stuck with Buyer's Custom's charge?

[bill989]

The Buyer was responsible for shipping on my sale, which I shipped from the US to Canada via the Buyer's chosen method. But weeks later UPS shocked me with a bill for customs charges (US$76.44) which eBay did not show in the Shipping cost the Buyer was charged.

Half my profit disappeared due to this and the fact that UPS took weeks to bill me for these surprise charges. How can I handle this, please?

I see on https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/posting-items/setting-postage-options/international-postage?id=418... that Buyers are responsible for shipping, but now that I've shipped it I can't actually enforce that.

But I guess I could ask.  I see I can mark the sale unpaid...can I then bill the customs charges?

[isatwin74]

I learned a long time ago not to ship with UPS or FedEx to Canada as buyers will not pay the fee and UPS and FedEx then bill you for it. I will only ship USPS to Canada.

[chapeau-noir]

I'm not sure there's any recourse as it was your choice of shipping method.  UPS charges brokerage fees for cross-border transactions - "Entry preparation fees", they also charge a bond fee to deal with customs.  It's an expensive method for shipping internationally.

[chapeau-noir]

This details the charges:  https://www.ups.com/ca/en/shipping/zones-and-rates/customs-clearance.page

[bill989]

Thank you very much for your replies, everyone!

I also made the mistake of not even knowing to tell UPS (which was the BUYER's choice of shipping method) to try to bill the Buyer.

So though I felt stupid I've sent the Buyer a very nice note asking them to pay now that I've learned it's their responsibility.  If they don't maybe I can try to mark it unpaid and try to bill them for it? Which I imagine might end up with my spotless 22-year eBay Feedback history being harmed.  

Is this why y'all don't mention using eBay to bill them for it?

[dabunk2000]

Has been this way tor years now nothing new. From now on use ebay international shipping service. Buyer pays all fees up front

[chapeau-noir]

I would not mark the item unpaid as it's not. You can invoice them through paypal, but they don't have to pay - AFAIK eBay isn't going to do it as it's between you and the buyer, though if they chose UPS I would think they would know how it works and may just pay it.  Also, I wouldn't be held hostage by your feedback.  See what they have to say after your note.

[bill989]

Thank you very much for the helpful reply, chapeau-noir!

I guess the invoice is paid, but since they are responsible for shipping it seems to me that the item is not paid.

I've also written to eBay Support. If neither the Buyer nor eBay is helpful, and a PayPal invoice doesn't work...I guess I'm inclined to do something though I don't know what: mark it unpaid and open an eBay case I guess.

In summary, while I messed up that doesn't change that they're responsible for the customs fees.

Honestly, the Buyer's communication has been that of the kindest most honorable person in the world, so perhaps my concern is needless.

[chapeau-noir]

Well, let some of the others here weigh in on that - I would first see what the buyer has to say.

[go-bad-chicken]

Send them a PayPal invoice for the custom charges and see if they are willing to pay it.

At this point that is the best that you can do and the best that you can hope for at this point in the transaction.

[bill989]

They paid the invoice.  I feel very lucky, I feel like they're a saint, I feel like my ignorance dodged a bullet, and I feel like I can't begin to properly praise them in an 80-character eBay Feedback (but I'll do my very best!).

Thanks to every one of you for the education and wisdom.  I needed it desperately, particularly in the current void of eBay support.

[3eyedfishcatcher]

If the bill has not been paid the item may still be in the US waiting on that payment. I would call them to check if it is still in the US have them return to you. Then cancel the sale and relist with USPS international shipping as the only option and have the buyer repurchase.

[bill989]

It was just delivered, but it might not be a coincidence that it had been sitting in the UPS warehouse across town from the Canadian buyer, they suddenly got delivered about a half hour after I made payment.

[toooldtorock]

"I would call them to check if it is still in the US have them return to you."

UPS will charge for the return trip.

[nkmipgolf]

Customs tax charges are the buyers responsibility and they usually pay it when it arrives at their door when shipping ground. If no one is home they will get a bill in the mail a month later.  If you shipped it air (3 days or less) duty, taxes and brokerage fees  by UPS are charged at the time of shipping.  Ask the buyer if he will pay for it as he was responsible.  With eBay's GSP  all duty and taxes are paid by the buyer when he pays you, plus easy to ship for you.  They use USPS.