Just bought a laptop on ebay and I'm a little confused about the extra fees , could someone explain?

[firguel_0]

So recently, I bought a refurbished tochiba laptop on ebay, from a UK seller/business. I live in canada, and I usually order stuff from the US, but since the uk listing was cheaper, I decided to grab one. Now the thing is that the seller sent me a message that I may have to pay some fees, if applicable. I usually order using GSP, but I already ordered stuff without GSP from the US, and I never had to pay a single fee on arrival (the sellers only charged me shipping on checkout, yet I got the items without paying any extra fees). Now what the hell are those {fees}, are they expensive and why are they applicable?

[firguel_0]

How much?? I checked on their website... apparently there isn't...

[reallynicestamps]

The Customs Brokerage fee /service fee is $25 or more and is based on the value of the item,for no apparent reason.

The website is likely written for their customers.

You are not their customer.

Your seller (who pays them for delivery) is their customer, and he has no need to know what they will charge you for the service they do for you (wrangle the shipment through customs).

[firguel_0]

Pretty sure the seller has arranged that, I don't see why I should pay for that if the seller is the customer (for ups).  The laptop has passed the UK customs and it's being transfered to Canada, and I really really hope that I won't have to pay any fees. I already bought a phone from the US a couple of years back, using UPS, and I never had any fees when it came, so I really do hope it's the same for the laptop. Also, it's supposed to be delivered on monday, pretty fast tbh.

EDIT: Just found out that there are no brokerage fees for UPS worldwide express saver, which is what the seller used to send my laptop: Can You Avoid UPS Brokerage Fees? – Easyship Support

[pjcdn2005]

I was just going to post that. There are usually no brokerage fees for courier express services.  Don't be surprised though if they charge you gst/hst. They are likely required by law to do that and that is something that express does not cover afaik.

[firguel_0]

Never got charged that in my life, but I know for sure I won't be charged duty nor brokerage fees. Maybe these taxes are already paid in shipping, who knows!

[marnotom!]

It's quite possible.  A lot of customs-related charges are built into the shipping charge for international courier shipments.  The fancier and more expensive the shipping method, the more charges are built into the shipping cost.

[firguel_0]

I've already paid a lot of money for shipping when buying on eBay, sometimes more than what the item is worth, but at least, once the item gets to me, I don't have any fees to pay. If I'm not wrong, I think I paid about 25GBP for the shipping, or about 42$CAD, which is pretty expensive, but for a 300$ laptop, it's not bad.

[lotzofuniquegoodies]

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@firguel_0 wrote:

I've already paid a lot of money for shipping when buying on eBay, sometimes more than what the item is worth, but at least, once the item gets to me, I don't have any fees to pay. If I'm not wrong, I think I paid about 25GBP for the shipping, or about 42$CAD, which is pretty expensive, but for a 300$ laptop, it's not bad.

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@firguel_0 

Shipping depends on many factors. Like who they choose to use, final package weight / size(dimensions), service selected, insurance (damage or loss) and customs (international shipping)depending on if it is in advance or at the door and finally your location. All systems will vary. Depending on if they are a high volume shipper, they may have access to discounts. Entirely up to them if they choose to pass on to their customers.

Why it is always best, when in doubt, to message the seller prior to hitting buy now so there are no surprises.

-Lotz

[firguel_0]

The seller shipped the item using UPS Express saver. Currently, it has left the facility in germany and the estimated delivery is tommorow (tuesday), so pretty good so far. I'm still scared about the extra fees, but thanks to your advices I'm aware of what's coming next.

[firguel_0]

UPDATE: Just got the package and I didn't have to pay any fees! Nice!

[lotzofuniquegoodies]

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@firguel_0 wrote:
UPDATE: Just got the package and I didn't have to pay any fees! Nice!

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Congrats. Glad all worked out for you!!! Did you have to sign for it or was it just dropped on front step?

-Lotz

[firguel_0]

The UPS guy just dropped it in the front door and left it as delivered, good thing I was home. So far, so good!