Getting custom refunded??

[drumsolo71]

I purchased a product for my car and provided the VIN as requested when ordered.  I received the parts from overseas and they are not what I ordered.  The seller admitted that the parts advertised were not for my car (even though my car was on their compatibility list) and without notifying me, they put a kit together that would fit my car, but is nothing like what was advertised.  They have agreed to refund the product and postage if I return the items, however I am out of pocket $85 due to customs? Can this be refunded and how is it refunded?

[sandypebbles]

Is this from the dodgy seller in Latvia whose feedback shows they have a habit of doing such things?

You are taking your chances with getting anything from them if you 'do what they say'

Hopefully, you have not already returned it

Open and follow through with an item not as described dispute

An overseas seller cannot provide a postage label 

If they were a trustworthy seller, maybe a different story

If this is the seller in question, they ain't and their terrible feedback shows as much 

[drumsolo71]

The seller is in the UK having sold over 76000 products with 100% positive feedback.  I started a refund claim through ebay, and it was stated a return postage slip would be provided, the next page stated I'd receive 382.04 pounds back, but I paid 422.58 pounds.  a total of $919.69 AUD  Custom imports are 42.13 pounds ($86.61 AUD)  but that was not included in the refund, so I haven't submitted the refund yet

I contacted the seller and they stated vaguely   'The rest should be refunded as it may be the customs that will be refunded separately'  they didn't explain and I don't want to submit the refund, send the item back only to be out of pocket

[countessalmirena]

No, you do not receive a refund from Customs.

[davewil1964]

As the Countess stated, you won't get Customs fees refunded.

If you return the item, you will out of pocket said fees; if you don't, you will be out of pocket for the whole purchase.

Your call.

[springyzone]

You can't expect the seller or ebay to refund the customs fee. It says in ebay that customs fees are the buyer's responsibility.

And when you think about it, customs has done the job they were paid for. They have processed it through their system and the item has entered the country.

I know you might be sending it back, but realistically, customs can't know or rely on the fact it is 100% the same item anyway. That's a separate transaction.

[twyngwyn]

as an aside, will the seller be liable for customs duties at their end, once returned?

[davewil1964]

No idea.

I don't do International for a reason.