jennuine
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posted on February 12, 2002 10:12:25 AM new
Hello. I could really use your help composing a reply to this international bidder. This is the e-mail we received:<b>
Hello, Why don't U send the parcel as a gift? Due to I had to pay 25 US$ for the German Custom. Would U be so kind and send me an extra <insert widget> for exchange. Thx for your good communication. Best regards from Germany. <b>
They are upset they had to pay a duty. This is the first we've had a problem with an international shipment. We send out probably 10 Global Priority packages a week and never had someone complain. We've also never had someone have to pay $25 for a $50 shipment. I would appreciate your help in composing a tactful reply to this bidder. Thanks so much.
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ahc3
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posted on February 12, 2002 10:17:23 AM new
My reply is that you were following the rules set up by the post office, and that their complaint is with Germany for imposing a tax on incoming mail, not you. If they wish to complain, complain to them. Maybe they could give something extra. I will NOT lie on the customs form, even if it means losing a sale.
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capolady
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posted on February 12, 2002 10:21:05 AM new
Whatever you do-don't send this as a gift. I ship packages global as well and I have never had anyone from Germany have to pay that much duty.
I would tell the individual that the package will be sent as merchandise as it is illegal for you to do anything else. I would suggest that this person rechecks the duty as you have never encountered this before. I would say you hope they enjoy the product and have a great day!! I wouldn't acknowledge the request of free merchandise. Act as if they didn't even request it.
This sounds like a whiner or someone who wishes to take advantage. If you give in this time I guarantee the same buyer will be back for more free stuff.
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jennuine
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posted on February 12, 2002 10:28:04 AM new
Thanks for the replies. I really appreciate it. I don't plan to send them anything for free. I can't even believe they asked. Jeez it's not like I get the $25 duty. I will certainly be blocking them as a bidder and crossing my fingers that I don't get a neg out of this.
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trai
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posted on February 12, 2002 10:30:46 AM new
"Hello, Why don't U send the parcel as a gift? Due to I had to pay 25 US$ for the German Custom."
I would not worry about it, any duty or tax is their problem, not yours!
The great amount of out of country bidders take this into account before they bid.
If you wish to answer this person, just let them know that you will not lie for them.
If the manure hits the fan, you can get into a problem, not the bidder.
I will never fudge about price. I just mark down what they paid, end of story.
"pay $25 for a $50 shipment."
What was the item? Where was it made?
For them to import an item has more to do with "country of origin" than what they paid for it.
They should check with their own customs to see what they can bring in duty free.[informal import]
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jennuine
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posted on February 12, 2002 10:37:43 AM new
They have already received the package and paid the duty.
It was for a lighter made in the USA.
My fiance sells these exclusively and a good deal of the sales are to international locations. We have always marked the item as merchandise to avoid potential problems.
Do you think it was possible they were overcharged on duty? Like I said, we have never heard this before. It seems that if all out int'l customers were paying this kind of duty we would hear a lot more complaints.
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trai
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posted on February 12, 2002 10:52:38 AM new
"It was for a lighter made in the USA."
Now that is strange! There is no way that they should have to pay that kind of duty.
I have send many lighters to europe, and no one else has ever paid this kind of tax or duty.
Makes me wonder what is going on? They can settle it out with their custom people.
Would not waste anymore time on this as there is nothing that you can do about it anyway.
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rarriffle
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posted on February 12, 2002 12:47:56 PM new
I have seen something like this in some auctions;
"while we welcome international bidders, we will not report anything but the full facts on the customs form, so please do not ask."
I thought it sounded pretty good, takes the question out of the transaction.
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ohmslucy
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posted on February 12, 2002 08:41:20 PM new
Hello everyone,
After a few (how shall I say this?) difficult, that's the word, international bidders, I added the following to my Global Preferences, in red.
Customs documents will always be completed using the final bid price as the value of the merchandise. Please don't ask me to call it a gift.
Haven't had a problem since. I haven't had as many international bidders either but, come to think of it, that doesn't bother me a whole heck of a lot! Ha ha!
Lucy
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jennuine
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posted on February 12, 2002 09:31:31 PM new
Thanks again for all the suggestions. We e-mailed her and explained that it was out of our hands and she would need to take it up with her customs dept. (in a little more depth). Haven't heard back from her yet so hopefully that's the end of it. No neg yet. Though if she does neg us I am going to fight it tooth and nail.
I must say this is the first time we ever had any issue with an international bidder. We just love 'em! They pay quickly, buy multiple items and are loyal. 
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tomwiii
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posted on February 12, 2002 10:18:15 PM new
as long as they ain't from YOU KNOW WHERE! 
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