Uk buyers refusing to accept delivery because they don't want to pay the VAT.

[starwood2111]

We sell 1-2 items per week into the UK and have not had issues until recently when 3 customers have refused to pay the VAT and accept their goods.

In 2 cases returns have been started but they haven't sent the item back they have just left it unpaid. What happens to the item ? I am happy to take returns if they post the item back to me properly. Who is responsible for the situation now ??

Is there a way to alert UK buyers when they place an order that VAT may be required on delivery ? Or should I message each one individually before posting the item ?

Can anyone clarify further ? Paypal have of course put a hold on the funds. So I cannot ignore it.

[lyndal1838]

This is the opposite to your situation.....as a buyer I had to return a damaged item to the seller in the UK to receive a refund.

The seller refused to accept it as he would have had to pay VAT and could not resell it.

He ended up just refunding me.  The item was subsequently returned to me via surface mail which took about 4 months at the time (many years ago).

I suspect that your item will be returned to you eventually if it is not accepted....I hope youe name and address are on it.

[starwood2111]

Return info is there of course but if the item is received back to me within 30 days I could try and close the return I presume ? Will have to wait and try I guess. I don't really want boots returned to me once summer begins either...

[imastawka]

If they refuse to pay Customs duty in their country, then they will not win the MBG case

As long as your return address is on the parcel, it will be returned to you

You'll need to fill out a customs form for international parcels, stating the contents and their value. You can get customs forms from your post office or carrier company.

Generally, buyers pay any additional costs associated with international purchases, such as duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees. To avoid any misunderstandings with your buyers, it's a good idea to state this clearly on your listings.

Here's a short paragraph you can use to do that:

"International buyers – please note: Import duties, taxes, and charges aren't included in the item price or postage cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.

"Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying."

Take a look at our Postage and shipping policy for more detailed information on posting items domestically and internationally.

https://www.ebay.com.au/help/selling/posting-items/setting-postage-options/international-postage?id=...

[digital*ghost]

Just to add what's already been said - IMHO don't ignore the requests or reply on ebay automatically finding in your favour. I would upload the tracking to the requests, clarify in a message to the buyer that by refusing the packages, they are voiding their eligibility to a refund via the MBG, and then get in contact with eBay and clarify the situation, so that you have valid confirmation eBay is aware this isn't non-delivery, but refusal of delivery (you can also ask them to copy anything they tell you over the phone to an email and send it to you, I always do that if they say something I want to be able to prove or refer to if something goes wrong). 

[countessalmirena]

Exactly... eBay's policies are not always implemented by eBay. Sometimes it's a case of having to dot every “i” and cross every “t” and put a little piglet tail onto every “q”.