Thread: Dr. Laura, I have a moral dilemma

I have a buyer in Europe interested in a razor I'm selling in the classifieds, but he wants me to list the value as $25.00 and mark it as a gift for the customs and VAT folks. I hate confiscatory taxation as much as the next guy, but I hate attracting government attention almost as much.... any thoughts?

Not worth the hassle IMHO. I'm never very receptive to anyone who asks me to lie on their behalf.

On a less ethical and more practical point, what could be the comeback on you? Would this be considered fraud? I honestly don't know, but would certainly look into it before going down that road.

Originally Posted by Cangooner

Not worth the hassle IMHO. I'm never very receptive to anyone who asks me to lie on their behalf.

On a less ethical and more practical point, what could be the comeback on you? Would this be considered fraud? I honestly don't know, but would certainly look into it before going down that road.

Some people might wonder why I'm reticent about international shipping.

mark the declared value at $50,and merchindise.

I would say it's all up to you, I have done similar things and just told people I don't want to get any hassle and will not lie for them.
On other occasions I have sent stuff as gifts and as they were truly gifts I don't mind what the custom say.

It's a problem with customs when sending stuff around the world, if I would send a razor to the US for sharpening I can well get some extra work with the custom when it returns.

So don't do anything you don't feel comfortable with.

I send stuff all over the world,the question on the custom docs is not what the selling price was,it asks for value.
If the buyer pays XXX,And I have XXX into it,thats the value.
In other words, if I sell say a brush for $125,and I have $50 into it, the value is $50,but it is never claimed as a gift,it is merchandise.
All above board IMO.

The First Rule of Fight Club is "Don't talk about Fight Club"

If you needed to claim for it if the.post.office lost it might be messy .

Hi Stimpy.

I’m not a trader but have been ordering stuff internationally over the internet since before I could shave.

I’ve never asked a trader to alter the description and value of my purchases as shipping costs and dealing with customs is all part and parcel of the deal.

There is no upside for you giving into the purchasers request, if anything it indicates that they might not be the best customer to deal with (if they are willing to stiff the tax man for a few dollars they my also be willing to stiff you).

Go with your gut. If your gut feeling is that may not be so good, don't do it.