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couture girl 06 · Oct 12th, 2009, 04:51 AM

There are 2 bags I'm interested in but 1 is in Canada and the other is Italy. Both cost $1600 and both sellers allow returns. I didn't realize I may end up paying duties since I'm in the US. Does anyone know how much I would pay in duties? I was trying to save money from the boutique and sales tax since the bag's retail price is $2100. What would you do? Buy full retail price? This would be my most expensive bag so I feel like I should try to find a deal.

Have other US buyers been shocked with duty fees? Is it worth it or skip the headache?

chikapinku · Oct 12th, 2009, 06:50 AM

Definitely check out your customs fees; not sure what American customs fees are so I can't help you there, but I know we get slugged 15% if the value is over a certain amount. You can get some really good, unique buys overseas but just be aware of what you may have to pay!

You could also try contacting the seller and seeing if they will mark the value of the package down/mark it as a return/gift/etc; some sellers are willing to do this.

Sternchen · Oct 12th, 2009, 07:13 AM

Definitely inform yourself on customs fees. The amount you will be charged depends on a lot of factors (material for example). I would advise against "under-marking" a package because of the problems that it can cause for the buyer. I've had a number of packages shipped from the US to here (Germany) that were undervalued and I had a lot of "fun" at the customs office explaining who, what, where, when and why...

CowPrincess · Oct 12th, 2009, 02:35 PM

Quote:

You could also try contacting the seller and seeing if they will mark the value of the package down/mark it as a return/gift/etc; some sellers are willing to do this.

Actually, I think that is legally actionable if they get caught. I won't buy from anyone who says they will do that -- how honest are they in the REST of their lives? And when a buyer asks me if I'll do that, I blocck them from bidding. How one acts in one situation is a good indication of how one acts in EVERY situation.

hotshot · Oct 12th, 2009, 02:42 PM

^ I agree here.

It doesn't seem that in the end you will be saving that much when you

include customs and shipping fees.

couture girl 06 · Oct 12th, 2009, 03:55 PM

Thanks all for your input. I wouldn't want to under value the custom form since I never do it for buyers. I think the duties fees or vat, whatever it is would be a lot. I remember a few years ago I bought 2 Alexander Mcqueen scarves from the UK boutique and had to pay for the duties. I dont remember what the amount was but if I knew in advance I would not have bought it. It was also sent Fed Ex, I heard some shipping carriers are more prone to charge.

karmenzsofia · Oct 12th, 2009, 04:04 PM

I avoid international transactions--sales and purchases--for several reasons, among them custom charges.

northerndancer · Oct 12th, 2009, 05:36 PM

It is difficult to predict what customs will be because the fees are not uniformly applied. If you do decide to purchase internationally, it is important to ask the seller to use their postal system. It is much better than the couriers which charge usurious brokerage fees. I have shipped a number of handbags from Canada to the US with the most expensive one being just over $1,000. None of these have attracted any duties. Not to say it couldn't happen, but it usually doesn't.

pegasuscom · Oct 12th, 2009, 05:45 PM

If the handbags are in fact used, ask them to state "used handbag" in the item description section. I have never had to pay customs/brokerage fees on US incoming "used handbags" shipped via a postal system from another country. Watch out for anything shipped UPS as I have had to pay a high fee on new shoes coming from Italy. Good luck if you decide to buy!

Ellie Mae · Oct 12th, 2009, 05:56 PM

I have purchased several times from INTL sellers, and I am in the US.
The one and only time I have ever been charged customs was when the seller shipped via FED-EX. A $700 bag, paid about $75 in fees and duty.
I have not ever been charged customs fees on anything shipped USPS INTL.
Not to say that it CAN'T happen, but IMO, it's less likely. DO NOT use Fed-ex or UPS.

*ilovebrad* · Oct 12th, 2009, 07:02 PM

Thats why I avoid buying international ---- hassle of waiting and paying customs charges

shoemanshoe · Oct 14th, 2009, 03:31 AM

I would avoid buying from international sellers for many reasons , the first thing I would do is call paypal and see if you would be covered by their sellers protection program, who knows with certain countries.

You could also ask the seller to ship it as a gift which I dont believe cost any duties.

Ellie Mae · Oct 14th, 2009, 05:47 PM

Originally Posted by shoemanshoe

I would avoid buying from international sellers for many reasons , the first thing I would do is call paypal and see if you would be covered by their sellers protection program, who knows with certain countries.

You could also ask the seller to ship it as a gift which I dont believe cost any duties.

The OP needs to be concerned w/ PP BUYER protection, which should be listed on the ebay auction. Gifts CAN still be assessed fees at customs, based on declared value.

couture girl 06 · Oct 14th, 2009, 05:54 PM

^^ The "gift" option does not work. I've known people to still pay duties for bags marked "gift."

vintageromance · Oct 14th, 2009, 11:01 PM

I have bought international items before, and declaring something as a gift does not always guarantee you won't be faced with a customs charge, and is also untrustworthy. The best thing is to have the seller check with their chosen postal/shipping service for possible fees, though there is still not absolute way of checking the customs charge, seeing as it is based on the quality, quantity, and value of the items being received into the US, and also depends on what country it is coming from.

The best thing to do would be to assess how important this bag is to you. If you're getting a deal of at least 30%+ off and it is a high end item, then it is possibly worth the customs charge. If the difference is less that 30% of the retail price, or of an item listed here in the US, I would suggest going with another item, rather than paying the customs charge, but this is only my opinion.

Oct 12th, 2009, 04:51 AM	#1
couture girl 06 OP Member Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 245	Need some buyer advice if I should buy from international sellers There are 2 bags I'm interested in but 1 is in Canada and the other is Italy. Both cost $1600 and both sellers allow returns. I didn't realize I may end up paying duties since I'm in the US. Does anyone know how much I would pay in duties? I was trying to save money from the boutique and sales tax since the bag's retail price is $2100. What would you do? Buy full retail price? This would be my most expensive bag so I feel like I should try to find a deal. Have other US buyers been shocked with duty fees? Is it worth it or skip the headache?
couture girl 06 OP Member Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 245

Oct 12th, 2009, 06:50 AM	#2
chikapinku ♥ Aesthete ♥ Joined: Aug 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 370	Definitely check out your customs fees; not sure what American customs fees are so I can't help you there, but I know we get slugged 15% if the value is over a certain amount. You can get some really good, unique buys overseas but just be aware of what you may have to pay! You could also try contacting the seller and seeing if they will mark the value of the package down/mark it as a return/gift/etc; some sellers are willing to do this.
	__________________ Okay, I am definitely BANNED! My modest but much-loved collection: ♥ LV Damier Papillon ♥ LV Watercolor Papillon ♥ LV Multicolore Alma: White ♥ Moni Moni Splendor: Olive ♥ LV Zippy Wallet: Bleu Nuit ♥ Balenciaga '07 GSH PT: Black ♥ Rebecca Minkoff MAC: Bright Royal ♥ Balenciaga '09 LE RH City: Lilac ♥

Oct 12th, 2009, 07:13 AM	#3
Sternchen Proud mama of 3! Joined: May 2006 Location: Bavaria, Germany Posts: 13,952	Definitely inform yourself on customs fees. The amount you will be charged depends on a lot of factors (material for example). I would advise against "under-marking" a package because of the problems that it can cause for the buyer. I've had a number of packages shipped from the US to here (Germany) that were undervalued and I had a lot of "fun" at the customs office explaining who, what, where, when and why...
	__________________ Dear Santa, I have been a very good girl this year and have worked very hard for my family, my school and my job. This year I would like to wish for only one thing: THE CUPCAKE CAR!!! Please and thank you. Love, Melanie

Oct 12th, 2009, 02:42 PM	#5
hotshot Member Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 2,869	^ I agree here. It doesn't seem that in the end you will be saving that much when you include customs and shipping fees.
hotshot Member Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 2,869

Oct 12th, 2009, 03:55 PM	#6
couture girl 06 OP Member Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 245	Thanks all for your input. I wouldn't want to under value the custom form since I never do it for buyers. I think the duties fees or vat, whatever it is would be a lot. I remember a few years ago I bought 2 Alexander Mcqueen scarves from the UK boutique and had to pay for the duties. I dont remember what the amount was but if I knew in advance I would not have bought it. It was also sent Fed Ex, I heard some shipping carriers are more prone to charge.
couture girl 06 OP Member Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 245

Oct 12th, 2009, 04:04 PM	#7
karmenzsofia Life is Plan Z Joined: Jun 2008 Location: Tarot Card Posts: 14,888	I avoid international transactions--sales and purchases--for several reasons, among them custom charges.
	__________________ Satisfied but wishing 4 a WTM Mini and an AP ~~* Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it necessary? Is it kind? Or, more importantly, is it funny?

Oct 12th, 2009, 05:36 PM	#8
northerndancer Member Joined: Dec 2007 Location: The Cool Cool North Posts: 1,286	It is difficult to predict what customs will be because the fees are not uniformly applied. If you do decide to purchase internationally, it is important to ask the seller to use their postal system. It is much better than the couriers which charge usurious brokerage fees. I have shipped a number of handbags from Canada to the US with the most expensive one being just over $1,000. None of these have attracted any duties. Not to say it couldn't happen, but it usually doesn't.
	__________________ The truth is out there.

Oct 12th, 2009, 05:45 PM	#9
pegasuscom Member Joined: Apr 2008 Location: Horse Country Posts: 1,606	If the handbags are in fact used, ask them to state "used handbag" in the item description section. I have never had to pay customs/brokerage fees on US incoming "used handbags" shipped via a postal system from another country. Watch out for anything shipped UPS as I have had to pay a high fee on new shoes coming from Italy. Good luck if you decide to buy!

Oct 12th, 2009, 05:56 PM	#10
Ellie Mae KIABCRS Joined: May 2008 Posts: 8,320	I have purchased several times from INTL sellers, and I am in the US. The one and only time I have ever been charged customs was when the seller shipped via FED-EX. A $700 bag, paid about $75 in fees and duty. I have not ever been charged customs fees on anything shipped USPS INTL. Not to say that it CAN'T happen, but IMO, it's less likely. DO NOT use Fed-ex or UPS.
Ellie Mae KIABCRS Joined: May 2008 Posts: 8,320	__________________ *http://scams-n-shams.blogspot.com*

Oct 12th, 2009, 07:02 PM	#11
ilovebrad Member Joined: Sep 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 384	Thats why I avoid buying international ---- hassle of waiting and paying customs charges

Oct 14th, 2009, 03:31 AM	#12
shoemanshoe Member Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 56	I would avoid buying from international sellers for many reasons , the first thing I would do is call paypal and see if you would be covered by their sellers protection program, who knows with certain countries. You could also ask the seller to ship it as a gift which I dont believe cost any duties.
shoemanshoe Member Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 56

Oct 14th, 2009, 05:54 PM	#14
couture girl 06 OP Member Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 245	^^ The "gift" option does not work. I've known people to still pay duties for bags marked "gift."
couture girl 06 OP Member Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 245

Oct 14th, 2009, 11:01 PM	#15
vintageromance Member Joined: Oct 2009 Location: KY/NYC/LA, USA Posts: 37	I have bought international items before, and declaring something as a gift does not always guarantee you won't be faced with a customs charge, and is also untrustworthy. The best thing is to have the seller check with their chosen postal/shipping service for possible fees, though there is still not absolute way of checking the customs charge, seeing as it is based on the quality, quantity, and value of the items being received into the US, and also depends on what country it is coming from. The best thing to do would be to assess how important this bag is to you. If you're getting a deal of at least 30%+ off and it is a high end item, then it is possibly worth the customs charge. If the difference is less that 30% of the retail price, or of an item listed here in the US, I would suggest going with another item, rather than paying the customs charge, but this is only my opinion.

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