Am I being **********?

My daughters' boyfriend sent her a small gift from America, asically comprising a journal and some sweets etc. with a declared value of $80.00, which is probably on the high side.

I then received an invoice from Fedex of R1104.09 for VAT that was payable on this parcel. After a couple of emails back and forth the realised that we had been sent the wrong account.

An invoice for R626.64 was then sent to me. We have on occassion received small gifts from friends and family abroad and have never been asked to pay customs duty or VAT on these. When I queried as to why I now had to pay additional fees (as shown below) I was told that the value of the gift is R1410.00 and because it exceeds the limit of R1400.00, it would attract customs duty and VAT. Customs duty - R39.70 VAT - R238.65 Other government agency - R198.29 advancement fee - R150.00

To make a long story, short - I have reviewed the exchange rate over the last few weeks and can't see that the dollar value of $80 has equated to more than R1400.00. Last week Thursday I was told that the parcel would be forwarded with no further charges and then on Monday I received a revised invoice for the customs duty and VAT only.

Now I am struggling to get through to someone in management and my emails are being ignored.

The gift was intended for my daughter on a special date and the intended delivery date has now long gone, with much of the sentimental meaning in the parcel having been lost.

This is the first time I am dealing with FEDEX and I can’t explain how frustrating and disappointing the experience has been. I can’t decide whether the issues that I am experiencing are just due to total incompetence or whether there is something more sinister going on – I have the distinct feeling that somebody is trying to rip me off!