Declaring shipping value? (how annoying!!)

**Mikey2008** · 10-12-2010, 08:33 PM

Geeks,
getting this off my chest as I feel the seller has being a complete careless. he's no longer present on this forum but resides on the others!!

I buy 2 crystals in a trade +cash transaction. Seller is based in the USA.
Package arrives 13 days later with customs/vat invoice + mail handling fee. Total £12.50 ($20). I don't mind the wait, but the invoice was a shock.
So I paid $80 + $20 in fees. WTF?!!

Most people dealing with reps would know not to declare a $40 valuation on watch parts. We're not buying gen parts. The risk is on me anyway to lose the items in post.

Anything written for more than $15 in valuation should be agreed prior to shipping!!!

**1234** · 10-13-2010, 12:56 AM

I agree Mikey...but some seller act as they wish

You see anything coming into Canada I always always make sure they ship USPS "for US packages" declaring watch part/electronic part declared $30 or so
Fedex & UPS are the WORST as they make the buyer pay brokerage fees...etc
Ask the seller if not purchase from someone else that's what I do now!

**jjenk** · 10-14-2010, 01:27 AM

I'm confused. How is the seller at fault in any way. Was it agreed upon that he was going to put $15 valuation on the package. How would he know that it was going to cost you an additional $20 in fees?

**Drhulee** · 10-14-2010, 01:35 AM

You should always agree beforehand, or at least give the shipper an idea of what YOUR customs practices are. Every country has different levels that tariffs kick in and different restrictions.

**1234** · 10-14-2010, 01:39 AM

It takes 2 to tango right?
Both parties should agree prior to concluding the deal on the shipment method.
Let's assume that I purchase from you a $900 franken Rolex; the seller should know better not declaring the full value of the watch.
The buyer should make it clear that he would assume the potential risk should the package get lost...etc. The seller would therefore
declare a value of $40 saying used watch sent back after repairs...bla bla bla

**narikaa** · 10-14-2010, 06:34 AM

Sometimes you map it out in baby language - agree everything etc

Then the seller gets to the Post Office and doesnt tick the 'gift' box or for some reason best known to themselves decides to insure it (which outside of the UK makes the customs value = the insured value) despite the buyer bearing all risks!

.

**Mikey2008** · 10-14-2010, 10:00 AM

I take it on the chin and treat it like money spent on a private tutorial. I learn something new every now and again in this rep game.
In the future I guess I will be very specific on asking for valuation of incoming packages.

**Drhulee** · 10-14-2010, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by Mikey2008

In the future I guess I will be very specific on asking for valuation of incoming packages.

You may also want to clarify any customs instructions with the other party with outgoing parcel - not just for reps, but any International shipment.

**moleng1** · 10-14-2010, 12:25 PM

I NEVER allow shipments to me in Canada to be sent via any courier!! I learned this the hard way when a $900 gen RXW I bought cost me over $230 in brokerage charges!! F*#king outrageous!!

I will only buy now if the seller will ship via Canada post affiliate (EMS, USPS, any countries national postal service) Otherwise, no deal, I'll be damned if I'll give any more money to those f*#king courier vultures...............

If you're in Canada, take heed guys, or you'll end up paying like I did.......

**Drhulee** · 10-14-2010, 12:32 PM

Originally Posted by moleng1

I NEVER allow shipments to me in Canada to be sent via any courier!! I learned this the hard way when a $900 gen RXW I bought cost me over $230 in brokerage charges!! F*#king outrageous!!

I will only buy now if the seller will ship via Canada post affiliate (EMS, USPS, any countries national postal service) Otherwise, no deal, I'll be damned if I'll give any more money to those f*#king courier vultures...............

If you're in Canada, take heed guys, or you'll end up paying like I did.......

+1000

When UPS starting using the "customs brokerage fees" excuse for billing their clients unfounded service charges, I vowed never to use them again ... and haven't. Same goes for FedEX. They both have 'in-house' customs brokering departments and tack on ridiculously high service charges, in addition to any tariffs, for every International parcel they handle.

Unfortunately, the only other option (Canada Post) has its own problems, but at least the provide Vaseline

**mt666tm** · 10-15-2010, 01:29 AM

Yup, you definitely have to spell out your customs declaration requirements for any out of country seller. I always do every single time, even if I buy from the same seller!

UPS is a fu(king nightmare. I would rather have the seller take my watch tie it to the foot of a crow and shoot at it to scare it into flight in my general direction than to ship with UPS. I really can't understand how they remain in business...

Canada post has been good lately for what it's worth... Got a beautiful Patek from EU with no customs delay, and a multiple watch package from Puretime with only 1 day delay. Great!