Buyer wants to return item because he doesn't want to pay taxes...

[39mikumiku39]

I'm an international seller, and I've sent the item as described to a buyer, but the buyer says the import taxes are too high and he doesn't want to pay, so he's trying to return the item with the reason "Doesn't match description or photos". How is this even possible, when the buyer hasn't even opened the item let alone accepted it?

There is something seriously wrong with the eBay system if he can return the item. We've already spent about $50 on shipping fee, so this would not be fair to us.

[lewisburggold]

We had to deal with the same thing they didnt want to pay taxes on there own item.  We called ebay and they were able to see that it was hung up in customs and the buyer didnt want to pay.  You have to call to get it straitend out because at first they gave there money back.  Good luck.  Best regards

[marinermikes]

It happens a lot. Most international buyers that pull this just refuse the package.

[abfabvintage]

@lewisburggold

Hi. I have been meaning to ask this for years since I don't do International. And this may be a stupid question: when the buyer goes to pay for the purchase, is there a mechanism where they see maybe a separate line item in an invoice with a guesstimate of what they may have to pay for customs' fees even before they pay? Let's say, I click to buy but haven't paid yet, wouldn't someone's system see that I live in Italy and then something would be generated to the buyer with the customs' fee guesstimate before they actually make a payment.

OR is there some percentage type grid per country. I know...I sound stupid, but this customs thing has always irked me because if I was buying something I would want to know just how much in the end I would be forking out. That way sellers are not faced with these expensive returns. I would rather have a cancellation before payment (or even after payment but before ship) then faced with paying return shipping. I know most sellers put the verbage buyer responsible for any customs fees. Ignore this note if it is really stupid lololol.  Unless ebay does have some policy a return would not be approved if the buyer says they can't afford those fees (not sure in this day and ae a buyer would be that honest). Probably would file a SNAD.  

[lewisburggold]

From what we understand the customs fees are not implied until the item gets to customs.   Then its assessed by whoever is in charge.  Then its our understanding that the buyer is notified of it cost to get in to the country.  In every case we have delt with on this we have had no way of knowing what its going to cost to get in until it gets there.  Not sure about the buyer but it seems that they dont know what the cost is till it gets to customs either.  Thats why most freak out when it gets there.  There was one case were they did not pay customs and the item came back to us 3 months later.  Not sure if that helps.  Best regards

[goodluckselling]

If they have not picked up the package because of customs fees and the buyer has opened a INR request I would just call eBay and show them the tracking details showing it has not been picked up and tell them about the messages to review showing the buyer does not want to pay customs and they should close the INR request in your favor.

I would also report the buyer for misuse of the eBay money back gaurantee.

Good Luck Selling!

[2015mhfashions]

I've had this a few times, they think by refusing the package they are entitled to a full refund, they're not, possible Customs charges details are right there under the shipping cost, whether they choose to read it or not isn't a sellers responsibility, call E Bay upload your tracking to the return and explain it is being held awaiting payment of charges so the case is totally false, he cannot return something he does not have, if and when the item is returned to you the refund is for the item only, any negative feedback will also be removed concerning charges, don't message the buyer any further.

International items may be subject to customs processing and additional charges.  

International Shipping - items may be subject to customs processing depending on the item's declared value.

Sellers set the item's declared value and must comply with customs declaration laws.

 As the buyer, you should be aware of possible:

- delays from customs inspection.

- import duties and taxes which buyers must pay.

- brokerage fees payable at the point of delivery.

Your country's customs office can offer more details, or visit eBay's page on international trade

[missjen831]

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@abfabvintage wrote:

@lewisburggold

Hi. I have been meaning to ask this for years since I don't do International. And this may be a stupid question: when the buyer goes to pay for the purchase, is there a mechanism where they see maybe a separate line item in an invoice with a guesstimate of what they may have to pay for customs' fees even before they pay? Let's say, I click to buy but haven't paid yet, wouldn't someone's system see that I live in Italy and then something would be generated to the buyer with the customs' fee guesstimate before they actually make a payment.

OR is there some percentage type grid per country. I know...I sound stupid, but this customs thing has always irked me because if I was buying something I would want to know just how much in the end I would be forking out. That way sellers are not faced with these expensive returns. I would rather have a cancellation before payment (or even after payment but before ship) then faced with paying return shipping. I know most sellers put the verbage buyer responsible for any customs fees. Ignore this note if it is really stupid lololol.  Unless ebay does have some policy a return would not be approved if the buyer says they can't afford those fees (not sure in this day and ae a buyer would be that honest). Probably would file a SNAD.  

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No.

Customs fees are the buyers responsibility. It would be impossible for ebay quote the buyer customs fees, they can't possibly know the rules for each country, what goods are subject to fees and all that. On gsp sales, they do charge the buyer the import fees upfront but thats only for gsp-eligible countries.

And NO. customs fees are not covered by the MBG so NO the buyer can't file an snad and return on the basis that they can't afford the customs fees.

[abfabvintage]

@missjen831

Hey, Jen. But if that GSP can do it, how come no others (other than GSP) figure it out. I know the buyer is responsible for the custom/duty fees, but was just thinking how this process could maybe be streamlined. So considering the OP stated this buyer is now claiming SNAD although they haven't received/opened it yet, then eBay should be siding with the seller to not refund, right?

[abfabvintage]

@goodluckselling

Hey, GL: they are claiming SNAD before even opening the packaging (or even accepting it).

[missjen831]

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@abfabvintage wrote:

@missjen831

Hey, Jen. But if that GSP can do it, how come no others (other than GSP) figure it out. I know the buyer is responsible for the custom/duty fees, but was just thinking how this process could maybe be streamlined. So considering the OP stated this buyer is now claiming SNAD although they haven't received/opened it yet, then eBay should be siding with the seller to not refund, right?

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The GSP doesn’t really have it figured out. Some of their import fees are charged in countries that don’t charge them or for purchases that are below the threshold. It just wouldn’t be possible for eBay to figure out the rules for every country and program the site to estimate the customs, IMHO. The OP should win the SNAD if not for the fact that it’s over customs fees but because the buyer will fail to return the item on time. If the OP should lose OR decide to take the return, the buyer has 5 days to ship it back and 14 days to get it back to the OP. It’s not likely the buyer will meet those deadlines 🙂

[abfabvintage]

@missjen831

Thanks for helping me understand the process along with the other posters here. 

[goodluckselling]

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@abfabvintage wrote:

@goodluckselling

Hey, GL: they are claiming SNAD before even opening the packaging (or even accepting it).

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My understanding from the OP post is that they do not want to pay the customs fees.

This happens sometimes with new and or first time Internet buyers.  Yes eBay will allow a request to be opened as they do not get involved in anything until it become a case.  eBay also has tools for the seller to handle this through the resolution center or they can also call. 

The buyer has nothing to lose by doing this because they have no plans of paying the customs fees to receive the package so it will eventually get returned to the seller and if the seller just refunds as some do the buyer can play the "I got a full refund and now I will  try and go and pick up the item if it is still there" trick.

Good Luck Selling!

[carlmarxx]

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@abfabvintage wrote:

@missjen831

Hey, Jen. But if that GSP can do it, how come no others (other than GSP) figure it out. I know the buyer is responsible for the custom/duty fees, but was just thinking how this process could maybe be streamlined. So considering the OP stated this buyer is now claiming SNAD although they haven't received/opened it yet, then eBay should be siding with the seller to not refund, right?

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GSP doesn't do FCMI   only  the prority  and express rate shipping  .