Re: 803T sleds $14 shipped, 7 left!
Danjoo said:
Hi Glenn,
sleds has arrived but in this case i have to pay taxes!
Sorry about the extra cost Danie. However, it probably is NOT that the package was sent "First Class." It is more probably the way the contents were listed in the customs form, where the two packages originated, and/or simply if one package was "examined" while another wasn't.
In general, first class is more likely to be "missed" than other types of shipping just because there are so many more packages shipped first class than "quicker" way of shipment.
Value Added Tax (VAT) is a pain in the butt
For those of you in countries where there is a VAT added, you should always let the shipper know how you want items shipped and how you want the contents listed. There are many creative ways around the VAT, but those ways are different in different countries. Sometimes just listing it as "gift" works. Sometimes an "actual" (false) low value per unit is required on the customs forms. Some places will require a "receipt" with the "actual" cost listed. Sometimes "Express Mail" or EMS gets looked at more carefully than "Airmail". Sometimes it is the other way around. The members of this forum are hobbyists. We cannot keep up with the different ways that shipping needs to be done in every country to avoid high VAT. It is up to you to let them know how you want the items shipped.
There are some problems with this. One really big problem is that you cannot insure a package for $1000 if the content's value is only listed as $10. If your $1000 laser gets lost or damaged in shipping, you are out of luck! :'( Sometimes the customs in your country are so aggressive that they will charge VAT on the
real value of the items (decided by them) no matter what is listed on the customs forms. Ultimately (although I have never seen it done) you could actually be charged with "smuggling" by falsifying customs documents. If you play the game, you take the chances
Maybe we need a sticky in the B/S/T thread about this.
Peace,
dave