Seller sent item through DHL and incurred huge handling fees
Summary: towa-7019 expresses frustration over an unexpected shipping situation where an item purchased from a Japanese seller was sent via DHL instead of the anticipated EMS or registered air, resulting in an extra $22 in duties for a $65 item. The seller asked towa-7019 to pay the fees, and eBay stated a refund couldn't be issued while the item is in customs. autreschoses adds that neither eBay nor sellers inform buyers about DHL delivery and fees, noting differences when shipping through other services like USPS, which don't have such extra charges. marnotom! advises checking the buyer terms linked in the eIS terms, indicating DHL's mention there, and clarifies that GSP was replaced by eBay International Shipping, pointing out distinguishing features. The discussion suggests dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency about shipping methods and fees.
So I recently purchased an item from a seller based in Japan. The item listing wrote that the item will be sent through EMS or registered air, which is the reason I bought from the seller as they are usually hassle-free.
The seller however, chose to send the item through DHL without letting me know, and I received an email that I need to pay 22 dollars in duty and "fees" to get my item. The item was worth 65 dollars.
This is entirely unreasonable and I would have avoided this seller if I knew they use DHL, and upon contacting the seller I was told to "please pay the fees to receive my item". Ebay deemed a refund is not possible because the item appears to be stuck in customs awaiting pick-up. What should I do in this situation, maybe I should just take my medicine and avoid this seller at all cost in the future?
autreschoses
·2 years agoFor me, I did not notice that eBay International Shipping was involved vs GSP. I had never heard of the former.
marnotom!
·2 years agoThe GSP was phased out for American sellers last year. eBay International Shipping (eIS) is a similar service, but there are some significant differences for both the sellers and buyers using it.
autreschoses
·2 years agoNeither eBay sellers nor eBay inform buyers at time of purchase that DHL will handle delivery and to expect additional fees prior to. I believe this is the main issue. When sellers shipped to Canada via USPS which then was transferred to the care of Canada Post, there were No extortionate fees
marnotom!
·2 years ago@autreschoses, there are much more recent and relevant threads on this subject elsewhere on the community boards to which you can add your comments. I think what your post is about is the use of DHL by the eBay International Shipping (eIS) service, but this isn't what this thread is about.
For what it's worth, DHL does get a mention in the eIS terms and conditions for buyers that are linked on the listing page:
https://pages.ebay.com/internationalshippingprogram/buyer/terms/
autreschoses
·2 years agoThanks much!