Who is responsible for customs fees?

[07kevaloski]

Hey,

Just having a problem with a member on ebay. I sold a card to a buyer in china and he has messaged me over the weekend that his package has arrived but is refusing to sign for it as he states he will have to pay $30 customs fees for a $245 card.

He asked me to declare it for a lesser amount but i refused as i wanted to insure it for the full amount. With all the problems people are having shipping to china i didn't want to take a risk. I did mention several times i wouldn't declare the package under value before he paid for the item. Now he has threaten not to sign for the package and have it sent back to me and get a full refund including shipping. Also leaving neg feedback.

Can anyone shed some light on this if you have dealt with this before. It's absolutely doing my head in. I always thought the buyer assumes responsibility for their own countries custom fees. Or is it my responsibility?

Thanks

[hairyangryfella]

Completely the buyer's responsibility. I have experienced it myself (particularly with Meigray items) and it sucks, but I still have to pay it. If you declared it for anything other than the actual price, and they tried to stiff you (Asia is notorious for scams), then you would be screwed with either a false declaration, or only getting a smaller amount back from insurance.

Did your auction state that full value would be declared? Or do you have it in writing? You should forward anything you can to ebay in some kind of an extortion case or similar.

I would never ship without full insurance unless they paid with paypal gift, why should the seller take all the risk?

[verona]

Yes it's truth, also in italy I have to pay customs fees!!
Yes they are buyer's responsibility, but I always ask the pleasure to lowered the declaration value, I need to know if I can pay the extra for a card or not!

[07kevaloski]

I thought so. I did mention the shipping cost and the card would be insured in my auction listing. I also stated to him I will not declare the value under what it sold for before he made payment so I assume he agreed. This is such a headache to deal with. Do you know how I can go about contacting ebay? I've never dealt with this before. Thanks for the input lads.

[phdbeckett]

Go to leave feedback (as he paid right) then use report a problem:
Next, tell us what happened:

Then Select other problems:
Buyer made unreasonable demands
Buyer left inappropriate feedback
Buyer abused a buyer protection program
Buyer misused returns
Other problems

Buyer used foul or offensive language
Requested false information on customs forms
Your problem isn't listed here

Standard policy, and you should be fine.

[nanners13]

what is his ebay name? can you please PM me so i can welcome him to my blocked bidder list, thanks :)!

[fZk]

Lying on custom forms is a federal offense, nobody should be asking you to declare a lower value. I've had two people ask me before in the past and I refused to deal with both of them.

[verona]

Lying on custom forms is a federal offense, nobody should be asking you to declare a lower value. I've had two people ask me before in the past and I refused to deal with both of them.

For you it's simple!!! But for an non US collector it's too expensive the shipping, and also a lots of seller don't want ships overseas....than also pay a lots of $$ in fees isn't easy!!! On avg for a $500 declared I have to pay about $135/145 you will pay at my place!?!?!?

[TarjetasBéisbol]

For you it's simple!!! But for an non US collector it's too expensive the shipping, and also a lots of seller don't want ships overseas....than also pay a lots of $$ in fees isn't easy!!! On avg for a $500 declared I have to pay about $135/145 you will pay at my place!?!?!?

Easy, just don't buy anything from eBay if you are not willing to pay the extra charges. Why should a seller declare a lower value on something that is shipped overseas if they don't even know the person??!! If you have any doubts, email the seller and ask them any questions that could end up costing you in the long run.

"Trust is good, control is better"

[fZk]

Wasn't there a tread about recently about a guy that went to pick up his cards that had been declared with less value and the PO asked him to bring a receipt to prove the value. How did that ended up?

For you it's simple!!! But for an non US collector it's too expensive the shipping, and also a lots of seller don't want ships overseas....than also pay a lots of $$ in fees isn't easy!!! On avg for a $500 declared I have to pay about $135/145 you will pay at my place!?!?!?

That's not my problem, I'm not about to break the law just because you want to save money and you shouldn't be asking people to do it either. If you don't want to deal with custom fees move to country that doesn't have them or even simpler yet do not buy anything you're not willing to pay for.

[verona]

I think italy is one of worst country in the World!! Always the State try to steal money to the persons who work and pay taxs!!! We had a tax burden of about 58% it's a SCAM!!!!

[thecomebacker]

I think italy is one of worst country in the World!! Always the State try to steal money to the persons who work and pay taxs!!! We had a tax burden of about 58% it's a SCAM!!!!
You also have a national holiday for a MONTH off every august in Italy. :D

[ryanso23]

buyer pays taxes ...

[Round Mound]

That's not my problem, I'm not about to break the law just because you want to save money and you shouldn't be asking people to do it either. If you don't want to deal with custom fees move to country that doesn't have them or even simpler yet do not buy anything you're not willing to pay for.

Fortunately for us non-US collectors, a lot of people are not as narrow-minded...

About this particular case: the buyer should accept what happens to him. He should pay for the customs fees, he was told that you were not willing to declare the item for a lesser amount, so he knew what would happen and should have refused the transaction before you sent the item.

[Orangejello727]

Wasn't there a tread about recently about a guy that went to pick up his cards that had been declared with less value and the PO asked him to bring a receipt to prove the value. How did that ended up?



That's not my problem, I'm not about to break the law just because you want to save money and you shouldn't be asking people to do it either. If you don't want to deal with custom fees move to country that doesn't have them or even simpler yet do not buy anything you're not willing to pay for.


While I agree declaring the value on a card shipped is the right thing to do, being lenient sometimes can work out for both parties.

You take a bit far off the deep end with "breaking the law". Bypassing value on declaration is the same thing as speeding in your car. Speeding or going over the speed limit is against the law. Have you done it? If so, have you turned yourself in for it as well?

[fZk]

Fortunately for us non-US collectors, a lot of people are not as narrow-minded...

You're wrong, is not an issue of being close minded or not, is somebody asking another person to break the law just because they don't feel like paying their country's dues. They do check, and as a seller there's absolutely no benefit and you can get into a lot of trouble. Just google lying on postal forms and read the horror stories for yourself.

Don't be a lazy buyers and assume responsibility for your purchases.

[Nsingerma11]

For you it's simple!!! But for an non US collector it's too expensive the shipping, and also a lots of seller don't want ships overseas....than also pay a lots of $$ in fees isn't easy!!! On avg for a $500 declared I have to pay about $135/145 you will pay at my place!?!?!?

Sorry but that is YOUR problem...not the sellers. Simple as that.

[Round Mound]

You're wrong, is not an issue of being close minded or not, is somebody asking another person to break the law just because they don't feel like paying their country's dues. They do check, and as a seller there's absolutely no benefit and you can get into a lot of trouble. Just google lying on postal forms and read the horror stories for yourself.

Don't be a lazy buyers and assume responsibility for your purchases.

Yeah, I'm wrong, a lazy buyer, blablabla. Whatever.

I won't comment more on this, you're an absolutely great US citizen, congratulations. The FBI won't come knocking at your door tonight.

[Craig]

I appreciate sellers declaring an item at $50 or lower, but if they don't then I accept full responsibility for the resulting Customs fees. It stinks, but that's the fault of our federal and provincial governments, and not of American sellers.

I'm lucky to have a U.S. address for mailing to save all of the hassle. I always tell Canada Customs that I have cards when I bring them across, and I just get waved through every time.

[verona]

You also have a national holiday for a MONTH off every august in Italy. :D

Me no...but almost 90% of the peoples had holidays in august, not a month, about 2 weeks

[verona]

Sorry but that is YOUR problem...not the sellers. Simple as that.

I'm lucky because I have met many people who help me and do not make the moralist like you!!

[verona]

While I agree declaring the value on a card shipped is the right thing to do, being lenient sometimes can work out for both parties.

You take a bit far off the deep end with "breaking the law". Bypassing value on declaration is the same thing as speeding in your car. Speeding or going over the speed limit is against the law. Have you done it? If so, have you turned yourself in for it as well?

Yes man :)!
I think a lots of guy here want make a moral, but they should think at themselves at first!!!

[Round Mound]

While I agree declaring the value on a card shipped is the right thing to do, being lenient sometimes can work out for both parties.

You take a bit far off the deep end with "breaking the law". Bypassing value on declaration is the same thing as speeding in your car. Speeding or going over the speed limit is against the law. Have you done it? If so, have you turned yourself in for it as well?

Thank you :)!

[T3sT]

Yes man :)!
I think a lots of guy here want make a moral, but they should think at themselves at first!!!

I know your feel bro, Indonesia have high customs taxes too.

I always ask seller to declare the value low for expensive items, some seller agree do and some seller won't do. I fully understand if some seller refuse to do that. So whenever seller refuse to do that i just walk away or if i still want that item i will pay the customs fees.

[justdagoodstuff]

That's on the buyer, not the seller. It's not the seller's fault that the buyer's country has that sort of fee.

[tristan20]

Buyer 100%, not sure why any buyer would think a seller is responsible.

If they don't want to pay the customs fee they shouldn't by buying in the first place.

[Nsingerma11]

I'm lucky because I have met many people who help me and do not make the moralist like you!!

First of all...I don't understand your broken English...but second of all, everyone on the thread agrees that if you are going to buy overseas, then you have to pay customs fees. If you don't like it...don't buy anything.

[Kosmo Kards]

Why on earth would the seller pay the custom fees? Some people on e-bay, swear to god.

[Quigley24]

Basic rule of thumb

Postage Due-On the seller
Customs Fees-On the buyer

How anyone could blame customs fees on the seller is beyond me.

[Mires]

Any seller who declares the value of the item lower than the selling price is just being asked to be shot in the foot.

[Orangejello727]

Just an FYI, americans are not immune to customs charges. If you want to return the favour, all you have to do is declare what you send to the US at a high US dollar value plus state "Made in USA". THey will slap it with a duty.

[AlabamaSlamma]

if its a higher end card that needs to be insured, the only way you can make a claim in the event of loss or damage is if the declared value on the customs form matches the insurance amount purchased on the receipt. declaring a 50 customs value on a 1,000 card leaves the seller with a maximum of 50 of protection. i certainly understand the duties burden for international buyers, and i've heard instances of buyers & sellers agreeing to split these costs in some manner on high dollar items, but ultimately it is the responsibility of the buyer (regardless of US or abroad) to pay for costs associated with imported goods..

[Round Mound]

everyone on the thread agrees that if you are going to buy overseas, then you have to pay customs fees. If you don't like it...don't buy anything.

No, not everyone:

While I agree declaring the value on a card shipped is the right thing to do, being lenient sometimes can work out for both parties.

You take a bit far off the deep end with "breaking the law". Bypassing value on declaration is the same thing as speeding in your car. Speeding or going over the speed limit is against the law. Have you done it? If so, have you turned yourself in for it as well?

[SportsItUpCards]

Any seller who declares the value of the item lower than the selling price is just being asked to be shot in the foot.

Why?

I was asked by a member here from United Kingdom to declare a lower price....

What's the story behind it, as far as being shot in the foot. I know the person said that he would pay less fees when picking up the package. But how can it be a bad thing?

[verona]

Why?

I was asked by a member here from United Kingdom to declare a lower price....

What's the story behind it, as far as being shot in the foot. I know the person said that he would pay less fees when picking up the package. But how can it be a bad thing?

Hey Gio, but you asked him (Will I think) to declare lower because also in the USA are importation tax?

[hairyangryfella]

Why?

I was asked by a member here from United Kingdom to declare a lower price....

What's the story behind it, as far as being shot in the foot. I know the person said that he would pay less fees when picking up the package. But how can it be a bad thing?

It can be a bad thing if the items goes missing or gets damaged. If you get compensation, it would only be for the lower amount declared, not the actual value of the item. That's why it could hit you as a seller, you are the one taking all the risk - so why risk that?

However, if the seller is able to use third-party insurance where the value doesn't have to be declared, then I don't see a problem with it.

[tristan20]

You can declare a lower price on an item but the buyer should be aware that if the item is lost or stolen he takes all liability.

[Round Mound]

You can declare a lower price on an item but the buyer should be aware that if the item is lost or stolen he takes all liability.

Absolutely :)!

[Hegotgame15]

I'm from Australia, I have purchased $22,000 in cards off one seller from the U.S in the past few months, the first package he sent was a $5,000 declared value, I had to wait 3 weeks to get the package from customs and pay a $650 fee just to have them released!

In no way is that the seller's problem, but after that happened I simply said it ain't worth it to buy any more as the tax was killing me!

So he simply dropped the declared amount to sub $1000 U.S per package and I kept on buying!

When the buyer and seller can work it out, its a non issue, yes he was taking the risk of a package going missing, but we were using EMS so the risk was minimal...

Then for some reason he sent me a cheaper package $600 actual value and decided to skimp on the postage and sent it registered mail even though I paid for EMS!

The package never left the U.S and I never got them!

So...
Use EMS and you can save yourself and the buyer any issues!
It's always on the buyer to worry about declared value and import tax fees, but most of the time the seller can help you out and adjust values to make it work....

[tristan20]

Registered mail = Biggest scam

My advice NEVER EVER USE IT. Your mail will more than likely get lost or delayed.

[T3sT]

if its a higher end card that needs to be insured, the only way you can make a claim in the event of loss or damage is if the declared value on the customs form matches the insurance amount purchased on the receipt. declaring a 50 customs value on a 1,000 card leaves the seller with a maximum of 50 of protection. i certainly understand the duties burden for international buyers, and i've heard instances of buyers & sellers agreeing to split these costs in some manner on high dollar items, but ultimately it is the responsibility of the buyer (regardless of US or abroad) to pay for costs associated with imported goods..

You can declare a lower price on an item but the buyer should be aware that if the item is lost or stolen he takes all liability.

When the buyer and seller can work it out, its a non issue, yes he was taking the risk of a package going missing, but we were using EMS so the risk was minimal...

Then for some reason he sent me a cheaper package $600 actual value and decided to skimp on the postage and sent it registered mail even though I paid for EMS!

The package never left the U.S and I never got them!

So...
Use EMS and you can save yourself and the buyer any issues!
It's always on the buyer to worry about declared value and import tax fees, but most of the time the seller can help you out and adjust values to make it work....

yes this is what i always do. i always said to the seller if they could declare the value low on customs form that i will take any responsibility if the package gone missing or damaged when shipping.

And of course for high valued item i will pay for EMS/EMI. I believe the package 99% will be delivered if you are using EMS/EMI so for me insurance is useless. As long the seller can provide me tracking number and it show delivered to my address (or receipt in case the package get lost) i will bear any responsibility whatever happen in shipping.

[07kevaloski]

Cheers for all the input fellas. Well the buyer won't budge, he told me he contacted customs and told them to send the package back. He also claims that customs said that i will have to pay the $30 fee to get the card back once it reaches me. Is there any truth to that? I highly doubt it but thought i might ask. I've tried to talk to him politely through out this whole saga and all i get back from him is you have bad attitude, you bad attitude make me angry. His exact words. I cannot be bothered dealing with him anymore. My bad attitude according to him is because i won't pay for the fee.

[verona]

Cheers for all the input fellas. Well the buyer won't budge, he told me he contacted customs and told them to send the package back. He also claims that customs said that i will have to pay the $30 fee to get the card back once it reaches me. Is there any truth to that? I highly doubt it but thought i might ask. I've tried to talk to him politely through out this whole saga and all i get back from him is you have bad attitude, you bad attitude make me angry. I cannot be bothered dealing with him anymore. My bad attitude according to him is because i won't pay for the fee.

That's crazy Kevin!!!! I hope you will be able to get your card back without any problem!!

[07kevaloski]

Thanks Enrico! Hope so to. You are a real pleasure to deal with buddy.

[AlabamaSlamma]

You can declare a lower price on an item but the buyer should be aware that if the item is lost or stolen he takes all liability.

but this doesn't hold up under ebay/paypal policy, does it?

you sell a 1,000 card to someone overseas. the card is declared for 50 bucks. the card gets lost and/or damaged. the seller can file a claim through ebay/PP that the item never arrived and get a full refund. the fact that there was an 'agreement' that the seller would assume full responsibility in the event of loss or damage means nothing in ebay's eyes. whats worse, if an agreement like this was in place and the item went missing, your main argument with ebay/pp relies on the fact hat you lied on your customs forms because the terms of the sale required you to ship without full value declaration. your insurance claim is only valid up to the item's declared value, which is $50, leaving you $950 out of pocket.

also, best of luck, OP. care to share the buyer's name? another for the block list.

[SportsItUpCards]

Hey Gio, but you asked him (Will I think) to declare lower because also in the USA are importation tax?

No, I didn't ask anybody anything. I was asked to declare lower on the shipping label(I guess custom fee form?).

[verona]

No, I didn't ask anybody anything. I was asked to declare lower on the shipping label(I guess custom fee form?).

ah ok, I understood!! ;)

[verona]

Thanks Enrico! Hope so to. You are a real pleasure to deal with buddy.

for me too!! Great seller!!!! Thanks

[Nsingerma11]

Exactly..............to act like you can make the buyer take responsibility is stupid...you can't do that through paypal

but this doesn't hold up under ebay/paypal policy, does it?

you sell a 1,000 card to someone overseas. the card is declared for 50 bucks. the card gets lost and/or damaged. the seller can file a claim through ebay/PP that the item never arrived and get a full refund. the fact that there was an 'agreement' that the seller would assume full responsibility in the event of loss or damage means nothing in ebay's eyes. whats worse, if an agreement like this was in place and the item went missing, your main argument with ebay/pp relies on the fact hat you lied on your customs forms because the terms of the sale required you to ship without full value declaration. your insurance claim is only valid up to the item's declared value, which is $50, leaving you $950 out of pocket.

also, best of luck, OP. care to share the buyer's name? another for the block list.

[Nsingerma11]

No, not everyone:


Well...most of the reasonable people...and I have yet to hear a good argument why sellers should 1) pay these fees or 2) put a lower amount and assume the risk if it is lost becasue it can't be insured for less than the declaration amount. It doesn't make sense!! Your only argument is "I don't like to pay customs fees so it's not fair!!"

[IronMonkey415]

What's Charlie Chan ebay name so I can block..thanks.

[Orangejello727]

Well...most of the reasonable people...and I have yet to hear a good argument why sellers should 1) pay these fees or 2) put a lower amount and assume the risk if it is lost becasue it can't be insured for less than the declaration amount. It doesn't make sense!! Your only argument is "I don't like to pay customs fees so it's not fair!!"

Do us a favour and stick to selling locally please!

[bdoody42]

Buyer 100%, not sure why any buyer would think a seller is responsible.

If they don't want to pay the customs fee they shouldn't by buying in the first place.

Exactly!!!

[Nsingerma11]

Exactly!!!

I am with you!

[Nsingerma11]

Do us a favour and stick to selling locally please!

Lol...no problem...coming from the most liked member on the forum!

[SportsItUpCards]

So is it ok to write $25 on a close to $2000 deal? LOOOOOOOL :D

Am I setting myself up for a problem? haha

[trixstar]

For you it's simple!!! But for an non US collector it's too expensive the shipping, and also a lots of seller don't want ships overseas....than also pay a lots of $$ in fees isn't easy!!! On avg for a $500 declared I have to pay about $135/145 you will pay at my place!?!?!?

lol you're asking the seller to break the law b/c you don't want to pay the fees. I'm not saying it's not a pain but I'm not circumventing the law b/c someone in a foreign country wants my card. It has nothing to do with morals and everything to do with making the transaction go smoothly. Like someone said what if the card is damaged and you are out 1000.00 you paid me, but we agreed to only say it's worth 50.00 on the customs fee. Now what happens? There's just far too many headaches, which is why I won't even deal international with very few exceptions like Canada.

[Nsingerma11]

lol you're asking the seller to break the law b/c you don't want to pay the fees. I'm not saying it's not a pain but I'm not circumventing the law b/c someone in a foreign country wants my card. It has nothing to do with morals and everything to do with making the transaction go smoothly. Like someone said what if the card is damaged and you are out 1000.00 you paid me, but we agreed to only say it's worth 50.00 on the customs fee. Now what happens? There's just far too many headaches, which is why I won't even deal international with very few exceptions like Canada.

Another voice of reason...

[SportsItUpCards]

You guys are really scarring me now. I mean, don't get me wrong, I trust the person very much... but still! :D thanks for putting this in my head haha.

[forgiven1]

common sense tells you its the buyers responsibilty...;)

[Orangejello727]

How many of you pay taxes on everything you sell on ebay? BY LAW IT MUST BE DECLARED AS INCOME when filing your taxes.

Each one of you that didnt claim it as income has broken the law.

Everytime you go over the speed limit, you break the law. Why havent you turned yourself in?

I find it comical that you are willing to break the law when it benefits you. But if it doesnt, you suddenly become some saint!!! Talk about a double standard.

Buyers adhere to the simple standards of paying duty. Its a buyers responsibility period. But sitting here and trying to sound like you are breaking a law by doing so that will get you the electric chair if you dont fully declare the value is absurd.

If you want, read the law. The law states "to the best of your knowledge". Basketball hobbyist are the most comical collectors/buyers out there.

If you dont want to work with the buyer on duties, then dont. Just be upfront about it. If you do, good for you. But dont sit there and cry as to why you dont get maximum $$ for your auctions and cards from international buyers. Stick to selling to your best friends, it causes less headaches.

The best is watching some of you talk trash about international shipping, yet you have no issues buying international, but cry when you have to ship international. "I want my cake dammit"


Lol...no problem...coming from the most liked member on the forum!

What is this, a popularity contest? What next? Want to compare how many facebook friends you have compared to me? You're a swell guy, want a shiny blue ribbon to prove it?

[AlabamaSlamma]

You guys are really scarring me now. I mean, don't get me wrong, I trust the person very much... but still! :D thanks for putting this in my head haha.

i dont think the main issue is trust in the other party (which is another discussion for another time). the correct tracking info/signature confirmation will protect you from someone trying to claim they didnt receive an item.

the issue of trust is with the mail carrier. say it costs you 50 bucks to send a 1050 item via USPS global express intl shipping with full insurance/tracking, but you only declare the customs value to be 50 bucks (using these numbers solely for example purposes). thus, you're at risk for 1000 (1050 - 50 declared value) if the card is lost or damaged. essentially, you're getting 20:1 odds on your money; if you think the card will show up overseas more than 20 times without any issue, its not 'worth it' to you to declare the full value for insurance purposes. if you think the card will NOT show up once (or more) out of every 20 shipments overseas, you're getting hosed. so it all boils down to how well you trust your shipping service.

[SportsItUpCards]

i dont think the main issue is trust in the other party (which is another discussion for another time). the correct tracking info/signature confirmation will protect you from someone trying to claim they didnt receive an item.

the issue of trust is with the mail carrier. say it costs you 50 bucks to send a 1050 item via USPS global express intl shipping with full insurance/tracking, but you only declare the customs value to be 50 bucks (using these numbers solely for example purposes). thus, you're at risk for 1000 (1050 - 50 declared value) if the card is lost or damaged. essentially, you're getting 20:1 odds on your money; if you think the card will show up overseas more than 20 times without any issue, its not 'worth it' to you to declare the full value for insurance purposes. if you think the card will NOT show up once (or more) out of every 20 shipments overseas, you're getting hosed. so it all boils down to how well you trust your shipping service.

Thank you. Definitely something to think about. This make a lot of sense. Thanks for taking the time.

[AlabamaSlamma]

Thank you. Definitely something to think about. This make a lot of sense. Thanks for taking the time.

you bet. im sure everything will go well.

[verona]

lol you're asking the seller to break the law b/c you don't want to pay the fees. I'm not saying it's not a pain but I'm not circumventing the law b/c someone in a foreign country wants my card. It has nothing to do with morals and everything to do with making the transaction go smoothly. Like someone said what if the card is damaged and you are out 1000.00 you paid me, but we agreed to only say it's worth 50.00 on the customs fee. Now what happens? There's just far too many headaches, which is why I won't even deal international with very few exceptions like Canada.

Yes I can understand your choice to don't ship overseas. But I think if you will be in my position you will ask the same...lower value.

[Zerokruel]

Yes I can understand your choice to don't ship overseas. But I think if you will be in my position you will ask the same...lower value.

If I declare the value at say $25 (I always get asked to do that), and lets this $250 item get's trashed in delivery... What's going to happen now? I only declared the value at $25. :confused:

And before we get to deep - I've shipped probably $25k internationally, and it took one incident and I stopped.

[Orangejello727]

I have never had a high end card come in damaged when sent by Fed ex or EMS. It always came well packaged and un damaged.

I have never had a package lost, stolen or mishandled when the value was put low.

Every single time something was wrong with my shipment has been at the fault of the seller either 1. Sending late, 2. Sending the wrong way 3. Not sending at all.

[verona]

If I declare the value at say $25 (I always get asked to do that), and lets this $250 item get's trashed in delivery... What's going to happen now? I only declared the value at $25. :confused:

And before we get to deep - I've shipped probably $25k internationally, and it took one incident and I stopped.

$25k in only one deal??

[Zerokruel]

I have never had a high end card come in damaged when sent by Fed ex or EMS. It always came well packaged and un damaged.

I have never had a package lost, stolen or mishandled when the value was put low.

Every single time something was wrong with my shipment has been at the fault of the seller either 1. Sending late, 2. Sending the wrong way 3. Not sending at all.

That's great, but it happens. When this does happen, the seller is on the hook for it all - and we have no way to collect the insurance because of the declared value. I run a tight business and taking on that liability it not an option.

I also have one of those statements in my listings for all international buyers, and custom fees - however it never helps. People win items and still ask, so I finally just stopped shipping internationally.

[verona]

I have never had a high end card come in damaged when sent by Fed ex or EMS. It always came well packaged and un damaged.

I have never had a package lost, stolen or mishandled when the value was put low.

Every single time something was wrong with my shipment has been at the fault of the seller either 1. Sending late, 2. Sending the wrong way 3. Not sending at all.

AHAHAH yes Oranjello, I'm agree with you....I have over 10 years of international shipments and I can say the risk is minimum!! And I will take my responsibility when I ask to declare lower!!

[hairyangryfella]

lol you're asking the seller to break the law b/c you don't want to pay the fees. I'm not saying it's not a pain but I'm not circumventing the law b/c someone in a foreign country wants my card. It has nothing to do with morals and everything to do with making the transaction go smoothly. Like someone said what if the card is damaged and you are out 1000.00 you paid me, but we agreed to only say it's worth 50.00 on the customs fee. Now what happens? There's just far too many headaches, which is why I won't even deal international with very few exceptions like Canada.

This mentality is the only downside here... if the buyer is willing to pay for EMS and eat the customs fees, why wouldn't you deal internationally??

I have never had a high end card come in damaged when sent by Fed ex or EMS. It always came well packaged and un damaged.

I have never had a package lost, stolen or mishandled when the value was put low.

Every single time something was wrong with my shipment has been at the fault of the seller either 1. Sending late, 2. Sending the wrong way 3. Not sending at all.

What if the Fed Ex plane (for example) carrying your item crashed into the ocean and everything on it was lost/damaged. There's always a risk, however low it may be. If people are sending things of value they should (in my opinion and advice) always insure it and therefore have to declare it at true value. As I mentioned before, the only aside to this is if they are able to get third party insurance and not have to declare it.
Postal theft, accident, delivery to the wrong place - many things can bite you if you don't cover yourself.

[Nsingerma11]

AHAHAH yes Oranjello, I'm agree with you....I have over 10 years of international shipments and I can say the risk is minimum!! And I will take my responsibility when I ask to declare lower!!

Yea man...you just don't get it...maybe it is the language barrier. You can SAY you are going to take the risk...but some people aren't honest...and eBay will side with YOU and not the seller if there is a problem.

Thus...people don;t want to declare lower.

I still think this boils down to one simple rule: If you don't want to pay customs fees...don't buy international items...

[hairyangryfella]

AHAHAH yes Oranjello, I'm agree with you....I have over 10 years of international shipments and I can say the risk is minimum!! And I will take my responsibility when I ask to declare lower!!

But you have no responsibility! The seller is assuming ALL of the risk!

[Zerokruel]

$25k in only one deal??

No, I was doing a lot of international shipping. I was selling a lot of non-sport cards to a couple of collectors in Australia, and I was supplying action figures to a store in China.

After doing business the the gentlemen in China for a while, he started feeling a little "entitled" on some action figures and figured I should start giving him better prices than I already was. He was probably spending $1,000 at a time, and shipping was roughly $200 on each package. After I made a shipment, we were working on another order. He threatened to claim the package came in damaged in I didn't "work" with him on pricing. I was claiming everything as a "sample" with him (per his instructions). I learned my lesson, and that last package went declared with all the bells and whistles. He didn't like me too much after that.

[verona]

But you have no responsibility! The seller is assuming ALL of the risk!

Yes I know what you meant, but if I ask the pleasure to declare low, and the seller was right and he did everything possible, but was a carrier fault I won't ask any refund!! Only if the seller was dishonest and tried to fool me!!

[AlabamaSlamma]

edited for content.

[hairyangryfella]

Yes I know what you meant, but if I ask the pleasure to declare low, and the seller was right and he did everything possible, but was a carrier fault I won't ask any refund!! Only if the seller was dishonest and tried to fool me!!

So every seller is supposed to know and believe that? Come on, man.

I lived in England for 2 years, I know that import fees SUCK. I've also been hit with them here in New Zealand, for hundreds of dollars.

I will ask people if they can insure via a third party, if not, then I expect to be hit with the fees and if I really want the item, I will deal with that.

[verona]

So every seller is supposed to know and believe that? Come on, man.

I lived in England for 2 years, I know that import fees SUCK. I've also been hit with them here in New Zealand, for hundreds of dollars.

I will ask people if they can insure via a third party, if not, then I expect to be hit with the fees and if I really want the item, I will deal with that.

Yes, it's hard to trust! I think it's a bit like trading....how will ship first?!
Anyway for us non US collector it's HARD and Expensive do this hobby!!

[SportsItUpCards]

I think it's fine as long as you know the person. But if it's a total stranger that you never heard of or spoke to before, then obviously there could be a problem. But I don't see anything wrong with doing a favor to someone over seas. This is a great hobby of collectors, and we need to help each other out anyway we can. Everything we do in life is a chance.... stick with people you know, and everything will be fine. Not to say you can't take a chance with people you don't know, but that's just another chance we take like everything else is life. Let's just hope it's not a $10,000.00+ deal....... :D

[hairyangryfella]

I think it's fine as long as you know the person. But if it's a total stranger that you never heard of or spoke to before, then obviously there could be a problem. But I don't see anything wrong with doing a favor to someone over seas. This is a great hobby of collectors, and we need to help each other out anyway we can. Everything we do in life is a chance.... stick with people you know, and everything will be fine. Not to say you can't take a chance with people you don't know, but that's just another chance we take like everything else is life. Let's just hope it's not a $10,000.00+ deal....... :D

Yes, picking who you do this with is a nice thing to do, however you still run the risk of things out of your control happening and then you lose out.

My advice to anyone is to insure and declare full value on valuable items such as cards, unless the buyer is willing to assume all risk by paying as gift (assuming they're buying from someone reputable and that they trust).

[verona]

I think it's fine as long as you know the person. But if it's a total stranger that you never heard of or spoke to before, then obviously there could be a problem. But I don't see anything wrong with doing a favor to someone over seas. This is a great hobby of collectors, and we need to help each other out anyway we can. Everything we do in life is a chance.... stick with people you know, and everything will be fine. Not to say you can't take a chance with people you don't know, but that's just another chance we take like everything else is life. Let's just hope it's not a $10,000.00+ deal....... :D

Yes it's right :)!
AHAHAH Gio, I can say what was my best? :D A transcation over $40k and declared $50...I paid about $35 in customs fees....shipped via DHL !!!

[verona]

Yes, picking who you do this with is a nice thing to do, however you still run the risk of things out of your control happening and then you lose out.

My advice to anyone is to insure and declare full value on valuable items such as cards, unless the buyer is willing to assume all risk by paying as gift (assuming they're buying from someone reputable and that they trust).

Yes, this should be a right way!

[SportsItUpCards]

Yes it's right :)!
AHAHAH Gio, I can say what was my best? :D A transcation over $40k and declared $50...I paid about $35 in customs fees....shipped via DHL !!!

WOW....... :D $40,000.00!!!!? :eek: Wow man that's crazy!!! Yeah... everything else should be just fine :D hahaha Anything else looks like a child's game when you've done 40k worth with no problem.

[verona]

WOW....... :D $40,000.00!!!!? :eek: Wow man that's crazy!!! Yeah... everything else should be just fine :D hahaha Anything else looks like a child's game when you've done 40k worth with no problem.

Yes, it's was really heavy to wait it arrived, but DHL is one of the best courier in the World!

[SportsItUpCards]

Yes, it's was really heavy to wait it arrived, but DHL is one of the best courier in the World!

That's great man, nice to know that such a high transaction can take place successfully. I don't think I would be able to sleep for 40k, so kudos to you!

[verona]

That's great man, nice to know that such a high transaction can take place successfully. I don't think I would be able to sleep for 40k, so kudos to you!

How says to you I slept?!?


;) just kidding, but some worry is legit!! I think in the life sometimes we should takes some risks, or we won't be never GREAT!!!

[SportsItUpCards]

How says to you I slept?!?


;) just kidding, but some worry is legit!! I think in the life sometimes we should takes some risks, or we won't be never GREAT!!!

Absolutely my friend. Taking risks is part of living.... no matter what the outcome. Everything in life is either a great opportunity, or a great lesson. But chances must take place to be able to live.

[Orangejello727]

This mentality is the only downside here... if the buyer is willing to pay for EMS and eat the customs fees, why wouldn't you deal internationally??



What if the Fed Ex plane (for example) carrying your item crashed into the ocean and everything on it was lost/damaged. There's always a risk, however low it may be. If people are sending things of value they should (in my opinion and advice) always insure it and therefore have to declare it at true value. As I mentioned before, the only aside to this is if they are able to get third party insurance and not have to declare it.
Postal theft, accident, delivery to the wrong place - many things can bite you if you don't cover yourself.

Yea man...you just don't get it...maybe it is the language barrier. You can SAY you are going to take the risk...but some people aren't honest...and eBay will side with YOU and not the seller if there is a problem.

Thus...people don;t want to declare lower.

I still think this boils down to one simple rule: If you don't want to pay customs fees...don't buy international items...

But you have no responsibility! The seller is assuming ALL of the risk!

So every seller is supposed to know and believe that? Come on, man.

I lived in England for 2 years, I know that import fees SUCK. I've also been hit with them here in New Zealand, for hundreds of dollars.

I will ask people if they can insure via a third party, if not, then I expect to be hit with the fees and if I really want the item, I will deal with that.


Pretty simple answer for all these here. ONLY deal with those you trust. Why on earth would you deal with someone you dont know or trust? Unless of course you are chasing the big dollar. In which case you are risking much more by doing so.

I tend not to run into these problems because I deal with trusted traders who have a good rep. I recently sent a package to Round Mound for a decent value. I consulted with him over tariffs prior to sending that way he was not left with a hefty bill and I shopped in a way that the item would get there safely and securely. Rest assured it arrived. Do you know why? Because as a seller I was trusted by him. As a buyer, I trusted him from his rep. No issues between us. No cuttting corners, no games.

If you want to save yourself the risk of these types of issues, then deal with only those whom you trust. Its pretty simple. By dealing with those you dont know, you open yourself to risk. You do this because you chase the big money instead of the "good" money. I rather sell something I bought for $500 for $700 to a trusted member than $1000 to a risk buyer. By doing so, I make money the headache free way.

[Nsingerma11]

Pretty simple answer for all these here. ONLY deal with those you trust. Why on earth would you deal with someone you dont know or trust? Unless of course you are chasing the big dollar. In which case you are risking much more by doing so.

I tend not to run into these problems because I deal with trusted traders who have a good rep. I recently sent a package to Round Mound for a decent value. I consulted with him over tariffs prior to sending that way he was not left with a hefty bill and I shopped in a way that the item would get there safely and securely. Rest assured it arrived. Do you know why? Because as a seller I was trusted by him. As a buyer, I trusted him from his rep. No issues between us. No cuttting corners, no games.

If you want to save yourself the risk of these types of issues, then deal with only those whom you trust. Its pretty simple. By dealing with those you dont know, you open yourself to risk. You do this because you chase the big money instead of the "good" money. I rather sell something I bought for $500 for $700 to a trusted member than $1000 to a risk buyer. By doing so, I make money the headache free way.


That is great advice. Unfortunately...it is not relevant to the OP becasue he is talking about a buyer on eBay...who he did not know. In that case...there is too much risk declaring a lower value and not insuring IMO.

If you know the buyer (and I have done that with several members of this forum) it is up to you whether to trust them and asign a low declaration value. Different argument...

[hairyangryfella]

Pretty simple answer for all these here. ONLY deal with those you trust. Why on earth would you deal with someone you dont know or trust? Unless of course you are chasing the big dollar. In which case you are risking much more by doing so.

I tend not to run into these problems because I deal with trusted traders who have a good rep. I recently sent a package to Round Mound for a decent value. I consulted with him over tariffs prior to sending that way he was not left with a hefty bill and I shopped in a way that the item would get there safely and securely. Rest assured it arrived. Do you know why? Because as a seller I was trusted by him. As a buyer, I trusted him from his rep. No issues between us. No cuttting corners, no games.

If you want to save yourself the risk of these types of issues, then deal with only those whom you trust. Its pretty simple. By dealing with those you dont know, you open yourself to risk. You do this because you chase the big money instead of the "good" money. I rather sell something I bought for $500 for $700 to a trusted member than $1000 to a risk buyer. By doing so, I make money the headache free way.

Yes, dealing with someone you trust is what you should do, but you should also be aware of unforseen circumstances - things that could damage/lose the card, as I mentioned in the first post that you quoted there.

[WesM79]

Custom fees suck, but I'm fully aware I may have to pay them when I bid on an item on eBay. I never ask a seller to lower a value or declare it as a gift, but many do especially ones I buy from regularly.

[07kevaloski]

Just an update on the situation, buyer has escalated the claim and i will be getting a negative feedback. Card has also gone missing, it's been over a month and i haven't got the card back. I don't usually like naming the buyer giving them the benefit of doubt but to go through this and now the card has gone missing which is a little fishy to me. Username is oj_mayo_32 on ebay. Avoid at all cost!

[07kevaloski]

Paypal refunded this guy. Absolute joke!!! Now i've lost the card plus the money. Please avoid this buyer!!!!!! Ebay username oj_mayo_32

[CP3toOKC]

Call ebay, let them know you haven't received your card back (be polite and patient too), and see what's the next course of action.

[kukawbubuh19]

I always pay custom fee but a lot of times my post office dont charge me. I dont know why but it works greatfor me. Thats why when ebay decided to put up the custom fee application in most of the item that can be shipped internationally i stay away feom them. Its a little bit rediculous to pay $7-10 shipping and another $10-20 for customfee.