Over inflating customs prices

I would not recommend using Fedex as your preferred delivery service provider.

I have just had a dress sent over from Canada. The dress weight 1KG. The sender paid 300 Canadian dollar to send the item, more than what the value of the item is. I have now received an email stating I must pay R876.15 in customs duties, plus R452.70 in vat, and R150 for ROD fee.

I believe this prices have been severely inflated. I have previously order items from overseas that weight has been far greater, yet only paid R600 including vat in customs charges. I emailed back asking for an explanation and proof as to why customs is charging so much, as well as an explanation for the vat amount. My first question was completely ignored and they copied and pasted a response to the vat question from SARS website. I then investigated the VAT charges as well as get a calculation from another international delivery company. The vat amount quoted to me was a lot less than what Fedex is including on their invoice. I also feel that these international tariffs should be stated upfront before the sender sends the package, as it might not be worth it to send the package. It is costing more money to deal with fedex, then what the value of the item is.

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Dear valued customer I trust this e-mail finds you well. Please be advised that we are experiencing problems when receiving proof of payment directly from the bank. Please request that the proof of payment notification be sent to you, and then emailed to *** and copy in *** Please find attached the invoice for customs duties and taxes. The reference number when paying should be the House Bill/ Tracking Number (12 digits). Please note that FedEx has partnered with OZOW electronic payment system for instant payments, kindly follow the below link to make payment via Ozow. https://pay.ozow.com/p/4C374256f65 Banking Options: Electronic Payment and Direct Deposits Bank Standard Bank Account Name: ZA ROD Account Number: 30 170 736 7 Type of Account: Business Current Account Account held at: Sandton Branch Code: 51001 Date Account Opened: 2019/04/26 Registration Number: *** Credit Card Should you wish to pay by Credit Card please contact the agent and they will forward you a link to process the payment via a secure site.

Please note the policy which applies once a shipment has arrived in the country: FedEx Express has a time definite commitment to the sender in order to deliver the shipment. Therefore, the documentation has been pre cleared through ZA Customs prior to the arrival of your shipment. In order to speed up the delivery of your shipment upon arrival, payment must be received by FedEx within 48 hours from the customs clearance date. Please note that Fedex has a 2 day holding policy therefore if payment is not received within 48 hours of the date of the fax, an International Trace will be opened to the shipper advising the shipper of the payment delay which will cause a delivery delay once the shipment arrives in South Africa. If payment has not been received after 5 working days of the receipt of this fax/email, shipment will be returned or destroyed at the shipper's request. Kind Regards, Best Wishes, Nande Tiso | Customer Relations Representative | ROD | office : *** 1-7 Romeo road,Hughes,Boksburg 1459 South Africa | www.fedex.com