parcelforce ripoff rant

[brin]

for some reason that i dont understand i have been charged a 13 quid clearance fee for some bits that i ordered from helikraft .hm revenue & customs have charged 7pounds vat no prob with that but parcelforce said the fee includes pickup and del from airport but this was included in the orignal order from helikraft so with that and the original postage that came to as much as the spares. has anyone else been ripped off in this way or is this normal.

[Smoothound]

I've heard it's not a legal charge but don't know anyone who has contested it!

[Jamin_00]

Yes and it's a standard fee they charge for "administration"

Got stung this way from a HK order but the total was £32

No I did not contest it.


Also got done more recently by fed ex from another HK order. £3

[Andy from Sandy]

It is their administration fee for collecting the money and then sending it on. It is a flat charge as that is what I had to pay recently but my Customs charge was less than yours.

[millerman]

im in the courier business and a sad fact is your gonna get charged admin by any carrier to clear your goods with customs (unless you get me to do this) lol ...

[LaurenceGough]

Love how they delay it ages first too, before greeting you with a lovely letter.

[ddracer]

I contested it. I called them up and told them that I did not appoint them to do this and had no contract with them. Hence I will not be paying their charge just the duty. They said OK I payed just the duty on my card and recived the goods the next day.

FIGHT IT! Many people don't and that is what they count on.

[brin]

I contested it. I called them up and told them that I did not appoint them to do this and had no contract with them. Hence I will not be paying their charge just the duty. They said OK I payed just the duty on my card and recived the goods the next day.

FIGHT IT! Many people don't and that is what they count on.

nice one but unfortunately i have already paid the fee will definitely try the next time. I have had lots from hk and usa but this is the first time this has happened but when my wife called them they said it was for pick up and del from the airport as they had to pick it up from hms customs what a farce.as the postage was paid to hk

[brin]

im in the courier business and a sad fact is your gonna get charged admin by any carrier to clear your goods with customs (unless you get me to do this) lol ...

so if i ask you nicely you will get it cleared for me .thanks.

[lex7919]

Its actually illegal to hold your parcel for the fee, You pay customs then they have no right to with hold the parcel, i had a chat with a mate yesterday just about this and there is legislation some where that if you print off or mention it chances are there "fee" suddenly disappears.... Funny that

I will find out the exact details and post it up.

[jiberjaber]

I contested it. I called them up and told them that I did not appoint them to do this and had no contract with them. Hence I will not be paying their charge just the duty. They said OK I payed just the duty on my card and recived the goods the next day.

FIGHT IT! Many people don't and that is what they count on.

Unfortunately they have a statutory right under law to process it for you, irrespective of if you appointed them or not. They are allowed to charge a nominal fee for this. Whilst you have no contract with them - you do with the company you bought it off, who in turn contract a courier. Parcelfarce are the end link of this.

[inferno]

They just hammered me the same, £8 fee, my gripe was when I refused they said they would return to sender, two weeks later the parcel was still in the depo and I was able to have it delivered. I never did find out y it went missing for two weeks... Wasters

[PsiLo]

Here are the facts:-

Yes, they are allowed to charge a fee (under the Univeral Postal Union agreement) that is to cover the costs incurred only. As yet, they have never given a breakdown of their costs. Consumersdirect (part of the government) have agreed that the way they enforce the charge is illegal.

As lex7919 pointed out they are NOT allowed to withhold your parcel in lieu of the fees, this is a direct breach of section 83/84 of the Postal Services Act (2000) and if you offer to pay the VAT/Customs charge they HAVE to release the parcel and the recovery of any monies owed to them is a civil matter they have to pursue AFTER completing their contract and delivering the parcel (section 104/105)

If you have already paid the fee you can then initiate small claims against them claiming damages for the fact they illegaly held your parcel in contravention of sections 83,84,104 &105. They settle out of court every time (if you can be bothered to go through the process).

Basically, whenever you go to get a parcel tell them you will pay the customs charges but will not pay their fee at that time, tell them to send you an invoice with a complete breakdown of their costs that make up the charge and then you will pay it. If the guy at the counter refuses tell him he is breaking the law and cite section 104, and then tell him you are calling the police. You will be surprised how quickly your parcel appears

Print out these 2 pages and highlight the relevant sections 83,84, 104 &105 and take them along whenever you pick up a parcel with charges

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000..._20000026_en_8
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000...pt7-pb2-l1g105
In fact, I will be doing this tomorrow as they are currently holding my 6HV to ransom, which is illegal.

[lex7919]

Que "the mate" thanks Gerd

[brin]

great one Gerd shall print them out for future ref many thanks mate