping time. If the seller had not messed up my order in the first place i would not have needed a reshipment, as is it is going to take me 2 months to finally receive the movie i originally ordered. Never again. Within the states Pitney Bowes is decent if the speed of say Media Mail. I would never use them for international shipping if i had a choice. Anyway they really are not a shipper really when US mail ends up delivering the packages anyway. They are at best hand off artists who over charge and promise unrealistic delivery times.

[@gamescrodbear2608]

hey i live in rural australia how do i recieve my package i live in the nt and we dont have a depot in my town do they deliver to your door step

[@TDKGaming]

I got scammed too from Pitney Bowes, never buying ANYTHING with their service again!!

[@UGRRetribution]

I had to pay IMPORT CHARGES despite buying something from the UK and I'm in a EU country. 18 pounds to deliver a small capture device box? It shouldn't be more than 10, even if it's Royal Mail Signed For, and here's the kicker, "aims to deliver within 1-3 days with signature on delivery", with eBay stating it might take up to two weeks. Why? Because of pitney bowes... first time using global shipping, last time as well.

[@ExecuteOrder.66]

Shiiiiittttt :( just bought something with this programme and now i see this :'(

[@nigeI]

The Tax Man was the purchase okay?

[@1stPlaceDirector]

I have personally shipped many items using the eBay Shipping Program and all have worked successfully. But I admit, that whenever I ship something, I worry a lot about something happening, once they open my package to inspect it or repackage it--if that's what they do. I'm not sure. Recently, I prefer not to use EGSP, because they tack on too much in costs to the buyer (duties, taxes) and its causing me to lose sales. For example, I have sold items for $50, and eBay forces the buyer to pay $129.

[@RetroGameTech]

These are some pretty shocking discoveries you've made, Luke. PBI and Ebay are clearly at fault and both companies should fully refund you as well as providing a written apology. The legality of what they've been up to is extremely questionable at best! If you haven't done so already, I'd make it clear to Ebay's customer support that you are also making these videos about what has happened. I hope they have a rethink about their decision regarding your case. Thanks for sharing this info!

[@1Jinxed1]

I just bought something with a hidden pitney bowes fee of $50. im having trouble with the item i bought(damaged), now if i ask for a refund im sure i will loose the pitney bowes fee.

[@Mayhemerz]

I've had a few items shipped to me from the US via PBI using the GSP available on eBay. None were repackaged. I know plenty of people who have had repackaging happen mind you. So they don't repackage everything. Maybe it depends on price/size?