eBay

ricarmic · ‎02-04-2022

I created a different thread for this piece.

I got a tracked packet back today from the UK. I manually create online customs forms and put stamps on the box so a counter label is produced.

At least at my PO they aren't able to get the VAT numbers included on the PO counter label, even if I manually stick them in the address.

I always affix a manual address to the small/tracked packets in addition to the PO label because sometimes the autofilled addresses will lack an apartment number etc. For VAT etc numbers I include it there, same as it is in the eBay address and highlight it.

It looks to me like customs was going to bill customs on the package, there was a customs form with an assessed value. And a magenta label saying "Customs fee to pay". This was all sharpied out when it came back, I'm assuming it was sharpied out because it was returned and it wasn't sharpied out before.

So it looks like at least in this case an example where the buyer would have had to do work to avoid the taxation, I'm not sure what it entails for them, but I thought I'd share some actual experience.

So far I haven't received any complaints from buyers about it, but that doesn't mean other buyers haven't been affected either.

fergua3 · ‎02-07-2022

interesting. I've had no problems so far with the few packages i've shipped to the UK since they started charging VAT on online purchases (touch wood). I've sent both small packets and lettermail. Canada Post's new computer system won't accept the tax code number that i used to be able to enter under the old computer system with no problem. The new system deletes it and won't let it be typed in. The new system also won't accept part of UK addresses. Really pathetic.

So i have to write in with a ball point pen the tax code:paid number and the missing part of the address. In spite of this i've had no problems with deliveries, that i know of.

I really wish CP would get their act together and make the new computer system work properly. I also have to write in my name, in the return address, every single package as the computer omits it every single time when it prints out my address. Mickey Mouse stuff.

lotzofuniquegoodies · ‎02-07-2022

@ricarmic wrote:
I created a different thread for this piece.

I got a tracked packet back today from the UK. I manually create online customs forms and put stamps on the box so a counter label is produced.

At least at my PO they aren't able to get the VAT numbers included on the PO counter label, even if I manually stick them in the address.

I always affix a manual address to the small/tracked packets in addition to the PO label because sometimes the autofilled addresses will lack an apartment number etc. For VAT etc numbers I include it there, same as it is in the eBay address and highlight it.

It looks to me like customs was going to bill customs on the package, there was a customs form with an assessed value. And a magenta label saying "Customs fee to pay". This was all sharpied out when it came back, I'm assuming it was sharpied out because it was returned and it wasn't sharpied out before.

So it looks like at least in this case an example where the buyer would have had to do work to avoid the taxation, I'm not sure what it entails for them, but I thought I'd share some actual experience.

So far I haven't received any complaints from buyers about it, but that doesn't mean other buyers haven't been affected either.

For anyone adding the VAT information to a letter (address), in customs mind you are bypassing the fact the shipment requires actual customs documentation. (VAT paid means the "Shipment" has value). Because the CN022 has been obsoleted so the information can be transmitted digitally, you would be required to use:

a)Online form provided by CP and adding the VAT information to the description line.

Example: Lot of UK Stamps. VAT### Paid). Amount

b) eBay labels only possible field I can find would be the comments section.

c) The way I have been doing since they starting showing the VAT info as part of the order details has been by using the detailed customs form included with Shippo...Notes Section. I print and attach.

I've had no issues with Australia originally and only 1 to issue with an order to Cyprus (For Europe Vat collected by eBay). For that situation I emailed the PDF to the customer. They showed the document to customs and parcel was released without them having to repay. Customer proving vat was pre-collected is the confirmation customs is looking for.

Even checking out customs document that is included with Netparcel>>>UPS, it's very stripped down compared to the standard longfom UPS's uses without additional boxes for notes.

Example UPS courier customs form:

https://www.ups.com/assets/resources/media/en_CA/invoice_4.pdf

-Lotz

Note: Information above is from years of shipping dutiable/non dutiable (sample) shipments with work. We always used the long form customs invoice along with a notation "NAFTA on file with each specific courier" and a copy of the packing slip as part of the documentation. Forever ongoing standard requirements when shipping by courier. From customs perspective they know Joe & Judy widget seller are winging it but their job is still the parcel matches the documentation and the documentation matches the parcel.

ricarmic · ‎02-07-2022

Hi @lotzofuniquegoodies I don't see how "a" is possible because the online customs form description field has a character limit of 25 characters, so the VAT etc numbers can't be added to any wordings at all.

Just by iteslf the UK VAT will fit on its own, but the European ones are longer than 25 characters just for the VAT number itself so they won't fit at all.

For those that fit I suppose one can create a second "inventory" line of just the VAT wording with "quantity" 1 and "value" $1 (the minimum).

I'm not sure what the customs folks "see" when the package goes through the line. I can't imagine they see the physical package so they wouldn't see the physical label, I'm presuming they see the electronic information which scanned as it moves through which is why the PO system is wanting it electronically included.

lotzofuniquegoodies · ‎02-07-2022

@ricarmic wrote:
Hi @lotzofuniquegoodies I don't see how "a" is possible because the online customs form description field has a character limit of 25 characters, so the VAT etc numbers can't be added to any wordings at all.

Just by iteslf the UK VAT will fit on its own, but the European ones are longer than 25 characters just for the VAT number itself so they won't fit at all.

For those that fit I suppose one can create a second "inventory" line of just the VAT wording with "quantity" 1 and "value" $1 (the minimum).

I'm not sure what the customs folks "see" when the package goes through the line. I can't imagine they see the physical package so they wouldn't see the physical label, I'm presuming they see the electronic information which is why they're wanting it included.

What they may be doing is scanning from the label. If documentation seems "hinky" it's put aside for either x-rays or closer inspection of customs documentation. If a reasonable attempt was made by the shipper it's less likely to be "held for questioning". Border Security, although a bit of a dramatization is fairly accurate with the processes. The main reasonings behind customs inspections/processing are to make sure nothing illegal is passing through and that if any taxes/duties are owed they are collected/verified. By adding eBay into the process they've put an invisible middle entity into the mix that is not in theory associated with the goods. Now it's up to the shipper to mark the shipment correctly and the customer to prove it was actually paid.

The suggestions I made were possible workarounds. Why I've used options 3 with no problems.

-Lotz

PS. If you've ever had the priviledge of your luggage meeting the wrath of a grouchy, bare minimum English speaking customs inspector you'll have an idea of the perils.😱 x 2

ricarmic · ‎02-07-2022

@lotzofuniquegoodies Yes I understand but regarding "a" I am interested to know how you get the VAT number on the Online Canada Post cutoms form in the description field for European countries other than UK, it is too large for the character limit without anything else added. It is a good idea if one can get it to work, but I don't see how you are managing to do it.... please share......

(As an example here's the 30 character one I recently had to include on the address for Croatia: "VAT Paid : IOSS - IM2760000742")

lotzofuniquegoodies · ‎02-07-2022

@ricarmic wrote:
@lotzofuniquegoodies Yes I understand but regarding "a" I am interested to know how you get the VAT number on the Online Canada Post cutoms form in the description field for European countries other than UK, it is too large for the character limit without anything else added. It is a good idea if one can get it to work, but I don't see how you are managing to do it.... please share......

(As an example here's the 30 character one I recently had to include on the address for Croatia: "VAT Paid : IOSS - IM2760000742")

My (a) is to use Shippo. Until there is a valid reason to use eBay labels I will use Shippo or CP. Maybe if several seller were to message the eBay team for Labels and advise this is a a critical modification that is definitely requred anyone using that method for shipping will be a bind. Strength in numbers. Since eBay labels was rolled out there have been numerous distinct modifications. This is just another modification that is very important, sooner vs later.

-Lotz

eBay labels/Shippo both omit an option for shipping tubes. Something that is included with CP. Working with my contact at Shippo to have it added. As for unpackaged I really don't recommend. COD is a dinosaur.