Posted by kim on 09/11/06 21:16

"no spam here, thanks" <noone.nospam@home.com> wrote in message
news:pkeag2pl5k43gsp982pvo0vgg2tlmlohvu@4ax.com...
> On Thu, 7 Sep 2006 17:59:32 +0100, "Nimrod" <ak@ak.com> wrote:
>
>
> > It's not the VAT I have a
> >problem with tho - it's the �13.50 "clearance fee" from ParcelFarce I
have
> >problems with. I've already paid for shipping so I resent paying twice -
> >especially when I ALWAYS have to collect because they're useless.
>
> Although I agree with your sentiments, be aware that you are NOT paying
> twice. Shipping is exactly that - transportation from one point to
> another point. The Clear acne Fee (high and extortionate though it is)
> is a fee for some (minimal) extra work that Parcelforce have to do to
> enter information into the Customs' computer and some associated
> administrative effort.
>
> Where Parcelforce erred is in assuming that they ahd your authority to
> act as agent on your behalf in making theis 'customs entry'. Let's
> assume you are a frequent imported and you have a contract with an agent
> who does this work for you at �8 or �5 or �1 per entry. You would have
> been entitled to instruct Parcelforce to pass over the consignment to
> your agent for them to make the entry on your behalf. However, as an
> infrequent importer you really have no alternative: you should have made
> yourself aware of the import process and likely charges before
> committing to purchase from outwith the EU..
>
> This behaviour by Pacelforce is nothing but "inertia selling", however
> it is highly unlikely you would have found anyone else to do the work
> for under �13.50 on a one-off consignment. I am surprised the cost is
> not greater: �13.50 was a pretty standard fee back in the late 80s
> (albeit that the process was paper-based then, and much more labour
> intensive!

Yes, thank goodnes we live in a paperless society today :o)

(kim)

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