Royal Mail- extortionate charges

[purple_rain]

Hi guys,

 

I ordered some things a while ago from America. I was taxed by the customs as the parcel was valued at over £15. Previously, I had ordered similar items (at an even higher value) from the same company but did not get taxed. On this occasion, I received a card saying I had been taxed and that there was a handling fee of £8. I wasn't expecting to be taxed in the first place let alone the handling fee. It seems ludicrous that there should be such a big charge. I don't mind paying the tax if that is what is owed by law but for Royal Mail to profit because something was ordered from abroad seems absolutely absurd. How can they be losing out, if I'm expected to pick up the item from the depot?!?! Is there any way I could persuade Royal Mail to drop the handling fee?

 

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[citizenB]

Once you have paid the fee, I think RM deliver, don't they ?

 

I think the tax usually depends on what the item is.

[purple_rain]

Well, to pay you either have to go buy the stamps and post the card they give to you or pay online and wait for them to process it, so I might as well go to collect it. The tax depends on the value of what's in your parcel I think but RM goes ahead, regardless of what the tax is and charge you £8 handling fee. I just wanted to know if there's a way around it because I don't know what merits a charge like that.

[ericsbrother]

The fee is for filling out the customs forms any paying the taxes on your behalf up front. many companies charge more than this and RM dont always check incoming mail wheras all of the international couriers make sure everything is as it should be before they handle the parcel and you pay for this.

Neither the post nor courier co's will let you delay their operations whilst you do your own paperwork and you wont be allowed into a bonded warehouse anyway.