The US does not charge customs charges on incoming international packages. Apparently, this is not standard practice; most countries do charge customs fees on incoming international packages. I just sent Jareth’s body to France, for example. The buyer wanted me to mark the package’s value at $75.00 so that she would have to pay only a small amount in customs fees [25-30% of marked value!].
However, I wanted to adequately insure the package in case it got eaten [as Little Will’s open head was], and the amount insured for had to equal the stated value. So I had to state $675.00 as a value and insure for $650.00 [the max allowed on international priority]. Now the buyer is distressed about having to pay customs fees.
Overseas shipping is just a huge, anxiety-producing, expensive hassle, even if the recipients aren’t trying to avoid high customs charges.
PBBBBBFFFT.
That package had better arrive promptly and in excellent condition. I am never going to sell dolls out of the US again.
4 Comments
If you ever need to use my FedEx account, let me know, mmmkay?
The only real solution is to refuse to mark down and decline to sell to anyone who insists on it, unfortunately. It’s illegal, after all; if it’s found out, you’re the sucker on the hook.
I know it is illegal, which is part of the reason why I ignored that request.
…wait, you never got Little Will’s head back?? Balls.
…wait, so, you are supposed to eat the other $575 worth of lost revenue should the thing disappear in transit/be dicked with by customs because they might have to pay the charges?
Shouldn’t they work that into their plan ahead of time? That constitutes fail in my book. *headscratch*
I know exactly what you mean, I used to order a lot of stuff though a “middleman” agent, until they decided to get cagey. :/