Tariff for Italian bag

Natasha22 · Jul 15th, 2008, 10:56 AM

I recently purchased an Italian bag for $750 + $30 s+h from an Italian eBay seller (99% positive rating, power seller). Yesterday I wasn't home, and the UPS guy left a note for my super saying I owed UPS $72.99. I called UPS and they told me that was for $67.99 duty fee + $5 brokerage fee.

I guess I'm ignorant, because I didn't expect this. Anyway, how do I know I'm not being ripped off? The UPS person said there was no way for them to fax, send, or e-mail me any kind of verification on these charges.

I will have to pay them the money to get the bag.

Anyone have a similar experience? Anyone know how these rates are determined? Is it a percentage of the seller's declared value on the bag? Should the seller have given me a heads-up on this, or am I just STUPID for not have knowing about this?

Thank you!

jjyounger · Jul 15th, 2008, 11:00 AM

Natasha22, 10% is normal for customs fees on items purchased in Italy. You are not being ripped off.

BTW, duties are charged not only on the value of the bag, but on the shipping cost as well!

Natasha22 · Jul 15th, 2008, 01:20 PM

Thank you! I just learned something. Yes, this makes sense, as the bag was $780 total (including s+h).

moi et mes sacs · Jul 15th, 2008, 01:24 PM

yes customs charges are normal but you should be presented with paperwork or a bill of some sort to pay. I would ask for this prior to payment.

jjyounger · Jul 15th, 2008, 02:08 PM

ITA! I normally receive a bill in the mail from the carrier a few weeks after delivery. I always send the payment in with a copy of the bill.

Natasha22 · Jul 17th, 2008, 12:04 AM

Thanks, everyone! Live and learn. I paid the UPS guy the fee. But now that I know about this, I will take this into consideration in the future. BTW, someone on another site said I could have saved the brokerage fee by doing the paperwork myself, but for $5, it was worth it to me. I still would have had to pay the $67.99 customs fee, though.

Jul 15th, 2008, 10:56 AM	#1
Natasha22 Member	Tariff for Italian bag I recently purchased an Italian bag for $750 + $30 s+h from an Italian eBay seller (99% positive rating, power seller). Yesterday I wasn't home, and the UPS guy left a note for my super saying I owed UPS $72.99. I called UPS and they told me that was for $67.99 duty fee + $5 brokerage fee. I guess I'm ignorant, because I didn't expect this. Anyway, how do I know I'm not being ripped off? The UPS person said there was no way for them to fax, send, or e-mail me any kind of verification on these charges. I will have to pay them the money to get the bag. Anyone have a similar experience? Anyone know how these rates are determined? Is it a percentage of the seller's declared value on the bag? Should the seller have given me a heads-up on this, or am I just STUPID for not have knowing about this? Thank you!

Jul 15th, 2008, 01:24 PM	#4
moi et mes sacs Science Geek!	yes customs charges are normal but you should be presented with paperwork or a bill of some sort to pay. I would ask for this prior to payment. __________________ If you never change your mind, why have one? Edward de Bono

Jul 15th, 2008, 11:00 AM	#2
jjyounger Judy Location: Memphis, TN	Natasha22, 10% is normal for customs fees on items purchased in Italy. You are not being ripped off. BTW, duties are charged not only on the value of the bag, but on the shipping cost as well!

Jul 15th, 2008, 01:20 PM	#3
Natasha22 Member	Thank you! I just learned something. Yes, this makes sense, as the bag was $780 total (including s+h).

Jul 15th, 2008, 02:08 PM	#5
jjyounger Judy Location: Memphis, TN	ITA! I normally receive a bill in the mail from the carrier a few weeks after delivery. I always send the payment in with a copy of the bill.

Jul 17th, 2008, 12:04 AM	#6
Natasha22 Member	Thanks, everyone! Live and learn. I paid the UPS guy the fee. But now that I know about this, I will take this into consideration in the future. BTW, someone on another site said I could have saved the brokerage fee by doing the paperwork myself, but for $5, it was worth it to me. I still would have had to pay the $67.99 customs fee, though.