Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/10/18

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Subject: RE: [Leica] Ebay Canadian Purchases
From: "Lee, Ken" <ken.lee@hbc.com>
Date: Wed, 18 Oct 2000 09:54:42 -0400

Hi Pascal,

You are in a much better position to argue when you already have the
merchandise. I have had several cases where UPS misidentified the item and
then charged the wrong rate. When you don't owe them money it's hard to get
their ear!

Ken (uses the post office) Lee

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Pascal [SMTP:cyberdog@attglobal.net]
> Sent:	Wednesday, October 18, 2000 9:46 AM
> To:	LUG
> Subject:	RE: [Leica] Ebay Canadian Purchases
> 
> >Well, UPS has charged me duty (at various rates) on photographic
> equipment
> >coming into Canada from the states. Like John, the huge brokerage fees
> are
> >usually more than the duty. As a final insult, you can't see the bill
> until
> >after you have paid it, so you can't argue.  I have been asked to give
> UPS
> >my credit card number over the phone before they will deliver the
> >merchandise.  Anything I buy from the US is now sent via the post office.
> 
> Hi Ken,
> 
> I recognize your troubles. When UPS or any other private courrier service 
> is shipping something from outside the EU to the EU, it is the same 
> procedure.
> 
> However, at least in my case (Belgium), they deliver the goods, and then 
> you are sent the bill (can be up to two months later, rather a cold 
> shower...), administrative charge included.
> 
> I have always refused to pay a commission on top of import duties and/or 
> VAT (the latter in any case way higher than in North America) for their 
> services.
> Why should I pay an additional fee (on top of the shipping fee) for them 
> to import my stuff?
> So far, I have never actually paid this fee (after protesting it, of 
> course).
> 
> Pascal
> NO ARCHIVE
> 
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