who can tell me about customs?

[elish2]

Hi, I sell items to people overseas a lot and just this past week I have received two messages, one from a buyer in Italy and one from UK. Both asking me why they got charged extra from customs. Truthfully I do not know anything about customs charges. I sent an ebay link that explains customs charges can occur, but in reality this is the first time I have ever had anything happen with customs. One of the gals I have sold many ponies to without a problem....so why all of a sudden they are getting customs charges?

Post Merge: January 03, 2013, 03:16:07 PM

Update***

Ok I figured it out, but good to share. If the item is going to the EU, and it is listed as merchandise, if the value is over £15 (€18.49) or about $24.58 then it can be subjected to customs fees. If it is listed as a gift it can be subject to customs fees if the value is over £36 (€44.38) or $58.51

[lunar_scythe]

those only apply if an item is more than a certain amount; it could be the other things you've sent were less expensive.   It's based on the value you fill in on the customs forms, but remember it's illegal to fill them out for a lower value.
 Also if you send them with insurance, you can only claim the value on the customs paper if they go missing.

[ponylady]

I am glad you got it all figured.

And just for future reference also, if for any reason a buyer leaves anything remotely negative in your feedback regarding customs fee's.  Ebay will remove it immediately.  It is the buyers responsibility to know his or her's customs regulations.

[elish2]

Thanks guys, great stuff for other sellers to know  I will know that from now on!

[cloud_weaver]

I learned this the hard way this summer.  I sold a rare variant overseas and had to value it according to what the person paid as I was putting insurance on it (if I valued it less, I wouldn't be covered should something happen to the pony).  Well...customs held up the item, then charged my buyer somewhere in the area of $160!!!  I about passed out, and she did too.  Luckily the buyer was very understanding and payed the fees, but it was a hard lesson for both of us. 

Note for future reference - make sure to post in auctions that customs fees are the buyer's responsibility.

[Ringlets]

*nods*  you figured it out correctly   Unfortunately us  Uk and Euro pony peeps get charged a lot in customs fees *sigh*  its not your fault as a seller though - it is the buyers responsibility to pay those fees , even though it sucks

[lovesbabysquirmy]

Customs?  As a seller, it's not your problem. 

All taxes, fees, charges, blah blah blah are the responsibility of the BUYER. 

Buyers, know the laws of your country!  YOU chose to import that item, YOU are responsible!

[elish2]

I know it is their issue to deal with, i just wanted to respond to the email as I had no idea about it. They did not get upset or anything, they had never dealt with it either before so...

[DaffyDilly]

Customs are always stricter around Christmas as well which is probably why this is the first time you've heard anything.

I've only been hit once and I used to buy *a lot* from abroad.

[FantasticFirefly]

I only get bit when an items comes insured with priority/signature shipping on anything over $35- those parcels seem to get caught in customs and take longer, when they arrive low and behold I get my $10 handling fee plus 12% of CDN value charged in customs fees.

Which is weird, the slow cheap mail shows up right away with no customs added. even when clearly marked at value! even for parcels well over $100.  Regardless I always buy assuming I'll have to pay out $10 + 12% value. I'm glad neither person was angry with you about it. Additional fees can be very frustrating and make this hobby a lot more cost prohibitive (in addition to already paying more for shipping and currency conversions)- but it's not a sellers responsibility to inform the buyer of their countries customs regulations.