With the silly season ahead of us, and many of us ordering goodies over the internet, I thought I would pass on an experience I had today.
I ordered a parcel of stuff from the US - value 127 US (thats 142chf). They shipped it EMS (US postal express) to me here in Geneva.
I was hit by Swisspost with a bill of 51.35 chf! I was shocked by this amount; surely tax couldn't be that much? I rang them up and after being on hold for 20 minutes and being shipped back and forth to different people I got the story.
Apparently the tax on my items is only 16.35 chf, but I was charged a 35 chf fee for the customs processing. Yes that is 35 chf for them to charge me 16.35chf in tax! Apparently parcels that are sent to Switzerland express are given speedy customs service and that costs 35chf. Even if your parcel is only worth 10chf, there will be a 35chf fee for processing it.
So if you are ordering things in from the US, get the company to send them as a gift (so they are tax exempt) or at least NOT express post them!
Global Forums > General > Swisspost ripoff WARNING
Only members can see names and photos
Swisspost ripoff WARNING
Nov 29, 2007 @ 17:04
The text you are quoting:
With the silly season ahead of us, and many of us ordering goodies over the internet, I thought I would pass on an experience I had today.
I ordered a parcel of stuff from the US - value 127 US (thats 142chf). They shipped it EMS (US postal express) to me here in Geneva.
I was hit by Swisspost with a bill of 51.35 chf! I was shocked by this amount; surely tax couldn't be that much? I rang them up and after being on hold for 20 minutes and being shipped back and forth to different people I got the story.
Apparently the tax on my items is only 16.35 chf, but I was charged a 35 chf fee for the customs processing. Yes that is 35 chf for them to charge me 16.35chf in tax! Apparently parcels that are sent to Switzerland express are given speedy customs service and that costs 35chf. Even if your parcel is only worth 10chf, there will be a 35chf fee for processing it.
So if you are ordering things in from the US, get the company to send them as a gift (so they are tax exempt) or at least NOT express post them!
KirielNov 29, 2007 @ 17:04
I ordered a parcel of stuff from the US - value 127 US (thats 142chf). They shipped it EMS (US postal express) to me here in Geneva.
I was hit by Swisspost with a bill of 51.35 chf! I was shocked by this amount; surely tax couldn't be that much? I rang them up and after being on hold for 20 minutes and being shipped back and forth to different people I got the story.
Apparently the tax on my items is only 16.35 chf, but I was charged a 35 chf fee for the customs processing. Yes that is 35 chf for them to charge me 16.35chf in tax! Apparently parcels that are sent to Switzerland express are given speedy customs service and that costs 35chf. Even if your parcel is only worth 10chf, there will be a 35chf fee for processing it.
So if you are ordering things in from the US, get the company to send them as a gift (so they are tax exempt) or at least NOT express post them!
KirielNov 29, 2007 @ 17:04
Your Reply:
Only members can see names and photos
Re: Swisspost ripoff WARNING
Post 1
Nov 29, 2007 @ 18:11
I had ordered a few books and DVDs from amazon.uk, and was hit by tax & handling fees when I came to collect the parcel and you have no choice really if you want your parcel. The tax comes a no surprise as the goods are being sent tax free abroad, but the unproportionate 'handling' fee combined with it - is.
The text you are quoting:
I had ordered a few books and DVDs from amazon.uk, and was hit by tax & handling fees when I came to collect the parcel and you have no choice really if you want your parcel. The tax comes a no surprise as the goods are being sent tax free abroad, but the unproportionate 'handling' fee combined with it - is.
Sylph, Nov 29, 2007 @ 18:11
Sylph, Nov 29, 2007 @ 18:11
Your Reply:
Only members can see names and photos
Re: Swisspost ripoff WARNING
Post 2
Nov 30, 2007 @ 22:35
I ordered 3 DVD's from Amazon and one turned out to be back ordered so they sent it separately. I got hit with that 35ch fee TWICE!
The text you are quoting:
I ordered 3 DVD's from Amazon and one turned out to be back ordered so they sent it separately. I got hit with that 35ch fee TWICE!
Riley, Nov 30, 2007 @ 22:35
Riley, Nov 30, 2007 @ 22:35
Your Reply:
Only members can see names and photos
Re: Swisspost ripoff WARNING
Post 3
Dec 1, 2007 @ 12:31
I usually buy my books and dvd's from Amazon.de as then you don't have to pay delivery fee, and unlike Amazon.fr you can usually get the dvds in English (often dvds from France only offer the dvd dubbed into French without the Version Originale)
No postage or custom fees!
Kiriel
No postage or custom fees!
Kiriel
The text you are quoting:
I usually buy my books and dvd's from Amazon.de as then you don't have to pay delivery fee, and unlike Amazon.fr you can usually get the dvds in English (often dvds from France only offer the dvd dubbed into French without the Version Originale)
No postage or custom fees!
Kiriel
Kiriel, Dec 1, 2007 @ 12:31
No postage or custom fees!
Kiriel
Kiriel, Dec 1, 2007 @ 12:31
Your Reply:
Only members can see names and photos
Re: Swisspost ripoff WARNING
Post 4
Dec 1, 2007 @ 18:05
I use Play.com as they are based on the Island of Jersey and therefore tax free , no delivery changes
The text you are quoting:
I use Play.com as they are based on the Island of Jersey and therefore tax free , no delivery changes
britabroad, Dec 1, 2007 @ 18:05
britabroad, Dec 1, 2007 @ 18:05
Your Reply:
Only members can see names and photos
Re: Swisspost ripoff WARNING
Post 5
Dec 3, 2007 @ 13:58
are you referring to charges on the sending or on the receiving end?
The text you are quoting:
are you referring to charges on the sending or on the receiving end?
Sylph, Dec 3, 2007 @ 13:58
Sylph, Dec 3, 2007 @ 13:58
Your Reply:
Only members can see names and photos
Re: Swisspost ripoff WARNING
Post 6
Dec 3, 2007 @ 18:38
I just click on the order and a few days later the book or DVD appears in my postbox and my credit card is debited by the amount display on the screen. For example with Amazon the latest Blade Runner 2 disc set is £9.98 plus 0.39 Item Charge and 1.49 Delivery , but with Play.com it's £9.99 and no further charge.
The text you are quoting:
I just click on the order and a few days later the book or DVD appears in my postbox and my credit card is debited by the amount display on the screen. For example with Amazon the latest Blade Runner 2 disc set is £9.98 plus 0.39 Item Charge and 1.49 Delivery , but with Play.com it's £9.99 and no further charge.
britabroad, Dec 3, 2007 @ 18:38
britabroad, Dec 3, 2007 @ 18:38
Your Reply:
