Charges made by DHL Rip off?

[davec_7]

I purchased several sets of blade from Hobby Park in China In October last year which I received and were OK. Today I have had an invoice from DHL for £20.05! This is split into two, £10.05 VAT and £10 administration fee. Can any body tell me if this is normal as I understand the courier usually holds the goods until the buyer has paid the duty. Has anybody had a similar experience or are they just trying to rip me off?

Any advice would be welcome guys

Thanks

Dave

[pgkevet]

Be grateful parcelfarce charge £13 something for handling...

It's all in the game..sometimes you win and customs lets it through..live with it

[BiG-T]

I have had a similar experience buying from the States, the carrier is charged with recovering the VAT at a larger rate than normal because they are not in the EU and then they charge an admin fee for the pleasure of collecting it. I learnt my lesson with this and now only buy from EU countries unless I am desperate or can get them sent as FOC samples.

Tony

[Mslater]

Yes I got similar and tried to object, take my advice pay it quickly, they don't mess about.

[5exi]

Yep it's normal for DHL had the same thing happen twice and i even said i'll cover customs fee's myself and keep your admin fee's.

Didn't work they started going on about court action and reporting me to customs etc so i just paid it.

From then on i ask for shipping though Royal Mail or i won't buy from them.

[moyesboy]

Noraml for all courier services. They expedite it through customs without you asking them to, deliver your goods, then a week or two later you get an additioinal bill for VAT/duty on the declared goods value, plus their admin fee for expediting it through customs(some of which is a fee they pay to the customs for it to jump the queue).
the declared value is always a difficult one.
The courier will only refund the declared value if the item is lost or damaged in transit.

[brin]

had a similar problem .it is illegal for them to not deliver your goods ,they need to invoice you separately for any charges. you still have to pay but you hang onto your money longer. there is a post here.parcelforce ripoff rant - RcHeliaddict

[R1stu]

had a similar problem .it is illegal for them to not deliver your goods ,they need to invoice you separately for any charges. you still have to pay but you hang onto your money longer. there is a post here.parcelforce ripoff rant - RcHeliaddict

Still not paid my pf fees from last aug! got the bill just never got arond to pay it!

[brin]

Still not paid my pf fees from last aug! got the bill just never got arond to pay it!

crap i paid up one month after i got it doh.