Odd(?) Request from ebay member

[Atari 5200]

An ebay member asked the following question...


Hello Are you willing to ship that out to a CONFIRMED canadian address through USPS' First Class Mail, and for what cost? You can get an idea by checking at http://ircalc.usps.gov/default.aspx?Mode=Intl_Single&CID=10054 When shipping outside the USA; you'll have to enter a few informations about the package on a little sticker; I'd like to know if you're okay with writting about 15$ of value no matter the actual winning bid. Have a look at http://www.cscc-clubhouse.com/Ebay/design/custom_sticker.jpg to have a better idea what to do... Thank youWith ebay anymore I'm scared to do anything like this. Is this person trying to pull some kind of scam or is this a legit question?

Any help's appreciated!

Thanks!!!

[ryborg]

No, he just wants you to declare the item's value as $15 on the customs sticker so he doesn't have to pay taxes on it. It's a very common email.

[eugenek]

That's right...either that or they'll ask you to mark it as a "gift," which is tax and duty free up to a higher value than regular shipments.

I wouldn't do either. But that's just me.

[gum_drops]

Just realize that it doesn't matter if his address is confirmed or not when you send 1st class airmail, since there is no tracking you are not covered under paypal if he claims the item doesnt show up.

There is also no tracking on priority flat rate envelopes to outside the USA. I suggest EMS/EMS flat rate if its a pricey item that you dont want to chance it with.

I personally only use EMS on shipments outside the USA over $15.00 in value.

[TheRealist50]

thats kind of odd, i buy from the US all the time and i never had to:

A. pay customs or taxes.
B. ask the seller to change the way they ship.

I bought many expensive items and never had a problem in 6 years of ebaying.

[OldSchoolGamer]

thats kind of odd, i buy from the US all the time and i never had to:

A. pay customs or taxes.
B. ask the seller to change the way they ship.

I bought many expensive items and never had a problem in 6 years of ebaying.

Then your lucky, as a Canadian who buys lots from the states, well lets just say I got a pretty good deal on a Sega Saturn, paid a decent shipping charge (what it cost him to ship) then guess what? Canadian Customs ASS RAPED me on border charges, another friggin $25 DOLLARS!!!! There went my good "DEAL". So yeah I can relate, no he is not likely trying to screw you, I always ask people willing to mark as gift with low $$$$, I am never charged extra then..............

[jb143]

I once shipped an item that sold for $150 to Canada and foolishly marked the customs papers as such. When it arrived they were wanting the person to pay quite a bit for customs. They refused to it came back to me. I can't remember if they wanted me to pay anything but I didn't. I think we split the cost to have it shipped again. My guess is that just want to avoid this type of situation.

[Darren870]

I do this all the time when I ship to people over seas.

[eugenek]

I do this all the time when I ship to people over seas.

But then what happens if the package gets lost and you need to file a claim for an expensive item that you marked as being worth $15?

[Darren870]

But then what happens if the package gets lost and you need to file a claim for an expensive item that you marked as being worth $15?

egh well that's never happened :-p

If its expensive then its going Priority Over Seas which covers around $100 insurance for free.

[TheRealist50]

Then your lucky, as a Canadian who buys lots from the states, well lets just say I got a pretty good deal on a Sega Saturn, paid a decent shipping charge (what it cost him to ship) then guess what? Canadian Customs ASS RAPED me on border charges, another friggin $25 DOLLARS!!!! There went my good "DEAL". So yeah I can relate, no he is not likely trying to screw you, I always ask people willing to mark as gift with low $$$$, I am never charged extra then..............

Oh really? damn, now I'm having seconds thoughts on ordering some bigger items. I just figured I didn't have to pay anything...I didn't know I was just lucky. ugh.

Its funny you mentioned a Saturn because I wanted to buy a Japanese Saturn, but I don't know anymore.