I understand what you are saying, Brooks. I think they did you a favor to foster future sales. I think it is very common for them to write down a number under $200, so customs is not supposed to need to get involved. However, customs can challenge that valuation, and ask for receipts, etc., backing up what you paid for it. Now I am sure there are millions of packages going through customs every day, and very few of them are looked at, much less examined and possibly challenged. But from what I read, customs does do that, the buyer is the importer, and any and all costs get paid by the importer (buyer). It sounds like it does not happen often, but it is still a bit scary. I have read a lot of good experiences in buying from China, and almost nothing bad first hand, only warnings of what is possible. I guess the concept is to find a reputable seller with lots of experience and excellent ratings, and hope he knows how to work the system well, so that the odds favor success. Then roll the dice.
Thanks, Eddyde. I did not know about Ali Express. I will check it out. That sounds like a good experience.
Hi, Ken. I checked on the CBP web site for my information. They are the source. For "internet sales" anything imported valued (by the CBP) above $200 is subject to duty. and the duty is paid by the importer, that would be the buyer in an Ebay purchase, not using a broker. Apparently it can be quite time consuming and costly to unravel. I guess they need to make an example of someone once in a while, like the IRS does.
Thanks, Terry. More data for my search, no negative experiences posted so far...
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