Someone wrote <<It does no good for a customer to
request shipping via the USPS and then ask that a reduced value be
declared>>
This raises both an ethical and legal problem. On U.S.P.O. International parcel post packages invoices are now supposed to accompany the package, and correct declarations made. (This does not apply to small air-letter packs). If not a new policy, I am told by the postoffice is nevertheless being more rigorously enforced, as of the last several months. Matteos problem with having to pay excessive customs fees, and the same for those in many other countries, is well understood and appreciated. This, though, poses a real problem, as well, for both buyer and seller when a client requests that a lesser or "no value" declaration be stated and then something is lost.
Its also a problem when the client asks for no insurance, and
then understandably gets upset if and when the package gets lost.
(This is human nature!) Since we usually underestimate actual postage
anyway, and end up accepting the risk if that is acceptable, such as with small
inexpensive or easily replaceable items (such as...uhem! our membrane boxes)
paying the insurance ourselves, solves the immediate problem but probably
is not the correct way to run a serious business. For us, the business
exists to support a teaching museum collection in a college and some kind of
profit margin is appreciated but not a pressing issue. Sometimes we
just want material to study and then pass on at cost. For full-time
businesses with only that single source of income, and unless they want
negative cash-flow, their only alternative is to increase
profit-margins with higher prices to cover such expenses or go out of
business.
Ron
R. N. Hartman
METEORITES and MEMBRANE SUSPENSION BOXES
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
www.meteorite1.com
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
www.membranebox.com
Mailing address:
The R. N. Hartman Collection
METEORITES
P.O. Box 94
Walnut, CA 91788-0094 (U.S.)
----- Original Message -----
From: M come Meteorite Meteorites <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Cc: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2002 12:13 AM
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Re: a bad N.E. Meteoritical
Services experience?
>
> > Another dilemma which we all know about, and many
> > attempt to avoid, are the
> > Custom laws of the different countries. It does no
> > good for a customer to
> > request shipping via the USPS and then ask that a
> > reduced value be declared
> > on the package. That frustrates the sender's ability
> > to insure the package.
> > No insurance means that someone loses if the package
> > doesn't arrive. I am
> > sure the "risk" is worth it until the unfortunate
> > inevitable occurs. And, I
> > am certain that it happen more often than we hear
> > about.
>
> This is another problem, here in Italy for the packs
> from outside Europa the custom ask a 20% in tax. Just
> few days ago E.Olson have sent to me my Vigarano slice
> via FedEx. After 2 days I received a phone from Milan
> where a Mrs ask to me if I want pay $250 of tax for a
> pack, this only why the insure of $1200 write on the
> pack. I am sorry but I have addvise I no want pay a
> similar tax and I have ask the return of the piece in
> USA. For the moment the pack is not return in USA. I
> hope is no go lost or I kill in first the persons of
> the custom in Milan, and after the persons of the
> FedEx.
> Regards
>
> Matteo
>
>
> =====
> M come Meteorite - Matteo Chinellato
> Via Triestina 126/A - 30030 - TESSERA, VENEZIA, ITALY
> Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Sale Site: http://www.mcomemeteorite.com Collection Site: http://www.mcomemeteorite.info
> International Meteorite Collectors Association #2140
> MSN Messanger: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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>
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