Thanks! In general: does FedEx do it on purpose? Are they scammers or just plain dumb?

HI, perhaps somebody could help me. I bought a Headphone Amplifier from a US-based seller in November, Value of my shipment 1000$ (approx. 830£) I already paid my taxes (20% VAT of 1000USD = 178,58£) via bank transfer around 25-27 December 2022 in compliance with the digital invoice I received from Fedex in December. Then they released my package from Stanstead (after 4 weeks!!, and I paid for a priority delivery) "Value of the shipment: 1000 USD Duty: £ 0.00 Taxes: £ 165.83 Ancillary charges: £ 12.75 Total: £ 178.58" So all my tax liabilities were already paid in December. In January though I received another, this time a wacky invoice from FedEx, via post. It amounted to 2 x 20% = 40% VAT(!!!) = 377,58 pounds which is obviously nonsense. On that invoice, B00 20% tax was applied twice (the second time the tax base exceeds the value of my shipment!(995£ instead of 830£)). I already raised that issue on their website twice and didn't receive any response. I sent all the details to ukinvoicequery@fedex.com as well, but again, it was to no avail. Last week I received a letter from Control Account (Debt Recovery solutions) urging me to pay the outstanding 202,75£ (377,58 - 178.58 + their fee) I filled in the query on the website and now I just await their response. Who shall I seek help from in case CA dismisses my claim? Overall a very Kafkaesque experience : | Kind regards, Michal Kubik

Thank you for your responses.

3-4 weeks ago I sold an integrated amplifier (Bang & Olufsen Beomaster 6500) in a perfect working/cosmetic condition via ebay (130 pounds). Unfortunately it was damaged in transit as those guys from Hermes probably decided to play basketball with my item at their depot. "Very sad to say it looks like it has been thrown around in transit. The top of the case is loose on the right hand side, and the 'gap' between the lower chromed panel and the top panel (on the front) has a 2mm gap at the left and a 6mm gap at the right. Additionally one of the side corners is bent as though it has been several times dropped. Sadly, it doesn't even power up to test!!! So the bump must have dislodged something" (from buyer's description) So this is what happened to my amp regardless of the fact that it was wrapped up in a ridiculous amount of bubble foil, placed in a sturdy box covered with some other extra layers of protective foil inside and here was FRAGILE sign on the cover indicating sensible and wary carrying. I ended up losing 130 +13 (p&p costs) =143 pounds as I had to provide my buyer with a full refund (via paypal). Obviously I submitted a claim through Hermes site (I had insured my item for 100 pounds while placing an order) and obviously it was rejected by them because "the contents of the parcel(in my case integrated amplifier) are excluded from compensation for damage" Now I've just found the following words of wisdom: "no matter what their terms may say a carrier cannot disclaim liability for loss or damage which occurs as a result of the carrier failing to exercise due care in carrying out the contract. The consumer has a right to expect reasonable care to be taken, only if that care is taken and the item is lost or damaged despite that, the carrier's terms can stand." So perhaps someone can help and give me an advice if I have a good grounding to fight back with Hermes? And if so is Small Claims the only possible way to do it? Thank you in advance, Michal