From my experience.
Seller in California sends via USPS to eBay's warehouse in Kentucky who do the customs paperwork then send via USPS back across the country to the buyer in Oz or NZ, net result, more ticket clipping for eBay, shipping time tripled & freight cost jacked up by a large amount
I generally avoid sellers using the system if I can
Yes I try to avoid them too Tony.
I now search for buying alternatives other than ebil.
I jump on the phone now and give local traders the chance to match ebay add prices.
Today a full set of EBC Red Stuff Car pads $285, The first local bloke started swearing F,,,ing ebay you c*&%s will put us out of business&*&^%$#@#$
I would have thought some profit margin is better than no profit margin
The second, a call to Stop Master Brakes Newcastle yielded a win, yeap! no problem mate, we will match it, they will be here tomorrow!
Sure, I have to travel to get them, but that's my bit for local sellers and my personal pledge to cut ebay overlords out as much as possible