Seller changed shipping service to DHL without authorization

[harrisonexports007]

Hello,

I recently ordered an item from Japan, where the listing included "Expedited International Shipping" using "e-packet" or "e-packet light". When the seller updated the tracking number, I discovered that they had used DHL to ship the item instead. I have had negative experiences with items arriving damaged from DHL as well as their excessive brokerage fees, and I would not have placed the order had I known that DHL would be the shipping service used. At this point, I am wondering if I should refuse the package and have it returned to the seller in order to receive a refund, but I am wondering if this is the best option and if I am within my rights to do so. Thank you! 

[marnotom!]

Are you able to post a cropped screenshot of the shipping information as it appeared on the listing?  I've never seen "e-packet" appended to the "International Expedited Shipping" descriptor.

[harrisonexports007]

Apologies if I was unclear...the descriptor stated “International Expedited Shipping” and the listing description included “e-packet or e-packet light”. I’ve attached the first photo to this message and I’ll reply with the second.

[harrisonexports007]

I guess they don’t like my JPEGs!

[ypdc_dennis]

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@harrisonexports007 wrote:

I recently ordered an item from Japan, where the listing included "Expedited International Shipping" using "e-packet" or "e-packet light". When the seller updated the tracking number, I discovered that they had used DHL to ship the item instead.

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Japan Post has temporarily suspended service for e-packet to all countries primarily due to a shortage of air transport (last update July 1).

Seems like the seller is using a work-around transportation alternative rather than cancel.

-..-

[marnotom!]

I'm in agreement with @ypdc_dennis  on this.  It appears that two different shipping services are being mentioned in the listing.  The seller updated the shipping method in the shipping portion of the auction, but neglected to change the shipping information in the item description.

In other words, "Expedited International Shipping" is a completely different animal from "Standard Shipping."  ePacket is not considered "expedited" shipping as far as I know.

While the listing information is confusing, you ultimately did get the shipping method plugged into the listing.   (And if you got it for free, I'd say that's a bonus.)  I don't think you have much of a leg to stand on here, unfortunately.

Not all DHL shipping methods have astronomical brokerage fees.  A couple of times my wife or I have received DHL shipments that get handed off to Canada Post and the usual C$10 in processing fees get charged on top of taxes and duty owing.

Besides, if you seem to have bad luck with DHL damaging your items, there's a good chance you'll legitimately get your money back eventually anyway.  🤷‍♂️

[femmefan1946]

Okay-- I'm assuming that in the past you have received imports via Canada Post.

By agreement with CBSA, postal imports valued under ~$100Cdn have not been assessed for duty and sales taxes. And Canada Post delivers them without collecting their $9.95 service fee for collecting those fees.

But.

Couriers, like DHL/UPS/FedEx, MUST legally collect those import fees. And some have service fees (customs brokerage fees) far in excess of $9.95.

But we were still supposed to be paying those duties and taxes, it was just a decision by sensible public servants not to bother with the assessment and collection when the costs of assessment would be higher than what could possibly be collected.

Imports from the USA and from Mexico now have a duty-free allowance of $150, and a tax free allowance of $40.

Not sure what's happening with Japan which is part of our Free Trade Agreement with the Trans-Pacific Partnership nations.