Posted on 12/27/2012

In a word, unacceptable. Hope that this abuse will have some remedy...

Posted on 12/28/2012

Thanks, Davide, although I don't think there is a solution to this as FedEx are not responding. I will still try and pursue it, but I really won't be buyinmg in this manner again. I don't mind paying whatever fees I owe, but this is ridiculous.

Posted on 12/28/2012

totally gutted for you David ...i do believe it should be down to Heritage Auctions to help to sort this out ....it was more than likely not wrote on the package " COMIC BOOK ART " or on the customs sticker .... so tax will only be on the total at the highest value they can find ..... Personally i will never use Hertiage due to hidden fee's and poor customer relations .. Only plus side the last 2 deals i have done both buyers have traveled from Ireland and Germany to pick up the artwork , directly due to what has happen to you ... cheaper to fly in and fly back ...

Posted on 12/28/2012

I'm glad that some good has come out of me posting this on CAF. I will check the paperwork when I get home later. It's really annoying when you pretty much know what has happened, but it's such a grey area when it comes to them trying to sort it. I certainly hope it will get resolved in some way.

Posted on 12/28/2012

Sorry for what has happened Maybe i am mistakened, but i don't think i have seen Fedex charges on my credit card statement (should be charged by Heritage?), and there should be a email by Heritage informing the final postage charges beforfehand. honestly I do suggest to double check with Fedex for the GBP155 charge

Posted on 12/28/2012

Thanks Eric. Heritage informed me of the shipping ref and link to track, but nothing about charges. The £155 fee is about what I would expect to pay, and what I have paid in the past--- the £515 is a 'grey area' customs figure, which I can't understand.

Posted on 12/29/2012

Hi Dave, i agreed to Steve that Fedex should be the party to be responsibled for/ pressurised on. Also wish to add two points : 1) I have checked my statements and Heritage charges the postage fee to me directly, maybe you will wish to check if this could be an option for your country. If Heritage is charging you directly, then they are more likely to be the party responsible for the communication with Fedex or even solving the case. In this case, unfortunately the deal seems to be between you and Fedex on collect basis (somehow?). 2) I recall filling in a form with Heritage that offer various courier companies, maybe can try alternative courier company for future purchases? In any case, again sorry for what has happened, and wishing that this case will be resolved very soon.

Posted on 12/29/2012

I talk from my experience with Hearitage: yes they charge you directly the shipping costs, but FedEx charges you for the customs taxes and they will never do the things easier or you. It could be coincidence but, always I have been charged the most at customs, FedEx was involved; so I don't know who to blame for not declaring the ship as original art, Heritage or FedEx. My case was similar but, in addition, when I chose a shipping method I asked HA what would be the approximate cost of each method and, weeks later, when they sent me the invoice the shipping costs were four times higher!!! Luckily I had the e-mails and finally they only charged me the value that they had previously told me. I'm really sorry for you, but your case only reaffirms my postion of avoid Heritage Auctions and FedEx like fire. The solution I've found in cases like this is to make somebody of your confidence purchase it and sent it personally from USA to your country.

Posted on 12/28/2012

HOLY CRAP!!! That's ridiculous.

Posted on 12/28/2012

I understand the frustration and all, but from what i read here, you live outside the US. You purchase something. You paid a certain value / amount for. You probably asked for insurance on the piece over a certain amount. Why do we think no taxes or duty has to be paid ? I mean I am by no means an expert here, but unless it is a duty free item or whatever, you will have to declare and pay duty and tax, right? This is at least my understanding. Not trying to upset anyone here, maybe i misunderstood the situation / problem.

Posted on 12/28/2012

As far as I'm concerned, here isn't disputed the existence of customs duties, but their often outrageous amount and, mostly, the fact that they're often applied without any apparent fixed rule and without any transparency in the relationship with the customer: this certainly hurts, and even strongly discourages international business.

Posted on 12/31/2012

Thanks Davide, yes, it is certainly the outrageous amount in dispute here. Back to what Dale said earlier, I checked on the invoice it does indeed state ORIGINAL ART, so this is a classic example of Customs/FedEx just looking at value alone, and not what the item actually is. What a waste of time this has all been and still no sign of any clairification or end to this situation.

Posted on 12/29/2012

Dave I had $6K declared on a Heritage purchase which fedex made me pay 20% on. I DEFINITELY got a refund after arguing the toss with them, I think i also got Heritage to mail them that it was original art as the import duty for original art back then was DEFINITELY 5%, do not give up! FEDEX are Charlatans and they subcontract clowns in white vans to deliver stuff in the UK who don't even leave notes if they fail to deliver stuff when you're out, i will never use them, stick to good ole Royal Mail

Posted on 1/4/2013

The inevitable happened and I received a FedEx bill in the door this morning (so much for getting away with it!)..... For the sum of €222 ($290), I almost feel lucky in comparision to yourself, Dave. It's still a bit of a sting to start the New Year off with, though..

Posted on 1/8/2013

Hi Ken It really is crazy, the varying fees we are having to pay. It just highlights they have no idea what they are doing. Sadly, my story is getting worse. Last Friday I received a letter from FedEx, stating that a request for a refund had been put forward to customs, this dispute could take 6 weeks. However, in the meantime FedEx would be taking another £370 in undisputed VAT!!!! If this is the case the charges will be £1000+. Something has got to give here!