Acura of Lynnwood - Scaming on my shipping + taxes + duties?

pally777 · 11-03-2009, 11:13 PM

Hey guys,

I'm not sure how many of you had experience with Acura of Lynnwood. I recently bought an A-spec rear-lip from them off their Ebay posting. Since I was buying from Canada, I knew there would be duties and taxes. However, their posting was selling this A-spec rear lip for $100 USD + $120 USD for shipping. I thought that was a pretty good deal; even with duties it'll be about 20% on top of the item's price ($100 USD).

Well, I won the bid and paid for it. 3 days later, I get an email from a Christine Baker (a parts associate there) who says that FedEx wants an extra $185 USD for duties and taxes. She said once I paid for this, they'll continue to ship the item. Obviously, I was surprised to get a quote for $185 USD for duties and taxes on a $100 item and I didn't even expect to pay FedEx for it up front.

I did some research on the FedEx site to find out the cost of shipping for something the weight (~ 30lbs) and size (60" x 20" x 15") of the rear lip. It came up to about $111.31 USD for ground shipping to Vancouver Canada. I don't know if Acura of Lynwood is trying to make money off their Ebay shipping costs and tack on top additional "duties & taxes" to cover costs for actually shipping it, but the fact that they're saying FedEx wants $185 USD in addition to my $120 USD for shipping sounds like BS to me.

My question to you guys is, do you think it's reasonable what they're charging me for "duties and taxes" in addition to the amount I paid? I call

and think this is a scam in my opinion.

samxeyeam · 11-04-2009, 06:16 AM

I wouldnt be surprised... they are also one of the "authorized" dealers for comptech (CT-Engineering) parts and they were overcharging on the header... I tried to purchase a TSX from them too and the starting price on their 2004 TSX was ridiculous... Dealing with the parts and the sales department was horrible.

willy18 · 11-04-2009, 11:58 AM

The amount seems a bit high but you shouldn't be surprised that there's additional costs. When you're buying something from the US, you should expect to have to pay duties and taxes and brokerage fees. Usually, the buyer pays for that at the door when they get the item. In your case, the seller is asking for it so you don't have to pay at the door. The duties and taxes are based on the value of item. Maybe the dealership inflated the value of the item to MSRP for insurance purposes. If that's the case, then you're kind of getting screwed because you only paid $100 for it. I would ask how much they declared the item for. The brokerage fee is charged by FedEx and you can call them to ask how much it is but you can't really do anything about it. That's their charge for doing all the extra paperwork to clear customs.

pally777 · 11-04-2009, 01:25 PM

Ok, so this is where the situation sits right now based on the email conversation I've been having with Christine.

"Okay, I spoke with my manager and let him know the situation on this order, I also contacted UPS freight and they gave me a shipping quote of $35.00 more than you have already paid. They also told me using their brokers would then cost around the amount you were already thinking nearly $65.00 (but this you would be responsible upon delivery). So if you’d still like this I can have it shipped out today using UPS ground freight for an additional $35.00 to cover the freight charges then you would be responsible for the duties and taxes upon delivery."

I emailed her back to MAKE SURE that they're saying I'd only have to pay an additional $65 USD for covering the brokerage fees, taxes, duties and any other additional fees. If that is the case, I told them I'd pay the additional $35 USD for shipping to them now and pay the $65 USD to UPS upon arrival.

This is becoming a headache... I just think this Christine is trying to get the sale, but not really thinking about what I'm saying to her about what my issue with all this is. My issue is with the ridiculous $120 USD shipping + $185 USD customs and duties related charges.

VQ30GTR · 11-04-2009, 02:13 PM

I know that lip usually goes for $285. So you still may be getting a good deal for $100. I have had to return some things to Canada, and it was a PITA! There were not only duties, but a certain tax of somesort I cannot remember. The person I delt with I recall he told me to delcare the value lower because the taxes were on the price. I have bought from Acura of Lynwood, and had good prices, and good shipping response. just my .02- spend it the way you want.

CalgaryTSX · 11-04-2009, 03:41 PM

What about having the item shipped to the US border near you?
Either Blaine or Pt Roberts Washington?

If you go to the "Canada West" section of this forum, there is a sticky thread that has all the details.

The US shipper is charging you a bunch extra for the extra hassle they "think" they have to go thru to ship to Canada.
Unfortunately that is very common.

..Joe

pally777 · 11-04-2009, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VQ30GTR

The person I delt with I recall he told me to delcare the value lower because the taxes were on the price.

That's exactly my understanding... so for Acura of Lynnwood to tell me it costs $185 USD for the brokerage fee, taxes and duties on a $100 USD item (the price they sold it to me for) is a joke.

I guess it may be a misunderstanding, because FedEx may actually charge a huge amount for their brokerage fees. But $185 USD on a $100 item is like charging $150 USD too much! My estimate is that duties and taxes are about 20% on top of the price of the item.

That's why I told them to just refund my amount and cancel my order. I've asked them like 4 times now, so I hope they get the message. It seems Christine really wants to make this sale and I appreciate her effort in trying. I just want my money back at this point.

pally777 · 11-04-2009, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CalgaryTSX

What about having the item shipped to the US border near you?
Either Blaine or Pt Roberts Washington?

..Joe

Hey Joe,

Yeah, I hard about that place. If I were to get this shipped to Pt. Roberts, they'd still be charging me $100 USD for shipping (as opposed to the $120 USD I paid for shipping to Canada). I guess I just don't see the value in having to drive to Pt. Roberts and pay taxes & duties. I can probably buy this same lip here from a shop that imports it from the US for about $400 Cdn. Forgive me, I'm just lazy about driving across any border.

geebra · 11-04-2009, 04:11 PM

usually shipping within the US is cheaper.....i think they are just over charging you

XxHaimBondxX · 11-04-2009, 06:00 PM

I think they are scamming you. Once I had something delivered from Canada, and UPS sent me the bill directly after delivery. Shipper doesn't get involved.

pally777 · 11-04-2009, 06:22 PM

Oh well, I got an email from Christine that said she'll process the refund. I guess I'll find some other way to pick up an 06-08 A-spec kit within my budget.

I guess this serves as a warning to Canadian buygers of US shipped products. Make sure you know the brokerage fees ahead of time. The taxes and duties you cannot really anticipate, but the brokerage fees you can. I should ask about that prior to buying the item next time.