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| Author | Message |
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Sid_Ceaser
  
 
| #1 posted February 22, 2006 at 1:19pm (EST)
edited February 22, 2006 at 1:22pm (EST) |
I made a trade with a user in Canada a few weeks ago, and they sent their side of the trade via UPS. I recieved it about a week ago. This morning in the mail, I recieved an invoice bill from UPS saying I must pay them 30.00, and I'm completely shocked as to why.
Does the UPS charge some kind of tax for items coming in from Canada? I've recieved items larger than the box the items in this trade came in from Canada but I've never recieved a bill before. Between the shipping it'll cost me to send my side to Canada, and this UPS fee, it would have been cheaper for me to just buy the item locally.
Whats a "Brokerage Charge"?
Can anyone shed any light on this?
For the Love of Christ, click this and help me
sell my HUGEMONGOUS Gameboy Advance SP
bundle so I can get a DS and Animal Crossing DS!
|
ndrake
 
 
| | #2 posted February 22, 2006 at 1:20pm (EST) |
Is it for customs fees and crap like that? |
Sid_Ceaser
| | #3 posted February 22, 2006 at 1:22pm (EST) |
I have no idea. I've never recieved something like this before.
I don't understand.
For the Love of Christ, click this and help me
sell my HUGEMONGOUS Gameboy Advance SP
bundle so I can get a DS and Animal Crossing DS!
|
MightySlacker
 
| | #4 posted February 22, 2006 at 1:33pm (EST) |
Yes - brokerage charges are tacked on for international shipments by UPS and FedEx. I stole this from a FAQ on FatWallet:
"If you want to ship to international locations, you need to use FedEx or UPS (get tracking) or USPS Global Express Mail (aka GEM). UPS or FedEx will tick off your buyer as they get charged brokerage fees. Additionally, if the buyer does not pay the brokerage fees, FedEx will go back to the seller to get the fees."
Dave
2004-07-22 17:30:17 Morph Mr. Funny man, get ready to have ur life get funnier
HAS HE LEARNED ANYTHING IN A YEAR?
7-Sep-2005 11:04pm Morph keep it up mighty i will have you nailed for harassment
HELL NO! |
whitegreyblack
(frozen)
| | #5 posted February 22, 2006 at 1:50pm (EST) |
UPS Standard is absolute crap between our countries. They are fast enough, but they are notorious for adding brokerage charges that are double, triple, or even quadruple what the customs & duties charges are.
To tell you the truth, though - this is the first time I've heard of them trying to pull it on the US side for something like this. normally it's up here that we get hit with it. And it is ALWAYS supposed to be dislosed to you if there are customs/duties/brokerage charges at the door BEFORE you accept the package.
Sid - it would appear you just been punked. |
whitegreyblack
(frozen)
| | #6 posted February 22, 2006 at 1:53pm (EST) |
The way there was a delay for the customs/duties/brokerage invoice - it almost looks like the shipper took responsibility for them then refused to pay them.
UPS is also notorious for that - passing the buck to the other side if one side refuses to pay.
I'd certainly recommend you phone their customer service center to determin EXACTLY what the circumstances are - especially how the customs invoice was filled out when it was shipped (value, as a gift, which party was responsible for customs & duty charges, etc, etc). |
Anxiouz
| | #7 posted February 22, 2006 at 2:05pm (EST) |
Dude, that's fudgeed. It sounds like an "insufficient postage" type of thing where you get stuck for the shippers mistake (or lack of funds).
I've never had a fee like this for Canada->US shipments. |
whitegreyblack
(frozen)
| | #8 posted February 22, 2006 at 2:07pm (EST) |
Yeah, normally it's just on the Canada side that you'll see that sort of douchebaggery from UPS & customs. I have a feeling that the customs forms were filled out very badly or something. |
Anxiouz
| #9 posted February 22, 2006 at 2:17pm (EST)
edited February 22, 2006 at 2:19pm (EST) |
It looks like the "Brokerage Charge" is for UPS bypassing customs (or getting past it quicker) to deliver the package to you.
Check the info on this page:
http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resources/select/...
For UPS Standard shipments to and from Canada, UPS provides customs clearance unless otherwise specified.* The importer is responsible for all brokerage fees, including duties and taxes. Contact us for details.
*Other UPS Supply Chain Solutions customs brokerage offices charge fees for clearance of small packages and freight.
If you can, I would get the shipper to pay those fees for you. Sounds like he filled out some paperwork wrong. |
whitegreyblack
(frozen)
| #10 posted February 22, 2006 at 2:52pm (EST)
edited February 22, 2006 at 2:54pm (EST) |
maximXL wrote:
> If you can, I would get the shipper to pay those fees for you. Sounds
> like he filled out some paperwork wrong.
Not necessarily. Was he asked to mark it as a gift? It would have been courteous for him to do so, but it's not compulsory. I like ot think anyone would do it to be courteous, and because nothing done here is a store-to-customer sale, but everytime I bring it up I am lambasted by those who don't think they should be "bothered" to make a bloody checkmark to mark a traded video game as a gift for someone in Canada (yes, that really bothers me).
Also, I'm regularily told by these same people that it's not necessary to mark things as a gift to the US, and that I'm wasting my time and being dishonest by doing it. Well, looks like it is useful... Okay, stepping off the soapbox now.
UPS is a fine option inside the country (Canada, or US); but between them, you either pay extra up-front for an Air option (brokerage is included in all of UPS' Air shipping options) or extra at your door when you receive it (with UPS Standard). |
Trash
 
| #11 posted February 22, 2006 at 5:39pm (EST)
edited February 22, 2006 at 5:48pm (EST) |
I hate to say it, but whoever sent it is a dud for sending UPS. Hell, I sent Mackey a DS game via airmail for a measly 2.47 through CP.
Isn't urinating on everything lovely?
|
Broccoli
| #12 posted February 22, 2006 at 5:44pm (EST)
edited February 22, 2006 at 6:27pm (EST) |
Never EVER use UPS unless you want to bumraped in the bad way.
I paid one of these so called "brokerage" fees, and vowed they'd not get another cent for the rest of my life. UPS are crooks. |
Chad
| | #13 posted February 22, 2006 at 5:55pm (EST) |
So the sender already paid, you already received your item, and they are billing you now? Screw em. Just don't pay. Pretty simple. |
darktangerine
| | #14 posted February 22, 2006 at 6:07pm (EST) |
Chad wrote:
> So the sender already paid, you already received your item, and they
> are billing you now? Screw em. Just don't pay. Pretty simple.
Basically, yeah. Make the sender cough up the $30 since it was probably his screwup. |
Broccoli
| | #15 posted February 22, 2006 at 6:07pm (EST) |
My understanding of how UPS rapes the unaware..
When you get charged duty/customs by Canada Custom, they process your parcel for $5 + GST.
UPS hires its own private brokerage house and hires their own brokers to do the "paperwork" and "processing" for you which ends up costing usually $30-50 MINIMUM or more... sometimes even costing more than 100% of the original value of the package... which I find utterly ridiculous.
I bought a Grill off Ebay for 25 dollars + 12 dollars shipping... expected to pay 10 or 12 bucks in customs.... the guy sends UPS and I get hit with a 55 dollars "brokerage fee" bill. Last time I ever use or accept anything from UPS. They are the mailworld equivalent of Satan with a barbed wire youknowwhat! |
Broccoli
| | #16 posted February 22, 2006 at 6:13pm (EST) |
I found this on another forum... it's from a reverse perspective (CDN receiving broker fees from USA sender using UPS) but maybe it will help:
"Avoiding the UPS brokerage fees....
OK, here's a useful tip for all my fellow Canadians, since I noticed someone mention this earlier in the thread...
YES, there is a way to avoid ALL the UPS brokerage fees! It works, I've personally done this. Of course, you can't avoid the tax (you didn't think it would be that good, did you? ). So here's what you need to do:
1. When the package is sent from the US, be sure to get the UPS tracking number right away.
2. BEFORE the package gets to the border (it's best to do this immediately when you get the tracking #), call up the UPS toll-free number and tell them you will broker the package through customs yourself. The person on the phone will give you the address where you need to go to get the documentation. They will let you know when the docs are ready for you.
3. You go to the UPS office, pick up the docs and take them a few blocks to the Canada Customs office, where you pay the tax and they stamp your form. Then you go over to the UPS depot which is just around the corner, and pick up your parcel. The whole thing will take you < 30min.
That's it!
Total brokerage fee paid: $0
Total C.O.D. fee paid: $0
Total "disbursement" fee paid: $0
Presto, you've just saved yourself $30...$50...$100 or whatever UPS would've extorted from you.
Spread the word, and once again enjoy cheap prices from south of the border!
Hope it works for you. |
Broccoli
| #17 posted February 22, 2006 at 6:15pm (EST)
edited February 22, 2006 at 6:21pm (EST) |
Although from the sounds of it, I think that guy had the customs building and UPS buildings relatively close by.
Here's some info striaght from the source:
http://www.ups.com/content/ca/en/shipping/cost/zon... |
Chad
| | #18 posted February 22, 2006 at 6:18pm (EST) |
tangytangerine wrote:
> Chad wrote:
>> So the sender already paid, you already received your item, and
> they
>> are billing you now? Screw em. Just don't pay. Pretty simple.
>
> Basically, yeah. Make the sender cough up the $30 since it was probably
> his screwup.
No, the sender wouldn't have to cough up the $30, its a brokerage fee. Sid already received the package, if I read it correctly, and is now receiving a bill. SImply don't pay that bill. |
mmm40x
(frozen)
| | #19 posted February 22, 2006 at 6:23pm (EST) |
Broccoli wrote:
> ............... bumraped in the bad way.
Please describe the good way to be bumraped.
|
Chad
| | #20 posted February 22, 2006 at 6:40pm (EST) |
With a very small phallus. The bad way is with a large phallus or a broom handle, etc. |
mobtek
(frozen)
| | #21 posted February 22, 2006 at 6:57pm (EST) |
mmm40 wrote:
> Broccoli wrote:
>> ............... bumraped in the bad way.
>
> Please describe the good way to be bumraped.
>
>
>
I see this leading to offers to demonstrate. |
Sid_Ceaser
| | #22 posted February 23, 2006 at 6:56am (EST) |
whitegreyblack wrote:
>
> I'd certainly recommend you phone their customer service center to
> determin EXACTLY what the circumstances are - especially how the customs
> invoice was filled out when it was shipped (value, as a gift, which
> party was responsible for customs & duty charges, etc, etc).
The other party mailed to me, so I'm uncertain what exactly was filled out on whatever form he completed.
For the Love of Christ, click this and help me
sell my HUGEMONGOUS Gameboy Advance SP
bundle so I can get a DS and Animal Crossing DS!
|
Sid_Ceaser
| | #23 posted February 23, 2006 at 7:00am (EST) |
Chad wrote:
> So the sender already paid, you already received your item, and they
> are billing you now? Screw em. Just don't pay. Pretty simple.
Yeah. I recieved the actual item on the 16th. I recieved the invoice on the 22nd.
For the Love of Christ, click this and help me
sell my HUGEMONGOUS Gameboy Advance SP
bundle so I can get a DS and Animal Crossing DS!
|
Sid_Ceaser
| | #24 posted February 23, 2006 at 7:04am (EST) |
Here are the breakdowns on the fee's. The person also claimed the entered value of the items at $279.69
Description of Charges:
Entry Prep Fee: 22.25
Disbursement Fee: 5.00
Duty Amount: 0.00
Merchandise Processing Fee: 2.00
I dont' get what all this is for. I emailed the other involved party, and he said:
That's ridiculous!! I paid for everything in shop at the UPS store, it cost
me $50 canadian! Of course you shouldnt have to pay! Does it say what the
charge is for? I filled out all forms, and even looking at my receipt now it
says nowhere on there that any charges would come to you. Can you call them
and inquire what the charge is for? I'm quite infuriated and hope it is a
clerical error. Please contact me back as soon as you know.
WHat happens if I simply don't pay it? is UPS going to try to ruin my credit or something over this?
I still don't understand why I'm getting this charge.
For the Love of Christ, click this and help me
sell my HUGEMONGOUS Gameboy Advance SP
bundle so I can get a DS and Animal Crossing DS!
|
mmm40x
(frozen)
| #25 posted February 23, 2006 at 10:44am (EST)
edited February 23, 2006 at 10:46am (EST) |
You entered into No contract for Any kind of Service from them they have no grounds to come after you and they know it. Someone probably screwed up and they are trying to right it anyway they can. Or, they simply don't know their ass from a hole in the ground. They don't have your SS number so they shouldn't be able to report this to any credit reporting agencys. However, in a few months check your report anyway. I had someone try to report it anyway using my address info and telling the credit agency I supplied the wrong SS number when in fact I never supplied Any number and it wasn't my bill.
|
Broccoli
| | #26 posted February 23, 2006 at 12:03pm (EST) |
There's nothing wrong, no one has screwed up. That is what UPS charges you for them doing the customs work.
You can get around it, you just have to do the declaring of said item yourself at your nearest customs location. |
whitegreyblack
(frozen)
| | #27 posted February 23, 2006 at 12:07pm (EST) |
Hrmm. You know, although UPS charges too much for brokerage, this is not their fault. Either you or the sender have to pay. I think it's between you and the sender, though I still recommend you contact UPS to find out how the customs form was filled out. |
mmm40x
(frozen)
| | #28 posted February 23, 2006 at 12:13pm (EST) |
Broccoli wrote:
> There's nothing wrong, no one has screwed
> up. That is what UPS charges you for them
> doing the customs work.
>
> You can get around it, you just have to do
> the declaring of said item yourself at your
> nearest customs location.
Then why on earth don't they collect on delivery?
|
Chad
| | #29 posted February 23, 2006 at 12:15pm (EST) |
mmm40 wrote:
> Broccoli wrote:
>> There's nothing wrong, no one has screwed
>> up. That is what UPS charges you for them
>> doing the customs work.
>>
>> You can get around it, you just have to do
>> the declaring of said item yourself at your
>> nearest customs location.
>
> Then why on earth don't they collect on delivery?
>
>
Precisely. UPS has already released the item. From the sellers point, the transaction is complete, and from Sid's point, it was something he could have done just as easily. The large fee is just them charging you for shuffling paperwork. |
whitegreyblack
(frozen)
| | #30 posted February 23, 2006 at 12:27pm (EST) |
mmm40 wrote:
>
> Then why on earth don't they collect on delivery?
>
>
That was certainly a screw-up.
Or, as I mentioned way back in the thread, sometimes that happens if they try to collect the fees from one end and come up empty handed. I've seen it happen before, where charges get bounced back and forth while UPS just tries to get their money from someone. |
mmm40x
(frozen)
| | #31 posted February 23, 2006 at 12:47pm (EST) |
Well. I am sorry all this crap has happened but I am glad Sid got his system. After reading his thread to sell stuff, I wanted to just send him his ds and game for free. Swear to god, if I had money falling out my butt, I would have just bought him new stuff and sent it to him. That thread was great.
|
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