Duties, Tax, Customs, Other Fees

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

No. They have to comply with the law, same as everybody else. Their fees cover not only the cost of doing the paperwork, but also the cost of the duty WHICH THEY PAY ON YOUR BEHALF, and for which they expect to be reimbursed when they deliver the package to your door. In exchange for this service you get your goods faster than by any other method of delivery. Expect to pay more for better/faster service.

If you don't like paying duty on imported goods you can either lobby congress to exempt kilts, or you can buy in the USA.

[Dan R Porter]

this puts my double-box kilt on hold even longer

[Bugbear]

* Sigh *

These discussions of FedEx always leave me feeling that they just randomly pick a number for the Fees they tack on to a bill.

I have to think that there is some way of getting at least a close estemation of what the Fee will be from FedEx before you buy something. If so, then that is just fine because I can calculate that in to what I would expect to pay for something and part of the service.

However, if it is true that some guy at a FedEx desk is just picking numbers out of a hat to charge on each package, then maybe it is an issue...

[irishrob]

The search function is your friend!! You will find a couple of threads on this issue. After what I considered a hosing from Fedex I made the same error with DHL. Royal Mail is the only way to go!!

Rob

[raibeart_dubh]

I prefer Royal Mail. It may take a little longer but it's easier on the wallet.

[mbhandy]

I don't know about more expensive items but all my pins and broaches from Scotland were sent royal mail and had no duty and got to me in less than 2 weeks.

MrBill

[Rob Wright]

No. They have to comply with the law, same as everybody else. Their fees cover not only the cost of doing the paperwork, but also the cost of the duty WHICH THEY PAY ON YOUR BEHALF, and for which they expect to be reimbursed when they deliver the package to your door. In exchange for this service you get your goods faster than by any other method of delivery. Expect to pay more for better/faster service.

If you don't like paying duty on imported goods you can either lobby congress to exempt kilts, or you can buy in the USA.

I agree, only problem is if you go back and search old threads you will see that FedEx has a history of applying the wrong duty charges to items, often at a higher rate, and their brokerage fee's are all over the board, no consistency. If they published their fee's AND were consistent in the application of the fee's then you would see a lot less grumbling from those who do order from over sea's suppliers.

Rob

[raibeart_dubh]

If they published their fee's AND were consistent in the application of the fee's then you would see a lot less grumbling from those who do order from over sea's suppliers.
Rob

I agree and they would be held accountable and would be less likely to overcharge.

[Wompet]

... FEDEX is extremely thorough in its customs regulation conformity ...

As someone who deals with FedEX Trade Networks (their customs brokerage) on an almost daily basis, I'm trying to compose a serious, well-thought, and non-sarcastic reply to that sentence ...

I agree, only problem is if you go back and search old threads you will see that FedEx has a history of applying the wrong duty charges to items, often at a higher rate, and their brokerage fee's are all over the board, no consistency. If they published their fee's AND were consistent in the application of the fee's then you would see a lot less grumbling from those who do order from over sea's suppliers.

Rob

Thank you, Rob, for posting that. As a Customs inspector, are are certain things I can and can't say on a public forum. But Rob's post covers everything I would be allowed to say about FedEx.

[ShaunMaxwell]

I've had a kilt shipped from Glasgow via Parcel Force. It arrived in a timely manner and I didn't receive the dread customs due notice as I have from Fedex. Perhaps it's an option to consider, if available to those from whom you're purchasing...