RMA: double VAT

[arjandasselaar]

I've noticed others on networkedmediatank.com complaining about this and now I fell victim to it: a double VAT charge, courtesy of FedEx.

I can't blame Dutch customs since FedEx acted as their proxy and FedEx diligently sent me a bill for the customs (!) value as it was declared by Syabas: 50 dollars. Meaning a 17.10 euros bill. Yes, the package was also marked 'RMA' (if you looked really closely and at a different section of the label) but of course the only thing customs folk look at is the *customs* value.

Now this will not make me go into bankruptcy but I find this very disappointing. Plus, since the fact that Syabas itself declared the value to be worth 50 dollars for *customs*, filing a protest will not only take months (6 weeks minimum) but probably also be futile.

Thanks Syabas! (And yes, I am cranky, but wouldn't you be after paying good money for a device that broke, paying good money to send it back (having to wait for months) and now receiving yet another bill for the privilege of having to send it RMA?)

I am sorry if I sound a bit harsh, I'm just really disappointed. This creates a lot of bad vibes.

[halfelite]

syabas has to declare a value incase it gets lost, so they get money from fedex. It happens a lot with fedex trying to collect VAT again. you can usually call them and explain its an RMA and they will drop it.

[arjandasselaar]

Thanks for your reply. There are two relevant fields on the package label: carriage value (which is for insurance, and which is claimed to be $ 0.00) and customs value (which is claimed to be $ 50.00). So that doesn't make sense to me. If they claim a value for insurance purposes, why not indicate carriage value as well?

Fedex has already handed off the money to the Dutch finance ministry meaning I will have to petition the government to get my money back - after I first reimburse Fedex (if I don't, they will send a debt collection agency).

The guy at http://www.networkedmediatank.com/showth...273&page=2 had the same problem and FedEx would *not* accept his explanation. Syabas didn't seem all that cooperative with him, either. There's a Dutch saying: 'Trust arrives by foot but leaves on a horse.' They're pretty much accomplishing that now.

I've consulted with counsel in the meantime and we will proceed on Monday. Nothing much can be done now.

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[chris57]

It does create a lot of bad feeling and I can really understand how annoyed you are.

It surely cannot take more than a quick meeting with Fedex in USA to sort out:-
1. How Fedex want the paperwork so that we aren't charged twice on the same piece of kit.
2. If Fedex want the business then stop charging your customers twice or you'll use a better courier who will listen and can control their overseas counterparts.

It is NOT rocket science and something we have asked for previously.

Remember that they have:-
1. Stopped using TNT as they were charging us £10 admin per delivery.
2. Changed from USPS as that means that you get a delivery from your countries Mail service who generally won't listen and charge no matter what is on the paperwork and ask you to reclaim.
3. You CAN reclaim your money from your government, yes it will take ages and you do have to pay to reclaim but you can do it. It is illegal to charge you twice for the same goods.
4. If you wish to complain direct to Syabas rather than just vent on the NMT owners forum then email them. sales@popcornhour.com

[arjandasselaar]

Thanks for your reply and advice.

I never just vent

I've already filed a complaint with Syabas and we'll see how they respond. I will have to wait for Monday before I can file a complaint with the Dutch government.

I will keep you guys posted (that is, if you're interested of course ) on any relevant progress made (or lack thereof).

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[arjandasselaar]

Quite happy to report that Syabas responded to my complaint and resolved it quickly and in a satisfactory manner! So kudos to them!

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[chris57]

Thanks for feeding back to the forum.