Random questions to which you seek an answer
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I have a package that reads "retention" at the destination zip code on Japan's EMS tracking site. My understanding is this means that they attempted delivery and had to hold it. Since the delivery was to a business that was closed Saturday, my assumption was that they would attempt re-delivery Monday. It still reads retention as the latest status.
Any thoughts or similar experiences?
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It could also mean you have duty to pay.
You may get better tracking info here:
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Thanks–my hope is that duty was built in to the cost. I think Rakuten usually does this. I'll use this site!
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Can't speak for the USA, but I have had to pay import and duty on just about everything I have ever bought through Rakuten. They do not factor this into the cost.
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I have no clue why I never get hit with customs. I seriously order so much shit from rakuten… Los Angeles ISC ftw
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I think I saw some shops (not from Rakuten) offer a price with in-built customs. IIRC it was J.Crew or so. At least when you visited those shops they stop you and redirect you to a local page for your country (meaning all prices reflect the custom policy of your country).
If the shop you bought from didn't do that, they didn't calculate that into their price. And that's about 99% shops I know.
How should they factor in the customs when they don't know who is going to order from them and what the custom policy of said country is? -
Are Gift Vouchers still available? I didn't see them in the Shop?
Yes, please drop Paula a PM or email paula (at) ironheart.co.uk
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Heh. Never paid customs from Rakuten and I'm a regular. The pros mark it as a gift/under-declare the value. Package landed, thanks all!
B.F, unless you're on ToR or something it's trivial to know what country you're visiting a web site from. All prices are in USD when I visit Rakuten because they know where I'm accessing from.
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Yeah they are simply using a currency converter on Rakuten to show you the price in your curreny but as I said: they don't automatically include the customs.
The low value/marked as gift might work for guys in the US but here in Europe they don't really care about that. No invoice on the outside, in 95% you have to get to the customs office you have to prove the value of the item. Or prove that it really is a gift.
I think you also have a rather high exemption limit in the US as a private person?
IIRC, e.g. Australien guys are allowed to import goods up to 1000$ without any fees. I might be wrong on the numbers though. -
The low value/marked as gift might work for guys in the US but here in Europe they don't really care about that. No invoice on the outside, in 95% you have to get to the customs office you have to prove the value of the item. Or prove that it really is a gift.
Not strictly true. German and Swiss customs are particularly vicious, UK are pretty lax.
I think you also have a rather high exemption limit in the US as a private person?
IIRC, e.g. Australien guys are allowed to import goods up to 1000$ without any fees. I might be wrong on the numbers though.It's all annotated here:
http://www.dutycalculator.com/country-guides/Import-duty-taxes-when-importing-into-the-United-Kingdom/ -
Thanks for that link!
Only the rules if the package is a gift is not included there (for Germany. Yes we have to pay taxes for gifts here if the value is above 45€)And the 1000$ for Australia is right…those lucky bastards
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Are Gift Vouchers still available? I didn't see them in the Shop?
Yes, please drop Paula a PM or email paula (at) ironheart.co.uk
Goddammit, vouchers no good. Have to make direct buy… for somebodys B-Day
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In the eyes of "The Taxman" they are like cash. My employer is about to get me something for my B-day, thought that voucher might be good, but it was no-no. Have to think about what to suggest to them then…they prolly could do a online purchase as well...
I got to give them three wishes, one will be fullfilled...
