posted on March 27, 2001 10:37:31 PM
My auctions state we don't accept international bids. Have I shipped to other countries? Absolutely! Japan, Germany, Canada, Australia--no real problems but I prefer not to because of the increase in time and effort. Have had a few Canadian buyers that have bid anyways. I guess they take the chance that the seller will relent, which I do do! I admit it. Try to avoid it if I can. Canadian buyer was high bidder on 2 auctions which I did not know until auction was over. I send my standard EOA. I don't know he is a foreign bidder until I receive his response with address and says he'll be sending in payment. (buyer not new) What makes him think that the USPS priority shipping I quoted in my EOA notice would be applicable outside the U.S.? Anyways, I'm now waiting for his payment with correct shipping in US funds. So tonight, I get the below listed e-mail from him addressed to several people (probably all sellers). It states:
"Please read the following about shipping to Canada:
To avoid the duty and brokerage taxes when crossing the customs you'll need
to do 3 things:
1)declare the item as a GIFT
2)say that the gift has a low value (always below 50$)
3)the gift MUST be made from a person TO another person (without the bond of
any kind of company)
Thanks a lot for your understanding!"
I know this issue has come up several times. Am I tired? Am I burned out? Am I just being a "w"itch? I'm don't believe he's getting a package from me with any of the above declared. I've dealt with a lot of stuff, this is probably a no-brainer but this just really irked me!
not toybuyer on ebay. have been a seller since 09/97.
posted on March 27, 2001 10:59:49 PM
If he isn't new he already knows the law. Always remain in control of the situation. If he sends the correct shipping amount just mail his package, include an invoice, mark the Customs sticker with the value that the item sold for and what the item is.
If he bids he should be prepared to pay all duties, etc. It is his problem. Sorry that he is making it a problem for you.
posted on March 27, 2001 11:09:06 PM
Unless you're desperate to sell this item, just request a refund from eBay since the high bidder violated the terms of the auction. Let the high bidder know that they are in violation, that you have requested credit of fees, and ask them not to bid on your auctions again. If they do so, it will result in negative feedback.
posted on March 27, 2001 11:19:23 PM
Actually Ecom is right, with one little change. When you email and tell them they are not welcome to bid on your auctions, CC the email to [email protected]. If they should bid on your auctions again, report it to Safeharbor and they will be suspended. They shouldn't have bid on your auction and their email is highly inappropriate.
posted on March 27, 2001 11:42:19 PM
You don't need to ask him not to bid on your future auctions. Just send him the item. Declare the value at $1500.00. After he gets the bill for the duty, he'll never want to deal with you again. He might also learn to read a TOS a little closer next time and Email for permission to bid first.
The light at the end of the tunnel will turn out to be an oncoming train.
posted on March 28, 2001 04:11:27 AM
I'd reply with the following:
"To avoid the duty and brokerage taxes You'll need to do JUST ONE THING ... STOP BIDDING ON ITEMS IN THE USA."
And then let them know I do not lie on customs forms because it violates USA nd Candian laws, and the item will be sent as merchandise with a declared value of whatever the final bid is.
If they don't pay up, go ahead with the PB and FVF ritual.
posted on March 28, 2001 05:41:22 AM
I understand your frustration & there are plenty of times I'd just like to declare a high value & let them take a hit..but, don't do it.
ragstoo is right, you're just asking for trouble.
Since you've already agreed to ship it & are awaiting his payment, IMO the best way to go is to simply respond with:
Dear ZYX,
Thank you for your email regarding shipping to Canada. I've had the pleasure of shipping several things to Canada so I'm familiar with the customs procedures.
Unfortunately, I will be unable to comply with your request regarding marking the item as a "gift" and reducing the value. It is against U.S. law for a business to do so and violation of this law can result in serious penalties.
I'm sure you will understand that it is my policy to follow the custom declaration laws to protect my business.
Thank you for your understanding.
Regards,
Seller
Now, if you want to get out of this sale, you could add that if this is unacceptable to the buyer, you could basically void the auction & file for your FVF.
They most likely won't bid on your auctions again anyway AND if they are unkind enough to leave a neg..you can always respond that they wanted you to break the law & you refused. They won't come out looking good.
posted on March 28, 2001 05:50:08 AM
When I sell ballcards to canada, I just mark the envelop do not bend and treat it like a letter with pics instead of the way I usually do. It usually only cost ten cents more that way. Ball cards are afterall...pics
posted on March 28, 2001 05:52:31 AM
As a Canadian buyer and seller, I completely agree that U.S. sellers should not mark items as "gifts" that clearly are not. It's both an ethical and legal issues.
Conversely, I have been nailed by a U.S. seller that inflated the value of the item I purchased (for insurance purposes she said), but it ended up costing me customs duties and taxes beyond the value of the item.
The best policy is to state the value of the final bid. The ethical way is always the best way.
posted on March 28, 2001 06:29:54 AM
Simply ignore the rude email (you may keep a hard copy for the record) and declare the actual amount the bidder paid.
If you declare an inflated price/value, Canada Customs could investigate you...if the bidder asks them for a refund.
Bidders can be a pain in the butt where ever they are from. Rudeness knows no international boundaries.
