G'day all,  A little off topic, but I noted with interest Ed Gaida's
comments on the upset overseas eBay bidders when he refused to deal
with them -- a situation I am familiar with.  Since the bulk of eBay
activity is US based, there is probably little disadvantage for sellers
to apply such restrictions but I am certain if it should happen that
more sellers are outside the US and they did the same, there would be
an outcry!

I have been very frustrated and disappointed that some items I would
have bid on have had such exclusions and I'm curious to know the
reasoning behind it.  I have dealt with many dealers and collectors in
the US without problems, apart from a few items not packed well enough
(usually also a problem for local shipment).  Is it a concern over
exchange rates or handling international funds?

I have sent payments in $US by cash, credit card, international draft
and bank transfer and they all work -- no one has complained yet!  One
MMD member, Larry Norman, will accept payment by personal check in
foreign currencies -- he must have a good bank!  One thing I can't deny
is that the transactions take a little longer unless credit cards are
accepted.

Does anyone have suggestions on the reasons for the restrictions?

Darrell Clarke
Clarke's Corner, Adelaide
South Australia