BS: Customs, not the cultural kind

Subject: BS: Customs, not the cultural kind
From: 3refs
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 02:56 PM

I won an auction on e-bay for some hockey cards. A lot of the older guys; Gordie Howe, Jacque Plante, Bobby Hull and I knew the package would be inspected by Customs Canada because they came from California. Some of these cards were like little comic books and still in the origional sealed wrappers(as advertised). The bastards opened and discarded the cellophane and devalued 6 of them! If you folks down south ever decide to write your own invitation into Canada again, get the Border Guards first!

Subject: RE: BS: Customs, not the cultural kind
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 03:19 PM

You are absolutely right mate....Nothing cultured about those dumb bastards.

What did they think they might find, I wonder, do they just think it funny to destroy the value of collectables?

Don T.

Subject: RE: BS: Customs, not the cultural kind
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 04:03 PM

Something unusual must have occurred with 3refs shipment.

I collect stamps and coins, many of the latter in original containers as well, and over some 50 years have never had any damage inflicted by Customs inspectors.
Anything of value about $80-$100 or more, I register and/or insure. I always demand that the seller state the correct value of the package contents and include an invoice.
A couple of times the Customs has notified me that an item has been selected for internal inspection, and I have notified them of the nature of the goods along with permission.

Subject: RE: BS: Customs, not the cultural kind
From: gnu
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 04:23 PM

Oh dear. That sucks big time.

But, it is so reassuring to know that the Customs and Revenue Agency of Canada is on top alert and on guard for thee so that terrorists based in Calleefornneahhh can never attack Newfoundland though the post using the nefarious guise of hockey cards.

Fuckin assholes! What a bunch of...

Subject: RE: BS: Customs, not the cultural kind
From: 3refs
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 06:13 PM

I contacted the seller, and he assured me that the cards where wrapped in the origional cellophane and unopened!

Subject: RE: BS: Customs, not the cultural kind
From: Joe Offer
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 06:17 PM

Hi, 3refs-
It's just not right for a government agency to do something like that. I think you should file a formal complaint. Anybody in his right mind, would know that unwrapped merchandise has a far greater value than things that have been opened - especially when the merchandise is "collectible" items.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Customs, not the cultural kind
From: 3refs
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 06:31 PM

If you dance through all their hoops, that card you want that costs $50, now costs you 3X as much. Bonded couriers, inspection, verification makes the effort less appealing.
To be honest, they took so long to arrive, I thought some fool had opened the package and said to themselves "these cards are worth much more and we can demand more money"!

Subject: RE: BS: Customs, not the cultural kind
From: 3refs
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 06:33 PM

Price guide estamated the value of the cards at $300+. I picked them up for $25.