Selling internationally is really simple.  First of all, it will most likely increase your sales.  Just imagine increasing your potential customers from those only from the United States to a worldwide audience.  Kind of like the difference between a concert at a local high school auditorium or one at a coliseum (big difference!!!).

Now, if you sell what I would consider "high risk" items such as electronics, audio equipment, or high dollar merchandise - well, you should weigh your risks.  But if you are a home based seller with just a common variety of odds-n-ends; and if you are honest in your descriptions, package efficiently, and ship promptly - you should have no problems.

I think the biggest issue is the risk of a "far away" transaction. What if it's never delivered and you are responsible?  Well, for those that are concerned with this risk, just consider requiring they purchase insurance.  It's not much more than domestic.  You could also consider adding in $2.00 handling fee which will cover the insurance and YOU insure the package (just to cover your behind).  I have never (knock on wood) had a package lost...some took a LONG TIME to arrive, but they got there.  If you have insurance, it is much safer.  It depends on the method of shipment you choose.

I also recommend you use the shipping calculator.  This will automatically give them the rate and eliminate all those annoying "how much" e-mails you are sure to receive.

As far as items that are not allowed to be shipped to different countries...well, that is mostly common sense; but before you ship, I recommend you visit the USPS site and check items that are illegal to ship to the specific country.  In my experience (I have shipped hundreds - if not more - items internationally and to almost every country in which ebay has a presence), most customers already know what they are and are not allowed to purchase.  They do not want to be responsible for answering to the authorities of their country when a package comes to them as "merchandise" and has listed on the declarations form an item which is not legal for them to purchase. 

Now, for the scariest part...the paperwork. I know many sellers just don't want to ship internationally due to the paperwork. Well, let me ask you...if you had the choice between selling an item and filling out one piece of paper or the item ending without a bid...which would you choose?  The paperwork is not scary at all!

There are two basic forms that you will need to be familiar with.  They are based on weight.  I normally just take the form into the post office with me already filled out...they scan, detach their portion, and attach the portion that needs to be attached.

The first is the green form (which is the simple one and the one that I use almost all the time). I think the weight limit is about 5 lbs to use this form (must weigh 5 lbs or less).  It is very simple to fill out.

As you can see, the information is very basic.  Now, the next form is just a little more detailed and will be used with heavier packages.  Any time I am in doubt, I just fill in both and take them both in. The Post Office will let you know which is needed.

The white form (CP 72 Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note) requires a detailed description of contents.  Now, I would normally write exactly what I would write on the green form.  If it is a game, toy, or shirt...I write simply that - "game", "toy", or "shirt". Nothing more detailed. I let the post office fill in the weight. YOU fill in the value (not including postage, just what the customer paid for item). You will need to mark whether it is going Airmail, Priority, or Surface mail (economy).  I always check "other" and write "merchandise" under explanation.  The last (and probably most important) item you will need to mark is what you'd like to happen in case of non-delivery.  Now, if the item is insured, you should have not problem with delivery (being very careful to address package correctly). I always mark as "treat as abandoned".  Otherwise, you could be held responsible for the return postage.

Here is what the white form looks like:

Now, choosing the method of delivery...

I usually offer either ground or airmail.  Now, if the package weighs less than 4 lbs (I'm pretty sure this is the weight limit) - you can ship via Airmail LETTER post - yes, even if it's a box.  The letter post vs. parcel post is based on weight (now this is based on how my local post offices handle them - and I deal with 5 different post offices locally).  Letter Post is substantially less than parcel post. 

I will admit that I have NO PROBLEM going to the post office. Our lines are not excessively long and the wait is very minimal (sometimes no wait at all).  All of our clerks are very friendly, recognize regular customers, and are very helpful.  I do understand their job is stressful, so I treat them with respect. (Do unto others...)

I hope this has been helpful and will give you the confidence to "take the plunge" with international sales. Get plenty of practice and you'll never consider "eliminating" those wonderful international buyers.

As a side note, I'd like to say that you should not limit yourself to domestic purchases either. I have found some mighty interesting things on some of the other english speaking ebay communities.  Some will gladly ship to the U.S. if requested and you can find some things very common in Europe that are expensive here (for example, how often can you go to plant a patio garden and dig up old Roman coins?).  Remember, we are a relatively young nation. If you have an interest in unusual things - be sure to check out some of the other communities.  Allow yourself some time to navigate a little and get to know the lingo used in their local listings. 

Have fun and Good Luck with your INTERNATIONAL SALES!