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Avoiding US eBay import charges with something like ParcelMotel?

  • 09-07-2014 10:29PM
    #1
    runswithascript
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,816 ✭✭✭


    I have discovered most if not all US items I have been browsing now include import charges automatically.

    Is there anyway to avoid this, or increase our chances of avoiding, with something like ParcelMotel based in the US? I understand there is always a risk of customs charging but I would rather take that chance than automatically have to pay a charge.

    How are you dealing with this? Do you ask sellers before you bid if they can send without the Global Postage Programme so you have less chance of being hit with the charge? Have you found some way to display all items world wide - except those from the US? Or something else?


Comments

  • #2
    Spocker
    Moderators Posts: 6,927 ✭✭✭Spocker


    Personally I just avoid any sellers who use this programme now, although I believe many US sellers were signed up automatically for it. If I specifically need something from ebay.com, I now tend to favour Canadian sellers instead


  • #3
    runswithascript
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,816 ✭✭✭runswithascript


    I found the solution. Shipito.com work like ParcelMotel. I get the item delivered to their warehouse in Nevada cheap or for free without import charges and then they send it on to me for as low as $10, many different delivery options available. I can specify the value of the item that will be printed on the package and I read on one site if it is under $25 I will avoid customs, on another if under $60. The only problem here is insurance, if I opt for insurance it will only cover the value I specify.


  • #4
    Nody
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Entertainment Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 18,504 CMod ✭✭✭✭Nody


    dusf wrote: »
    I found the solution. Shipito.com work like ParcelMotel. I get the item delivered to their warehouse in Nevada cheap or for free without import charges and then they send it on to me for as low as $10, many different delivery options available. I can specify the value of the item that will be printed on the package and I read on one site if it is under $25 I will avoid customs, on another if under $60. The only problem here is insurance, if I opt for insurance it will only cover the value I specify.
    You can put what ever value you want on the package but if the customs decide to open it and think the value is BS they will tell you to send them the invoice to prove the value or they will add their own valuation and add charges accordingly.


  • #5
    runswithascript
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,816 ✭✭✭runswithascript


    Nody wrote: »
    You can put what ever value you want on the package but if the customs decide to open it and think the value is BS they will tell you to send them the invoice to prove the value or they will add their own valuation and add charges accordingly.

    If - that is the whole point. If I just purchase items as normal from US eBay sellers I am automatically hit with import charges. If I use Shipito delivery costs less than normal and there is only a small chance customs will add on a charge, especially on small items.

    Does anybody know at what value Irish customs add the charge? I have read $25 and $60 different places but I am not sure what country those people were from.


  • #6
    Spocker
    Moderators Posts: 6,927 ✭✭✭Spocker


    Have a look at the Customs/Import Duty thread thats stickied at the top of the forum: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055862554


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  • #7
    IHPhoto
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 92 ✭✭IHPhoto


    Same here, just avoid those sellers and buy elsewhere


  • #8
    rubadub
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,388 ✭✭✭✭rubadub


    No problem so far, but just a reminder folks.
    Fuzzy wrote: »
    The promotion of any illegal, including fraudulent or dishonest, activity will not be tolerated. eg- Links to ebay pyramid scams or items of an illegal nature will be deleted, and the user who posted them may be banned. This also includes any postal fraud scams, e.g. using a fake address.

    www.revenue.ie/en/customs/leaflets/postal-guide.pdf
    13. Incomplete Declarations/undeclared goods
    Any information omitted from customs declaration forms can lead to delays in receiving
    your package, as it will need to be opened to ascertain if the goods are liable to import
    duties. Generally, Revenue will write to the addressee requesting a copy of the
    purchase invoice for the goods or where this is not available a pay-pal receipt or a
    print-out from the internet detailing how much the goods cost. If a reply is not received
    within 14 days the package may be returned to the sender.
    As an incorrect or false declaration may lead to seizure of your package, it is important
    that you inform the sender of the necessity to complete the declaration accurately with
    all the necessary information.

    I find things going through regular post (not couriers) is more likely to slip through uncharged. I also find it gets through to a business address easier, I guess they might think a business will be claiming vat back and so are saving everyone the hassle.

    Couriers can charge admin fees so they have a vested interest in charging you VAT if applicable, even if its a tiny amount, since they can get the same admin fee (though some couriers admin fee is a % of the items value.


  • #9
    runswithascript
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,816 ✭✭✭runswithascript


    SNIP. They will also hold the package for up to 90 days if I wish, apparently all for $1. Great, great service. SNIP


  • #10
    recipio
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,806 ✭✭✭recipio


    dusf wrote: »
    SNIP They will also hold the package for up to 90 days if I wish, apparently all for $1. Great, great service. For anyone declaring a value of a package under its purchase it is worth considering any insurance will only cover the declared value.

    Is that service on their website SNIP. The only snag is that the insurance offered by Shipito is around $3.50 and they don't seem to allow opt outs. I tend to use the USPS mail if possible and most items arrive with no charges.


  • #11
    runswithascript
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,816 ✭✭✭runswithascript


    recipio wrote: »
    Is that service on their website ?SNIP The only snag is that the insurance offered by Shipito is around $3.50 and they don't seem to allow opt outs. I tend to use the USPS mail if possible and most items arrive with no charges.

    The service is available with Shipito according to a seasoned importer I spoke to on the eBay forums. You could always try their technical support instant chat when open. I ended up buying a tablet from the UK for a good price that will have full 4G connectivity so I am going to hold the US tablet at Shipito until I have sold it on eBay US.

    In the Shipito calculator there is an option to select insurance or not so there must be a way to opt out when they actually have a package?


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  • #12
    recipio
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,806 ✭✭✭recipio


    dusf wrote: »
    The service is available with Shipito according to a seasoned importer I spoke to on the eBay forums. You could always try their technical support instant chat when open. I ended up buying a tablet from the UK for a good price that will have full 4G connectivity so I am going to hold the US tablet at Shipito until I have sold it on eBay US.

    In the Shipito calculator there is an option to select insurance or not so there must be a way to opt out when they actually have a package?

    Well, as an aside Shipito have failed to register a package for me that they got a week ago.The live chat link is new but I failed to find a 'contact' link on the website. They have a 'lost package' link but are awfully shy about exchanging a few emails.
    I've tried opting out of insurance a few times but the 'button' for this option won't activate.


  • #13
    runswithascript
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,816 ✭✭✭runswithascript


    Just received a brand new tablet from the US and I was not hit at customs. SNIP. Never had any issue using their live chat on the site, once trying during US office hours, received excellent and prompt support to every question and I could not recommend them highly enough. SNIP

    -I already gave clear warnings about the charter rules about fraud. thread closed. -rubadub


This discussion has been closed.
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