Overseas Buying Guide
Buying from Overseas — A Complete Guide
Everything US buyers need to know about international payments, shipping, and customs
Many of the most sought-after Irish dance dresses come from Ireland and the UK. If you limit yourself to US sellers only, you are missing a large portion of the resale market. Buying internationally may sound intimidating at first, but once you understand the process it is usually very manageable.
This guide explains how international payments, shipping, tracking, and customs typically work for US buyers purchasing Irish dance gear from overseas sellers.
Prices on FeisFinds Are Listed in USD
Every listing on FeisFinds.com is displayed in US dollars regardless of where the seller is located.
If a seller in Ireland lists a dress for $850 USD, the buyer pays $850 USD — not euros or pounds. All pricing conversations on FeisFinds should stay in USD to avoid confusion.
How PayPal Handles International Payments
PayPal Goods and Services is the recommended payment method for international FeisFinds transactions because it provides buyer protection and handles currency conversion automatically.
PayPal converts currency automatically
Buyers can pay in USD using their PayPal account or linked payment method while sellers receive funds in their local currency. PayPal handles the conversion during checkout.
Before payment is completed, PayPal shows:
the final USD amount,
the exchange rate being used,
and any applicable fees.
What currency conversion costs
PayPal’s exchange rate is usually slightly less favorable than the market exchange rate, typically adding around 3–4% to the total transaction cost.
For example, on an $800 purchase, the real exchange cost difference may be roughly $24–32 depending on the exchange rate at the time.
Most buyers consider this worthwhile because PayPal Goods and Services provides protection on eligible international purchases.
⚠️ Heads up: If a seller asks you to pay by wire transfer, bank transfer, or Western Union to avoid PayPal fees, proceed carefully. Those payment methods generally do not include buyer protection.
PayPal Protection for International Purchases
PayPal Purchase Protection generally applies to eligible international purchases the same way it does domestic purchases.
If you pay through PayPal Goods and Services and:
the item never arrives,
the seller cannot provide valid delivery tracking,
or the item arrives significantly different from the listing,
you may be eligible to open a dispute within 180 days.
Best payment process
The safest process is usually:
Buyer and seller agree on the total price and estimated shipping cost.
Seller sends a PayPal Goods and Services invoice.
Buyer pays the invoice.
Seller ships the item with tracking.
Seller uploads tracking into PayPal.
This creates a clear transaction record that helps protect both parties.
Important protection details
If the seller never ships
The buyer can usually open an “Item Not Received” dispute. If the seller cannot provide valid delivery tracking, PayPal will often side with the buyer.
If the seller ships but the buyer claims the package never arrived
Seller protection is strongest when:
the package was shipped with tracking,
delivery is confirmed,
and the package was sent to the address attached to the PayPal transaction.
If the item is significantly different from the listing
PayPal may review:
listing details,
photos,
tracking information,
and written communication between buyer and seller.
Important seller protection note
Sellers should always ship to the address attached to the PayPal transaction. Shipping to a different address may affect seller protection eligibility.
How to pay correctly through PayPal
When paying through PayPal:
choose “Paying for an item or service,”
not “Sending to a friend.”
Friends and Family payments generally do not include buyer protection.
International Shipping — What to Expect
International shipping takes longer than domestic shipping, but most Irish dance resale transactions arrive without issue.
Typical delivery times
• Ireland to United States — approximately 7–14 business days
• United Kingdom to United States — approximately 5–10 business days
• Australia to United States — approximately 10–20 business days
• Canada to United States — approximately 3–7 business days
⚠️ Heads up: Delivery times can increase during holidays, severe weather, or customs delays. If you need a dress for a specific competition, build in extra time.
Typical International Shipping Costs
Shipping costs vary depending on:
package size,
carrier,
insurance,
and destination.
Approximate ranges for a typical Irish dance dress shipped to the US:
• Ireland — approximately $20–55 USD
• United Kingdom — approximately $15–45 USD
• Australia — approximately $35–80 USD
• Canada — approximately $20–45 USD
Always confirm shipping costs before purchasing.
A seller who is transparent about shipping costs upfront is usually a good sign.
Shipping Insurance
For higher-value dresses, shipping insurance is usually worth the additional cost.
Insurance may help cover:
lost packages,
damaged shipments,
or carrier issues during transit.
On expensive dresses, insurance is typically inexpensive relative to the item value.
Ask the seller:
“Will this shipment include insurance, and for what amount?”
Tracking Your International Package
Always ask for a tracking number and save it immediately.
International tracking often updates less frequently than domestic shipping. It is normal for packages to go several days without scans while moving between countries.
Once the package enters the US, USPS often handles final delivery using the same international tracking number.
⚠️ Heads up: If tracking stops updating entirely for an extended period, contact both the seller and the carrier promptly.
Customs — What US Buyers Should Know
Customs is usually the part of international buying that worries people most, but for secondhand Irish dance dresses entering the US, the process is often straightforward.
What customs is
When a package enters the United States from another country, it passes through US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which determines whether duties, taxes, or inspections apply.
Most secondhand Irish dance dresses clear US customs without issue.
The $800 Customs Threshold
The US currently allows many imported goods valued at $800 USD or less to enter duty-free under the de minimis threshold.
For many resale dresses under $800:
no import duty is charged,
no customs paperwork is required from the buyer,
and the package moves directly into the carrier network for delivery.
Dresses valued above $800 may be subject to import duties, although duties on secondhand clothing are often relatively modest.
⚠️ Important: Sellers should always declare the true sale value on customs forms. Undervaluing packages is illegal, may void shipping insurance, and can create problems if the package is lost or inspected.
What Happens at Customs
The typical customs process looks like this:
Seller ships the package with a customs declaration.
The package enters the US through an international processing facility.
Customs reviews the shipment.
If no duties apply, the package continues into the carrier network.
If duties are owed, the carrier contacts the buyer before delivery.
Most packages move through this process quickly.
If a Package Is Held by Customs
Occasionally a package may be delayed for inspection or because duties are owed.
If this happens:
the carrier usually sends instructions,
duties can often be paid online,
and additional documentation may occasionally be requested.
If customs requests proof of value, transaction receipts or PayPal records are usually sufficient.
⚠️ Heads up: Never agree to false customs declarations or revised values after shipment. This can create legal and insurance issues for both buyer and seller.
Your International Purchase Checklist
☐ Confirm the price in USD
☐ Confirm estimated shipping cost before paying
☐ Ask for tracked shipping
☐ Ask whether shipping insurance will be included
☐ Pay using PayPal Goods and Services
☐ Save your tracking number immediately
☐ Allow realistic international delivery time
☐ Pay any customs duties promptly if required
The bottom line: International purchases are extremely common in the Irish dance world. With PayPal Goods and Services, tracked shipping, and good communication between buyer and seller, buying from overseas is usually very manageable — and often worth it for access to a much larger selection of dresses. Check out our selection of items on FeisFinds.com.
FeisFinds LLC | feisfinds.com | contactfeisfinds@gmail.com
Questions about an international purchase? Contact us at contactfeisfinds@gmail.com and we will do our best to help.