Amazon Third Party Seller in USA

jo-jo2210

I recenlty ordered a running watch from an Amazon 3rd party seller. I have today recieved a note form Parcelforce to say that I have to pay VAT of £30.60 on the item and a Parcelforce clearance charge of £8.00. Whilst I accept that we have to pay VAT, I am astonished that this was not included in the cost of the item. Having already paid £160 for the item, I cannot afford this extra. I cannot find any mention of it on the Amazon site.

Has anyone had a similar experience? Is there anything I can do? What are my rights?

I have just contacted the seller and am awaiting a reponse.

I do have the option of not paying the VAT and the watch will be returned to the seller. I have asked the seller if I would get a rebate in this situation but i would prefer to get the watch and not pay the extra.

I am also very annoyed about the Parcelforce charge.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Phantom_Flan_Flinger

Anything over £18 into the UK is liable for import tax. You then have Parcel Forces charges on top off that.

It's certainly not PF's fault, it's HM Custom's tax. It is well documented and unfortunately there's the old addage, 'ignorance is no excuse.'

You could maybe bring up the issue with the seller in the States. Usually international sellers cover themselves saying that you may be liable for import tax. Was that nowhere on their site?

JAG

If you want the watch you will have to pay. The Amazon website does state that you are liable for any customs charges and must find out yourself what the position is. This website is good to determine how much you would have to pay www.dutycalculator.com plus the Royal Mail/Parcel Force handling fee of £8.

If you have the watch sent back it could get lost, and I doubt they would refund the postage costs.

jo-jo2210

Thanks for your comments. Guess there's no magic wand... Lesson learnt!