Rare Pyrite Ammonite Fossils

Today I created my very first listing on eBay. Then I thought a little bit and listed the second item. I sell hundreds of items in my bead store here in Russia and I think I have enough local customers and local postage problems. I can't explain that, I just need to sell something on eBay not because of money, but just to sell something. I want to receive my very first feedback as a seller (positive, of course! :)) I've listed two fossil slices which I bought at a gem show here in Russia. These fossils are truly unique because they have a metal shine caused by pyrite. They say there's only one mine of pyrite fossils found in the world, and it is in Russia. I don't know whether it's true or not, but all similar items on eBay have note they're from Russia, and there aren't many of them. Just take a look at one of these little beauties - they shine gold!


Of course these pyrite fossils may be wonderful addition to any fossil collection, but we beaders buy them for only one reason: to use them in our beadwork! Just take a look at some beaded pieces of my friend Guzelle Bakeeva. Her 'Star Explosion' necklace, 'Dark Side of the Moon' necklace and bracelet feature these little fossil beauties. Aren't they stunning?

Well, back to eBay. As I said I just feel the need to sell something, so I listed them for only $2.99. The biggest problem with eBay is PayPal don't work here as it works in US or other countries. I can send money using my PayPal account (from my credit card associated with paypal), but I cannot receive funds to my PayPal account. Just can't, and PayPal support doesn't answer the question why that and when it will be possible. Just like firemountaingems ignore questions why they ship everywhere in the world except Russia. Just try to find that out and you'll se that's impossible! To deal with that PayPal issue I asked my friend from USA to receive my payment if somebody will overcome their fear and buy something from Russian seller. She said she could help me with that, but I understand that's not the best idea, because if my sales grow, she will have to pay taxes for my profits. And she will have to spend her time dealing with my problems which is not good either.

My another idea is to receive payments as gift certificates at Amazon. But this is also kind of suspect and looks like fraud. Really, who cares I cannot use PayPal? Amazon gift certificates, isn't that look strange? If you were strangers on eBay and found my listings, what would you think? Seller is in Russia and accepts Amazon gift certificates. Please tell me all the hard truth, that will be really helpful to me.