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Outrageous Taxes for an ebay bought item- What do I do?

  • Hi. More than one month ago, I bought a 320$ camera from ebay. The delivery cost was 50$, and I though it was normal since I leave in EU and the seller was in USA. The delivery office called me today, and I was said that item arrived but 'cause of taxes, I have to pay 120 euros taxes (that's an extra 154$) plus another 15 euros because the item arrived with courrier. So I have to pay again half the price of the item I bought, and it's really, reallly too much! I often buy items from ebay,some of them electronics, but it's the first time I'm asked to pay extra money. And why am I asked to pay even more shipping money? Seriously, courier? I was waiting for the item for 1,5 month, and it was sent by USPS. I don't even want the camera anymore if I have to pay 500$ for it. It's far beyond it's value. So 1) How did this happen? 2) Are there any ways to claim my item without paying that much money? 3) And if not, is it possible to send it back without paying the taxes and get a refund? Please, help.

  • Answer:

    If you don't pay the tax, the tracking information won't show that it was delivered to you. Then you can file an item not received dispute with ebay and escalate to a claim. Anything that costs $250 or more requires on line proof of delivery plus your signature for the seller to win an item not received complaint. The carrier should return the item to the seller.

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These are not shipping charges. They are import duties, VAT at the standard rate for your country, and a brokerage fee for clearing the goods through Customs. To answer your questions: 1. You purchased dutiable goods from outside of the EU. Any duties and VAT are assessed and you must pay them before the goods will be released from Customs. The buyer (you) is always responsible for any duties, VAT, and brokerage fees. Many vendors warn you of this fact, but legally they are under no obligation to do so. As the buyer, it's up to you to know what the additional charges might be in advance before you place your order. 2. Nope. You pay the charges or you forfeit the goods. Your only hope is to challenge the value of the goods. However as long as the seller enclosed an invoice that showed your actual cost plus any shipping charges and insurance that's not likely to succeed. 3. Nope. If you fail to pay all charges, you forfeit the goods. They will be sold at public auction to cover the duties, taxes and fees due. Customs does not return goods to sellers. Legal goods are sold at public auction and illegal goods (counterfeit trademark goods, etc.) are destroyed. These are your ONLY choices: 1. Do nothing. You are out the original $320. 2. Pay the 135€ and have a $320 camera for $492 and a comparatively inexpensive lesson in international trade. The lesser evil is the 135€ ($172) loss, IMHO, but it's your money at the end of the day.

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Is the item new or second hand? if its the latter, you could claim it is a personal item and should not warrant tax. Did you pay through paypal? You might be able to return the item and only pay the courier fee, which would be an additional $50. Speak with the seller and see what they say. If they are an online shop they might be ok with it. Yeah, next time check these things first.

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