Alan,

This is very common, particularly with heavier packages.

BTW: I've paid IBC many times in the past.  Usually for DHL shipments.

Cheers,

Jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Alan Felder
Sent: Thursday, August 19, 2010 8:11 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Import duties

I recently ordered some parts from Great Britain.  I have ordered parts from
Great Britain and other European countries before, but not from this
particular vendor.  There were some heavier items than I normally would have
shipped so far such as a pair of front shocks.  This vendor uses a worldwide
shipper similar to (but not) FedEx.  The day these parts arrived, I received
a phone call and later a letter from an IBC Customs Brokerage Co. stating
that I owed them $28plus for customs duties.

This has never happened before, and I will be amazed if customs allowed a
package through without requiring payment FIRST.  Any other shipment from
wherever (Asia, Australia, Europe, etc.) customs charges were built in to
the shipping cost (thats one reason they are so darn expensive).  Has anyone
had this happen to them?

The amount is not that big of a deal but I feel like I am being scammed for
something I have already paid for.

--
Alan Felder
Austin TX
82 Diesel Westy