Make declared value lower than $50 to avoid import charges??

[saniap-11]

Hi everyone and Happy Holidays,

I am selling a phone and have a buyer from Albania asking if I can make the declared value lower than $50 on the shipping label to help him/her avoid import charges. My item is currently in the GSP, I chose this option when I listed it. I have never been asked anything like this before. First of all, it doesn't sound legal, so is there a legal way around this to help the buyer out so that I can still make the sale? I hate to admit this, but I' m a bit desperate because normally when I list phones, they sell rather quickly. Lately, it's been kind of quiet, and the sale would really help me out although of course, getting into any legal trouble is not worth it.

[corvettestainless]

It's illegal; tell the buyer 'NO'.

[dtexley3]

---

@saniap-11 wrote:

Hi everyone and Happy Holidays,

I am selling a phone and have a buyer from Albania asking if I can make the declared value lower than $50 on the shipping label to help him/her avoid import charges. My item is currently in the GSP, I chose this option when I listed it. I have never been asked anything like this before. First of all, it doesn't sound legal, so is there a legal way around this to help the buyer out so that I can still make the sale? I hate to admit this, but I' m a bit desperate because normally when I list phones, they sell rather quickly. Lately, it's been kind of quiet, and the sale would really help me out although of course, getting into any legal trouble is not worth it.

---

1. I would NEVER sell a phone outside the US (I won't sell phones on eBay period, but that's another issue)

2. Under valuing an item to avoid customs is a crime.  It may be common in some countries to do this, but if the item is openned for inspection by customs it will be held.  I highly recommend telling the buyer you won't and recommend they request to cancel if they don't like it.

[upgradedendmills]

You are about to get scammed in a big way.

[myboardid]

Absolutely do NOT do that.  This buyer sounds like trouble, someone who will open a claim either for non-delivery or for Not As Described, then will send back something other than what you sent him.  Block him, do not sell to him, it is very risky!

[saniap-11]

Gotcha. Thanks a lot!

[saniap-11]

Thanks will do. I have been getting so many creepy messages lately. It sucks.

[myoasisjewels]

never, ever agree to do that.

explain to your customer, that since you as the seller are responsible for the package, until it arrives at its destination, you will have to insure it for the full value. in doing so, you have to disclose its full value. only this way, you will be covered in case of lost or damaged items during transit.

it is also against the law, to falsify custom information.

[corvettestainless]

Remove 'international' shipping, and then exclude all except USA from the ability to bid. Phones are high scam items, even here in the states. Do a 'buy it now' with 'immediate payment required' when you relist (after cancelling previous purchase).

[saniap-11]

Thanks so much. Thank goodness, the person didn't buy my phone, but I will update my listing and remove it from the GSP.

[myoasisjewels]

plus when using GSP the labeling for customs is done by ebay (you have no control over it) anyway.

you only are responsible for shipping the item to ebays warehouse in the u.s. and the rest is out of your hands. ebay will calculate the import tax and charge the customer together with the shipping charge at the time of purchase in a separate transaction.