Buyer asked me to label their purchase as different item, to try to get it past customs / forwarder.

[25kenwood]

What would you do?

Pretty self-explanatory (there is no microphone present here):

Buyer's note: Hello, I need the package where the item is wrapped to be named "used Sennheisser microphone." do not refer to wireless transmission. thank you

My reply:  I will not claim that this item is anything but what it actually is. I do not lie. If that is an issue I can cancel your purchase.

Buyer's response:

There is no crime of any kind. This article, once it reaches the marked destination, will then travel to another country (Uruguay). Sometimes, when we enter wireless systems into our country, they ask us to do a simple procedure via the web to obtain it. I'm not asking you to lie, I'm just asking you not to clarify the wireless detail to avoid this procedure. In any case, no problem, mark the package as you consider appropriate. It is not necessary to cancel the purchase. I wait for the shipment, thank you very much

[albertabrightalberta]

I'd block the buyer then respond that "it's illegal to lie on a customs form and I will not do it." 

[albertabrightalberta]

Tell the buyer to read some of the hits in this Google search: 

https://www.google.com/search?q=lying+on+a+customs+form&oq=lying+on+a+customs+form&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvb...

And this from Ina: 

https://www.ecommercebytes.com/C/abblog/blog.pl?/pl/2021/11/1637012174.html

[25kenwood]

I am not filling out any customs form. They are using an international forwarder.

I have to guess that the forwarder copies the title which is included with the item for their customs form, based on this request.

[simba6]

The item might be seized by customs.  

[25kenwood]

That is my main concern.

[broto_64]

I would get in no further discussion with this buyer since there's a clear gap in communication or understanding or both... But if there is a form to fill out, didn't know there was, but if there is I would fill it out accurately and completely. To omit certain details is lying by omission so it's still lying, again I would fill out any required forms exactly as asked to do, nothing more, nothing less.

[25kenwood]

Would you cancel the purchase?

[wastingtime101]

I would cancel and block and report the buyer: buyer demanded something not included in the listing.

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/posting-items/setting-postage-options/international-postage?id=418...

• It's illegal to falsify customs declarations or mark an item as a "gift" in order to avoid customs fees. If a buyer asks you to commit customs fraud, report it to us

[25kenwood]

Thanks for the advice.

I don't think this qualifies as customs fraud, since they are using a forwarder (like I said above.) I did not sell this item internationally.

[wastingtime101]

Yes it does @25kenwood , according to your title: Buyer asked me to label their purchase as different item, to try to get it past customs

It doesn't matter if you're shipping to a US FF. Buyer is asking you to alter the item info because they already know the FF will use what you supply on the customs form and won't alter it. Essentially they are trying to work around that and getting you to alter data that will ultimately be used on the customs form.

[25kenwood]

Thank you.

What reason for cancellation do you select? Issue with shipping address?

[stephenmorgan]

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@25kenwood wrote:

Thanks for the advice.

I don't think this qualifies as customs fraud, since they are using a forwarder (like I said above.) I did not sell this item internationally.

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Just tell them you are not required to fill out any Customs Documents for the shipment since you are only shipping domestic.

[wastingtime101]

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@25kenwood wrote:

What reason for cancellation do you select? Issue with shipping address?

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Yes, just make sure there's clear communication through eBay messages to document the reason for cancelling because eBay does review buyer-requested and address-problem for seller abuse.

Honestly, you can ship if you want. Buyer did tell you to label whichever way you felt was appropriate. They want the item more than they care about customs issues. Plus, the buyer acknowledged through eBay messages that they are having it reshipped which voids their MBG coverage @25kenwood . That takes away a lot of the risk. Up to you.

Whether you ship or cancel, make sure you report the buyer.

[stephenmorgan]

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@25kenwood wrote:

What would you do?

Pretty self-explanatory (there is no microphone present here):

Buyer's note: Hello, I need the package where the item is wrapped to be named "used Sennheisser microphone." do not refer to wireless transmission. thank you

 

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You say (there is no microphone present here).  It it possible the buyer sent their request to the wrong person?  

But since your item is not being shipped internationally by you it is a moot point anyway and it is up to the re-shipper to complete Custom Documents.