Pitneybows

[macro.ca.tv3fbc4w]

I got charge 23$ FOR nothing by them!!! And no order were place how do I get my money back??! Ridiculous and right before Christmas I need every dollars to buy my kids presents!! Please help I need my money back from them how do I go about it?? It's mark on my credit card pitneybows 23$ PayPal charge to your credit card!!!!

[reallynicestamps]

You are a buyer?

You bought an item from a US (or possibly UK) seller?

The seller was enrolled in the Global Shipping Program which is run by PitneyBowes.

The item must be relatively expensive-- the $23 is 'import fees' made up of Canadian duty on non-NAFTA* imports plus Canadian sales taxes** plus a ~$5USD service charge from PB itself for wrangling the item through Canadian customs.

ALL items valued over $20CDN (~$15USD) are assessed for duty* and sales tax**.

Look back at your recent purchases. It would be something bought from a US /UK seller in the past month.

If it has not arrived, go to the bottom of this page and click on Resolution Centre.

Click on I have not received my purchase.  (INR)

The first instruction is to contact the seller. Ask her for the date and service of shipping and the tracking number. That's all she needs and all you need from her. When your purchase reached Kentucky (the GSP plant) her responsibility ended.

In the INR, give the date of purchase, the date it reached KY, and that it is a GSP item.

If the GSP/PB cannot prove delivery, you will be refunded fairly promptly.

Allow 20 days from purchase for arrival. Even with the holiday shipping season. Don't open the INR until then.

*Non-NAFTA means manufactured in a country that is not part of the North American Free Trade Agreement. The important word being 'manufactured'. If it was purchased in the USA (or Chile or Mexico) by made elsewhere, duty and sales taxes are due.

** Even if no duty is applicable (used goods, US made goods, antiques) sales taxes from 5% to 17% are still collected.

[jersey..authentix]

Global Shipping program ( pitney bows) charges are usually separate from the payment made to the seller. Most likely the reason your seeing a Pitney Bows charge.

[jersey..authentix]

** Even if no duty is applicable (used goods, US made goods, antiques) sales taxes from 5% to 17% are still collected.**

Pitney bows is such a rip off . I have many times purchased used Hockey jerseys in the states. I checked customs and hockey jerseys are exempt from any duty, but Pitney Bows keeps on collecting.

Talk about slow shipping! Ebay should give them a low DSRs. They nearly or exactly take twice as long to deliver than if the seller sent it direct. The item has to first go to their sorting plant and we pay for that stage of delivery as well. Thank god we in Canada don't have GSP. I Think it would literally kill Canadian sellers, selling to Americans. 

I usually ask American sellers if they would remove the GSP from their listing before I purchase. Many do, some don't. To bad for them I move on.

And that's my Rant for the day.

[owlgebra]

I tried that once so far, and whatever automatic settings they had made the auction not appear in searches for non-US people and I was unable to bid until I changed my primary shipping address to a fake US address. What a pain.  The seller didn't realize that would happen and apparently didn't know what settings were responsible for blocking my earlier bid attempt.

[gilliankehler]

I'm totally in agreement with ya'll here. And yes my first few purchases under the GSP had my heart racing too when I saw all these random payments going to some dude named Pitney Bowes!!!

A lot of sellers who use the GSP don't even understand it. As a buyer when I'm trying to haggle a lower shipping cost, or asking them to not use the GSP, they don't even know what I'm talking about. A lot of times you see US sellers who use the GSP say in their listings "Shipping to USA only!" but yet their listing shows up on eBay.ca and shows me a shipping cost and everything. I wish eBay would have a) never started that **bleep** GSP in the first place, and b) teach the sellers more about it and how it works. 

For a while I shelled out the extra bucks to Pitney Bowes for my eBay purchases, but after seeing just how much of my money goes to PB (average 60%) and how much of it goes to the seller (about 40%), I'm done buying on eBay. An average item I pay the seller $20 for I have to pay PB $20 or 30 in addition. The import fees are vague and misleading and inaccurate until checkout time, when it's already too late to back out of a purchase.

//americasmall.com/ That's my new eBay lol.

[jersey..authentix]

Many US sellers don't even know they are using the GSP. I was told once but dont remember, but Ebay tricks many US sellers in opting in to the GSP.

I think it was one of those things like how we list a  new listings or a  similar list on .CA  , where then Ebay automatically places the listing in Canadian dollars. If you are like me, I list in USD. So you have to keep watch.

I think this is the same sorta deal  happened with the GSP on US sellers.

I know for some buyers, especially overseas buyer, its a good thing because its a better deal than what many of their countries charge on duties and taxes. Sucks for Canadians though.

sequinsnvelvet wrote"I wish eBay would have a) never started that **bleep** GSP in the first place, and b) teach the sellers more about it and how it works. "

Neither of these are going to happen. The revenue is too good. Its all about the money.

[femmefan1946]

The revenue is too good because the program has been successful.

We have to keep in mind that the purpose of the GSP was to encourage terrified provincial and xenophobic US sellers to offer their items internationally.

EBay did this by making the seller responsible for delivery only to the GSP/PB plant in Kentucky. From there on the seller is free from concerns about complaints about slow delivery, import fees, and damage in transit.

Those problems are the responsibility of GSP/PB.

Most complaints we see are from buyers who think there should be some benefit to the customer from the program. But that has never been part of the program.

EBay gets more revenue because US sellers are getting more international bids and sales, and collecting fees on those increased sales.

[jersey..authentix]

"The revenue is too good because the program has been successful.

We have to keep in mind that the purpose of the GSP was to encourage terrified provincial and xenophobic US sellers to offer their items internationally.

Im not sure how you measure success. If it is revenue , then certainly I agree. If it a benefit to the seller, I'm not so sure. You have to remember as well that there is a large amount of US sellers that don't realize they are on the GSP, which takes me back to revenue being the GSPs success. Though they are successfully adding revenue from unsuspecting US sellers, you have to take in consideration on how many sales those US sellers missed out on because , as myself , I'm not going to pay 25 - $100 to the GSP, which is generally the amount that I would be charged based on what I would purchase.

It would be interesting if the US sellers could be given a up front choice on the GSP. Not hide it in some corner of  the sellers  listing Page. How many  would opt out?

What's really sad, is that Pitney Bows won't even show the sellers the charges. They are unable to see the charges on their lists

[pjcdn2005]

Im not sure how you measure success. If it is revenue , then certainly I agree. If it a benefit to the seller, I'm not so sure. You have to remember as well that there is a large amount of US sellers that don't realize they are on the GSP, which takes me back to revenue being the GSPs success. Though they are successfully adding revenue from unsuspecting US sellers, you have to take in consideration on how many sales those US sellers missed out on because , as myself , I'm not going to pay 25 - $100 to the GSP, which is generally the amount that I would be charged based on what I would purchase

You're assuming that if the gsp didn't exist that those U.S. sellers would ship internationally on their own.  If a seller is opted in to the gsp that means that they have not set up their listings to sell internationally on their own. It's quite likely then that any international sale they get through the gsp is one that they would have never had.

Before the gsp one of the common topics here was why so many sellers wouldn't ship to Canada. Before there was first class delivery confirmation from the U.S. to Canada, there was even less sellers who would ship here...or they would use an expensive shipping service and posters would complain about that. In other words, the situation has never been perfect.

What's really sad, is that Pitney Bows won't even show the sellers the charges. They are unable to see the charges on their lists

It isn't that difficult for them to see what the charges are.

[jersey..authentix]

You're assuming that if the gsp didn't exist that those U.S. sellers would ship internationally on their own. 

Honestly I do think sellers in the US will or will not ship internationally, GSP or no GSP. I do agree if the seller opted in. and I stress if the seller opted in, then that is the seller's choice. Does this alienate buyers. I would have to say yes. I put it to Canadian buyers. Do you give a second glance at making a purchase if you also need to pay to the GSP and shipping?

Speaking to sellers in the US. They didnt even know that they opted in the GSP. 

Before the gsp one of the common topics here was why so many sellers wouldn't ship to Canada.

There are still many sellers in the US that still don't sell internationally. Where I can see if the seller personally made the effort to opt in to the GSP then there would be an improvement towards  more international sales, but on the flip side, the sellers who are unaware of the fact that they are opted into the GSP will lose out on international buyers. The sellers most affected are the ones not knowing they are opted in and have been selling internationally before the GSP came along. I personally have come across many sellers that were not aware of it. Some didnt even know what the GSP was.

It isn't that difficult for them to see what the charges are.

Its not in there list page. I'm certain its there somewhere. I think the US sellers should be able to see the added cost that will be charged to buyers. I think many would reconsider. Turn it the other way. How successful would the GSP be if we used it  here in Canada?

[pjcdn2005]

Its not in there list page. I'm certain its there somewhere. I think the US sellers should be able to see the added cost that will be charged to buyers. I think many would reconsider. Turn it the other way. How successful would the GSP be if we used it  here in Canada?

All they have to do is click on the shipping tab and change their location to one of the gsp countries. Then they would see the shipping charges and import charges a buyer in that location would pay. I think that those sellers that care do look and see what buyers will pay. Obviously the sellers that are opted in without knowing that they are in the program won't have any idea what international buyers will be paying but I doubt that it will matter to them since they had no intention of selling internationally on their own.

It's possible this has changed but I know at one time once a purchase had been made, those gsp charges could be seen by the seller on the order details page. So sellers who have already shipped through the gsp should have an idea of the costs. 

There are a few problems with the way eBay handles and set up the gsp but I do think that it is a major blunder to opt sellers in without them requesting it. That often causes problems and a lot of confusion as the seller has no idea how the gsp works even though they are supposedly using it  

[femmefan1946]

you have to take in consideration on how many sales those US sellers missed out on because , as myself , I'm not going to pay 25 - $100 to the GSP,

Note the part about 'terrified, xenophobic , and provincial'.

Those sellers were the target market for the GSP.

They were never going to sell internationally without the GSP protections.

And in typlical dimwitted eBay style, they defaulted in many newbie sellers who are the worst candidates for the program.

And they have yet to add a warning box, like the ones for philatelic, aboriginal, and nazi items, asking the seller to consider whether his item is actually suitable for sale as described.

I agree on the $25 fee. That would be made up of the ~$5USD (currently about $6.50CN) plus up to 17% Canadian sales tax, plus whatever duty is on the item. The item would also be valued at something over $50 to attract $25 or so in sales tax. Duty is rarely charged when the item is NAFTA made or is used goods.

If you are paying $100 in GSP import fees, however, you are probably slightly better off with the GSP than CBSA and Canada Post, if only because the PO charges more in service fees.

[jersey..authentix]

I agree on the $25 fee. That would be made up of the ~$5USD (currently about $6.50CN) plus up to 17% Canadian sales tax, plus whatever duty is on the item. The item would also be valued at something over $50 to attract $25 or so in sales tax. Duty is rarely charged when the item is NAFTA made or is used goods.

Maybe I am not getting what you wrote. Your OK with the GSP charges even if they are exempt through NAFTA? I only ask this because pitney bows does not discriminate on NAFTA allowances. As I have yet   I have not seen the disappearance of charges for items sold on .com where they were NAFTA exempt . They will place the GSP on all lists.

Note the part about 'terrified, xenophobic , and provincial'.

I have no issues if this is Ebay's solution to get the above mentioned and newbies to list internationally, and if Canadians  are fine with paying extra for their purchases, then Im fine with it.

What Im not fine with is Pitney Bows painting with a broad brush, to insert the GSP to those have already committed to selling internationally and does not  know that on top of their list price, will be an added cost to their customers. I know I would.

If you are paying $100 in GSP import fees, however, you are probably slightly better off with the GSP than CBSA and Canada Post, if only because the PO charges more in service fees.

But this still may fall under NAFTA and taxes could be reduced by the seller placing a lower value on the customs form. Which happens considerably. If it stays through the GSP, then you pay.

[decal-fx]

I know for a lot of deals the GSP Flat out blows, but there is worse USA to Canada online retail practices out there. the NASCAR.com superstore for example. For Canadians they add shipping plus a flat rate 26% for your convenience, they Canada Duty / Tax imposed.  I asked where that % came from and was answered with resounding silence.

[maximus7001]

Pitney Blows...

[pjcdn2005]

What Im not fine with is Pitney Bows painting with a broad brush, to insert the GSP to those have already committed to selling internationally and does not  know that on top of their list price, will be an added cost to their customers. I know I would.

They don't insert the gsp when a seller has already committed to selling internationally.  As I mentioned earlier, if a seller is opted in to the gsp that means that before that, their shipping options were for the U.S. only.

If a seller is already selling internationally and has international shipping set up on their listings, eBay does not force a seller to use the gsp and does not override their current international shipping options.The only time that the gsp will override a seller's shipping costs will be if the seller checks off that they want to use the gsp. 

I only ask this because pitney bows does not discriminate on NAFTA allowances. As I have yet   I have not seen the disappearance of charges for items sold on .com where they were NAFTA exempt . They will place the GSP on all lists.

I'm not totally sure what you are saying. In most cases, if an item qualifies under NAFTA there is no duty charged under the gsp.But if an item is gst/hst taxable, you are going to see an amount being charged for taxes with a gsp listing because NAFTA does not affect those type of taxes...they are chargeable regardless.  There will also be an automatic handling charge on a gsp listings. That handling charge may be with the import charge or hidden in the shipping charge but again...that charge doesn't have anything to do with NAFTA. It's just a handling charge as the packages do go through their facility.

If a seller does not list the country of manufacturer on their listing, then the gsp has no way of knowing that the item qualifies under NAFTA so yes, duty would be charged in that situation.

I'm not defending the gsp...it has a lot of problems and like anyone else, I don't want to pay more than I have to but it isn't bad in all cases.

[jersey..authentix]

They don't insert the gsp when a seller has already committed to selling internationally.  As I mentioned earlier, if a seller is opted in to the gsp that means that before that, their shipping options were for the U.S. only.

That may be the way GSP is supposed to work. Maybe their was a glitch but I do buy from a few regulars from the US that sell to me and when I told them about the GSP in their listing, they removed it with some colorful responses.

In most cases, if an item qualifies under NAFTA there is no duty charged under the gsp.But if an item is gst/hst taxable, you are going to see an amount being charged for taxes with a gsp listing because NAFTA does not affect those type of taxes..

I will only speak to my purchases. Used Hockey jerseys are exempt from duties, but there it is. If it was based on taxes then you should see a different percent rate , but it still remains at around 20%. Where if you  buy a door knob ( which I recently was shopping for ) was at 15% . Plus dont forget you are already paying the seller's listing shipping charges. Which for me it $17- $35 and GSP charges. 

My point is everything has it place. Sometimes good and sometimes not so go. My experience with the GSP is, they are charging an amount that I'm not willing to pay, when those purchases are  NAFTA exempt goods.

Im just glad their are still plenty of sellerS that dont use the GSP

[pjcdn2005]

Used Hockey jerseys are exempt from duties

That seems odd unless they are manufactured in a NAFTA country. Even if some of them are made in the U.S., I doubt that the majority of them are. According to the Duty Calculator site there is an 18% duty on used clothing. You are saying that a hockey jersey is an exception?

http://www.dutycalculator.com/dc/191212/clothes-for-women/coats-outerwear/coats-anoraks-rain-jackets...

Plus dont forget you are already paying the seller's listing shipping charges. Which for me it $17- $35 and GSP charges. 

The only seller's listing charge that you are paying is what they charge within the U.S. and $17 - $35 seems very high for the USPS. 

In many cases sellers have free shipping within the U.S. so you aren't paying anything for that part of the journey.

I looked at a few hockey jersey listings and none of them listed the country of manufacturer in the item details. If those particular jerseys were made in a NAFTA country then the gsp would have no way of knowing that and would charge as if they were made elsewhere. In that situation, the seller should be told that they need to list the country in the item specifics.

[jersey..authentix]

Used hockey jersey made in Canada are exempt from duties. What I buy is more of the older jerseys, where that would be at least 85% of the jerseys I buy are made in Canada.

You maybe correct on the fact they don't mark country of origin. That being said, I doubt if the average or even majority of US sellers are aware of that. Ebay has done a **bleep** poor job in many areas with sellers and buyers in communicating what they need or should do. I guess it falls under the category, bottom line. So long as the bottom line isnt broken , its not worth fixing

It generally costs that amount to have items shipped to me . That is with tracking.