Seller is asking for additional shipping fees, after full 'buy it now shipping' payment.

[orono1881]

I just purchased an item from a seller (I am in Canada), shipping to the US was free, and came up at around $20 to Canada.  I used the buy it now option, and pay now took me to an invoice with the item price & shipping total, I paid in full, and just received a message saying that I underpaid and owed the seller an additional $50. I suspect this is to cover import duties, though I have never been charged more than 20-30 at my door, and I assumed any additional charges would have been added to my initial invoice, since PP has my address etc...I am not sure what to do.  I would not have purchased a $200 item with $70 shipping. I have asked for a refund and am waiting to hear back, but would like to know what ebay's policy is on this. Thanks.

[femmefan1946 · Accepted solution]

EBay has introduced a new option for US sellers, which automatically puts the border fees (duty and sales tax plus service/brokerage fees) onto the invoice.

I would suggest contacting the seller and explaining that you are uncomfortable with this, and would prefer to arrange this payment yourself.

You might also want to note that Canada Post is erratic about collecting these (legitimate) costs, and that advance payment does not work in your favour, and may even lead to overcharging.

If the seller is unwilling, or if he tells you that the extra charge is not for border fees, but to cover his underestimate of the actual mailing costs, you could ask for a Mutual Cancellation.

Keep in mind that the duty and sales tax are legitimate costs for importing into Canada, and do not indicate anything else in your negotiations.

[heidilynn0_3 · Accepted solution]

Hi..Ebays new Global Shipping is paid at checkout and to Pitney Bowes not seller so it cannot be that issue.

Seller cannot request more than stated in the listing to Canada, for any reason.

Here is ebay..

http://pages.ebay.ca/help/policies/selling-practices.html

See terms and conditions. Can forward link to seller.

Its ship or refund. Seller should be providing a sensible explanation and you do not have to agree to a mutual cancellation.

[orono1881]

Thanks for your replies.  I hope the seller will issue a refund, otherwise I will contact ebay.  It is clearly stated in the ebay seller policy that they can not collect $ for customs fees etc.  Interestingly, the request for additional $ was not sent through ebay, but to my email directly. (!)