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Clearance delay for watch coming into the US from Germany

  1. Sukurux Aug 22, 2017

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    Hi All - bought a Speedy from Germany (a watch boutique), but now it's stuck either in Memphis or NJ according to Fedex. Will I ever get my watch? What to do? It's been about a week now. Here's a screen shot.

    IMG_4332.PNG
     
  2. Foo2rama Keeps his worms in a ball instead of a can. Aug 22, 2017

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    Did you call FedEx?
     
    Just Livin likes this.
  3. skkali168 Aug 22, 2017

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    You'll get it, it's kinda like customs. I would give it another week. When I order crap from china it happens to me all the time lol
     
  4. atc100 Aug 22, 2017

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    You will receive, i had same message when watch was coming from US to Croatia. It was there because of customs. They will call you or not. I called fedex because they were so slow... they told me that I have to give them invoce for item, and some other papers so they can send item to the custom service insted of you. After custom is done you will pay tax. Depending on your bill and then watch will be delivered.
     
  5. PhilN Aug 22, 2017

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    Also had a Speedmaster from Germany stuck in Customs. The delay was due to the invoice being in German. SA Customs will a new only clear with the documents in English. You should receive an email from FedEx advising the reason for clearance delay.

    Still found FedEx to be the best importing into SA.
     
  6. Just Livin Aug 22, 2017

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    To accelerate matters, just call them. It will be customs duties no doubt.
    As long as you have your tracking number, I always find they are only too happy to help.
    It's better than just waiting to be contacted.
     
  7. Sukurux Aug 22, 2017

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    Jusf talked to the seller and they stated that they received a message about needing more info about the watch. They are sending it to customs. Let's see what happens.
     
  8. jhross98 Aug 22, 2017

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    i would say this happens on 2/3 of the watches i have shipped from overseas. . .almost always needs more paperwork
     
  9. Larry S Color Commentator for the Hyperbole. Aug 22, 2017

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    It's called a watch sheet and either you or the seller can fill it out. I have always found Fedex super helpful and diligent in solving these issues. Usually the same day. You will get a bill later.
     
    gemini4 and Archer like this.
  10. Sukurux Aug 22, 2017

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    Whats the likelihood if a bill and at what percentage? Watch was $3300.
     
  11. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Aug 22, 2017

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    Yep - the watch sheet is missing. Once they have that it will clear quickly in my experience.
     
  12. Sukurux Aug 23, 2017

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    Fedex got back to me and stated that any watch over $2500 not only needed the watch sheet, but also a 5106 form. Pretty straight forward to fill out, but required my social security number.
     
  13. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Aug 23, 2017

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    That means you are getting a bill...
     
    Larry S likes this.
  14. cicindela Steve @ ΩF Staff Member Aug 23, 2017

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    Yep,


    Express mail international :thumbsup: (baring certain countries of course, your mileage may vary :D)
     
    gemini4 likes this.
  15. Sukurux Aug 23, 2017

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    Great...how big is the bill going to be do you think?
     
  16. Larry S Color Commentator for the Hyperbole. Aug 23, 2017

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    $100 - 200. Is my guess.
     
  17. BlackTalon This Space for Rent Aug 23, 2017

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    You need to go to your country's customs web site and look up the info. Each country seems to have their own set % for different categories of watches. Here in the US it can range from very low to 25% depending on the country it is sent from.

    Looking at page 18 from the "Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (2017) - Revision 1" (http://hts.usitc.gov/view/Chapter 91) it looks like this is the applicable rate for a regular Speedmaster:

    93¢ each + 4.8%
    on the case +
    11.2% on the
    strap, band or
    bracelet
     
    Edited Aug 23, 2017
  18. Sukurux Aug 23, 2017

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    good lord
     
  19. wkimmd Aug 23, 2017

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    yep - depends how the watch sheet was filled out by the shipper. what i've found is that if the value of the watch was declared mostly on the movement, the custom fees tend to be lower. if the value of the watch placed on the case (for example a 18k gold watch) then the customs fees tend to be higher...
     
  20. gemini4 Hoarder Of Speed et alia Aug 23, 2017

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    None of this happens btw, if package comes thru USPS.
     
    sxl2004, Rodmar, wkimmd and 1 other person like this.