I had been an ebay shopper since year 2010. Although I don't shop periodically, I can attest trusted transactions with several online sellers and I strongly recommend buying online for your own convenience.
Last month, I ordered "Darth Maul Kid's Costume" for my son and received a notice of Parcel the other day. Since I came from my night shift duty at work, my husband met me at the Station and we went early at Alabang Post Office to pick-up my item. The amount to be paid for Postage Fee increased from 40 to 50 pesos~ well, not that bad!
Pick- up at Alabang Post Office is from 8AM to 12NN every Mondays and Wednesdays only. We came right on time to be the first Customer on Parcel Delivery Window, so I am expecting to claim my item in less than 15 minutes, the usual waiting time
of released. But guess what? It took us 1 and a half hour to get the item!
of released. But guess what? It took us 1 and a half hour to get the item!
Why? 1st, they ask me to wait for the Custom Representative which is unusual, because they usually contact her through phone and declare what the item is, then it should be released right after. I was told that she's already at the parking area.
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| So, we've waited... and waited. |
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| They already opened this package right in front of me, but still we have to wait for the Customs Representative. After their arrival, I had to wait again until they are settled to do transactions. I wonder what they are doing, seeing them used their calculator while looking at my Paypal Invoice. 
After a while, they handed me this shocking computation of fees that I have to pay!
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| A whopping total of 1,124 pesos for Customs Duties and Tax! wtf! |
Here is my order details and Customs Fees:
Sadly yes, Tax and Customs fees is about 50% worth of your package.
I asked when did they started collecting fees for items bought online, and the 'Customs lady' answered: "Matagal na po, pinagbigyan lang kayo dati". And I answered back, "Ito na ba talaga amount, hindi na mababago?". Her reply makes me laugh as she says: "Marami na po ang nawala sa Gobyerno". As she's trying to imply, "Magbayad ka naman". Hahaha.... Wasn't it the other way around?
As I got more irritated, husband gives me the money and says "Magbayad ka na, walang mangyayari sa pakikipag-usap mo dyan". And, he's right... it's just a waste of time talking and complaining about the matter. If I don't want to pay, then I could just leave and let them have my item. So, would I let them keep my stuff? With a heavy heart, I paid and not let them keep the item for their 'own use' (I guess?).
What a sad reality! I can no longer purchase cheap items from ebay China or from other international sellers unless I specified door to door package delivery. =(
Hi EINz... actually, experience an almost similar situation. I was thinking I'll just pick up the items them was surprised to be billed with fees. Ended up paying P500 instead to a fixer. Blogged about it in 2010 :(
ReplyDeletehttp://mapanghingikaba.blogspot.com/2010/09/please-share-this-hanggang-makarating.html
If only may fixer din at that time, grab ko na. Tsk, tsk! Got SCAMMED by our own Government.
DeleteGood post and Smart Blog
ReplyDeleteThanks for your good information and i hope to subscribe and visit my blog Andestax.com and more Tax Preparation thanks again admin
I experienced the same thing as you. I paid them the tax with a heavy heart. It's more corrupt in the Philippines. Lesson learned next time we don't send the items with this couriers anymore.
ReplyDeleteThe effective % rate of customs and duties you paid over the purchase price is large because the monetary amount of the item is relatively small. When you buy in larger monetary amounts, the effective % rate of duties will also decline.
ReplyDeleteI also found out the hard way when I bought a spare WiFi internal adapter for my laptop.