posted on September 18, 2003 09:34:50 AM new
I typically don't ship outside the US but I've had three people in Canada ask in the last month so I've obliged. Here is the question:
I shipped a package there last week and the bidder has emailed me asking why I would send it COD? I paid the full shipping at the post office and she has acknowledged that there is the postage sticker on it. Is the amount she says they are asking for the taxes/duties/tariffs (or whatever they are called?). I had heard that they have to pay the taxes to pick up out of country packages but maybe I'm wrong?
Any help would be greatly appreciated...she is acusing me of overcharging shipping and then sticking her with a shipping bill UGH. Reminds me of why I used to ship in the US only...THANKS!
posted on September 18, 2003 10:48:53 AM new
This is a common ploy by some Canadian bidders to try & shame or con YOU into paying THEIR tax & customs bill!
Has happened to me at least 3X, & always by...CANADIANS!
They KNOW darn well that they are TAXED out the kazoo to pay for a socialist state, but there must be a newsgroup or chat board somewhere called: "How to Dupe USA Sellers into footing YOUR Customs Bill!"
Has gotten so nasty, my auctions all now include the following:
"PLEASE NOTE:
Many countries impose various taxes, levies, fees, duties, graft, juju, grease, etc., on imports! You, the BUYER, are responsible for knowledge of & PAYMENT FOR any such fees or penalties imposed on your purchase by your country! I have NO knowledge of, NOR any responsibility for any such fees that may or may not be imposed on your purchase by your country! All customs forms are completed accurately & honestly with declaration of the WINNING BID PRICE under the designation "MERCHANDISE"
***NO EXCEPTIONS***"
posted on September 18, 2003 11:51:35 AM new
Sounds like she is trying to get money out of you, because I can not believe there is a Canadian who is unaware of duties on international packages. At a minimum, she is going to be responsible for the GST, which is 7% - That is something every Canadian must deal with, you can't buy postage stamps or go use a computer at an internet cafe without paying GST. They are VERY aware of this, my response would be that this is a customs issue, and that I have no control over Canadian customs. Once it gets there, it is their responsibility, not mine.
posted on September 18, 2003 03:25:57 PM new
IMHO it is not wise to ship COD at any time or to anywhere. A good way to get your merchandise back & pay the return shipping. I don't very often ship to Canada & when I do, I want paid by International Money Order or BidPay. There are no chargebacks with either of these. Then the Canadian buyer has no recourse but to pay the duties & taxes.
posted on September 19, 2003 03:30:40 AM new
ahc3 your statement "because I can not believe there is a Canadian who is unaware of duties on international packages. At a minimum, she is going to be responsible for the GST, which is 7%"
is in accurate
for one we do not pay minimum 7% tax
I did not get my first rude awaking to the taxes/duty/custom/brokerage fees till after I had purchased dozens of items.
The tax is add to random packages, the fees are accessed by the inspector which are determined based on his/her assessment. It really has nothing to do with the dollar amount or whether or not you mark gift or merchandise. Ether the package was picked to taxed or the description got the inspector attention.
I can drive over to the USA and bring home $100+ declare it and not have to pay duty or taxes. The only restrictions of course are normal on fruit, plants, fire arms, ya da ya da
Duties and taxes on merchandise shipped are purely by chance. It is not something that every Canada is aware of unless you or someone you know got nailed with an outrageous duty/custom fee and then you will never forget it I was charged 30 duty on a 10 plate and 26 on a 9.00 toy blender. That ended that for me I have a box at UPS Store -go over to MI pick up DECLARE and NO TAX NO DUTY!
