posted on September 26, 2000 04:25:10 PM
I have a similar post running now for help from the international viewpoint, and now I would like a US seller viewpoint. How specific are you on your green customs forms?The window clerk everyone loves to hate (and I just hate) has told me that I must be VERY specific on my customs forms, ie, instead of the "2 articles of clothing" I put, I must put "1 34B pink bra and 1 pink sz. med panty". Now, as I sell lingerie, I try not to put all of the details on my customers envelopes, as you never know who is reading it! My way of doing it has been fine until now (ie no contact from customs people and no customer complaints) ...
This...ahem...gentleman told me that they will think I am trying to smuggle contraband with this little of information (contraband bras no less!). I countered that if I WAS a smuggler (which I am not thank you very much!), wouldn't I be as specific as possible with a lie as to not attract attention?
Then to top it off, he wrote something on the package after he left to counter to put it in the bin, and when I asked him what it said, he said "post office details". Did he write "open this one - must be drugs!" or something? I know you do not know that of course, but argg! It made me mad!
If you could just share with me how specific you are, and any problems you have had regarding it - contact from customs, customer complain about the package being opened, ect. Thanks!
posted on September 26, 2000 04:33:44 PM
I just put "music CD" or "book" or "baby clothes" and have had no problems whatsoever. Is there another more user-friendly post office near you?
posted on September 26, 2000 04:36:16 PM
If I sell clothing, no matter what article of clothing it is, I say "clothing" and write down the amount of the bid. Never had a problem yet!
posted on September 26, 2000 04:40:41 PM
During my former life as a USPS window clerk, I never made customers be overly specific on Customs forms and we never had any problems that I'm aware of. About the only time I advised customers to be more specific is if they just wanted to list "gift". I suggested being a little less general, like using "toy", but I didn't make then write "Olympic Barbie Doll with outfits".
As I understand it, if Customs wants to open your package they can regardless of what you wrote on the Customs form.
posted on September 26, 2000 04:47:55 PM
Thanks everyone! I feel much better! I was sitting here seething and I knew AW posters would help me better! Anyone else want to chime in? I guess I am ready to hear a horror story if anyone feels like sharing! (About customs please, not just any general horror story!)
posted on September 26, 2000 04:51:09 PM
You know Debbie, funny you should mention that...
One day (this is an ongoing thing between me and this guy - luckily I usually go elsewhere!), he was giving me a bad time again, and I said loudly so all could hear me, "It is actually a pair of sheer frilly pink bikini panties - Wanna see em'?" His red faced response was along the lines of , "Er No this will be fine". That was my laugh for the day!
posted on September 26, 2000 05:25:03 PM
KC -
Ask him to show you the regulations that specify how precise you must be. I put the general cless of merchandise:
"used book", "women's clothing", "infant clothing" because the duty on the other end varies with the class, but not sizes!
posted on September 26, 2000 06:47:46 PM
Another option if this clerk insists on being a pain and you have no other choice of PO, you can always list the contents on the large white customs form which goes INSIDE the package, then just attatch the top portion of the green form (where it says "may be opened if necessary) on the outside of the package and the clerk won't have any idea what's inside and can't insist you be more specific. The next time he gives you a problem, ask him for a stack of the white forms and see if it changes his attitude.
I tried to be as specific as much as
possible on the customs tag. I don't mislead the officials by claiming the items to be "gifts" <referring to another thread>. I always send a receipt with all sells. So if the customs agents open the package they will find out what I am sending.
posted on September 27, 2000 04:10:14 AM
You must have a cousin of one of my PO clerks. Whenever I mail something book rate she wants to know the title and author so she "can be sure it's really a book". (Mind you, I ship in padded envelopes.) So I tell her, and rattle on about the plot development and ask her pressing questions about obscure writers. It seems to be keeping her quiet.
