So hey… give me your thoughts please.
I bought a used but freshly re-painted tank and side cover set at a decent price of $900.00 from an ebay auction this June. Plus shipping and exchange of our dollar, about $1100.00. The seller did his part and shipped it out to my Canadian address. Turns out, the item went to ebay’s Global International shipping center in Kentucky. Shortly, I received an email from ebay that stated “the item is restricted in Canada”, also, “you will receive a full refund in 72 hours”.
Well a happy ending in the fact that I received a full refund in exactly 11 days not 3 days like the letter said.
But here’s the thing. Used fuel tanks are not prohibited in Canada, a fact confirmed by Canada Border Services Agency.
After a terrible delay in getting answers to my questions, ebay customer services admit that the tank was not actually restricted in Canada. I gave them proof in writing from USPS and the CBSA. The tank was deemed hazmat by their “Global shipping Specialist”. Basically an independent company contracted by ebay to manage and arrange shipping carriers to deliver items to other countries-as explained by ebay c/s. The email I received further explained that a used fuel tank, no matter how clean and dry is considered “hazardous” by their specialist.
It get’s worse. The Global Shipping center does not return such items to the seller. Without delay, discussion or notification, they sent the tank off for “liquidation”. Whatever or whoever that is. I know our border authorities seize goods that are illegal for entry into their particular country, however, no shipping center should ever act like their own independent super power and seize other people’s property at their discretion. If an item is seized by the border, there’s an appeal process. Not with the Global shipper. No appeals.
Ebay c/s told me “there’s nothing we can do once the item has been sent for liquidation” and ”you’ve been refunded your money so good luck in the future”.
That’s called theft in my country no matter how much cash is thrown in my face. One can’t justify it by saying
“you can just go get another, we’re keeping this one, take our money and go away”. What If I place more value in the item than the cash?
So yes, I can walk away. It’s only a cb 750 tank. I can get another repainted. I don’t know how a seller fairs in this sh*t deal but I know he won’t deal with me again or another Canadian or other I am sure.
Ebay c/s also stated that other shipping carriers will ship a used tank to Canada so they cautioned me to ensure a seller doesn’t use their Global shipping center in the future. Nice advice a little too late.
Mostly, this is to assist others to not make this mistake. Why wouldn’t they seize carbs, fuel pumps, oil tanks as well? Are the sellers left holding the bag? what it this was a high dollar mint sandcast tank or some super rare high dollar Harley, Indian or Norton tank or part? So be aware.
Signed
Vern- Albertaboy
Edit July 1 2014
I have added a copy/paste of the ebay customer service rep's reply to my questions. USA ebay seller please note*** Global International Shipping is not mandatory and as others have pointed out, cheaper for everybody if you don't select that method when shipping outside of the USA. Signed Albertaboy.
June 27 2014 reply to Albertaboy
"First off, I'm sorry that you did not receive your item. The Global Shipping Program is a third party service and has its own internal policies and rules as to what can be shipped. You are correct; Canadian Customs never denied entry of this item. The shipper saw what it was and simply refused to ship the item further based upon their own prerogative. You see, because the shipper ships to so many different companies they have instituted blanket restrictions on what can be sent to streamline the delivery process. The gas tank may well be able to pass through Canadian Customs, but because it can't clear so many other countries in the world, it cannot be sent through the Global Shipping Program. I checked out your other tank and see that the item was not sent through the Global Shipping Program, so it would appear you are correct and this can pass into Canada. Now mistakes do happen, but I think it is safe to assume that you will never successfully receive an item that once contained gasoline through the Global Shipping Program.
Sadly, once an item has been liquidated, there is no appeal process. I can see how this might seem like a roulette system but in truth, it is not. I am a Global Shipping Program expert but I am not a customs expert. We do outsource customs knowledge to our shipper. Clearly, I would think it safe to assume, based upon your previous successful transaction and your interaction with Canadian Customs, that gas tanks can be shipped into Canada. Unfortunately, such items will not clear through the Global Shipping Program. I would recommend that in any transaction you engage in with an item prohibited by the Global Shipping Program, that you make sure it is not in said program or that the seller is willing to ship it directly. You should have no further problems if you adhere to this dictum.
Once again, I am very sorry that your item was unable to be delivered. I regret that there is no appeal once an item has been liquidated. And I'm sorry if the procedure of the Global Shipping Program was inadequately explained. Rest assured, that you should be able to purchase such items without concern so long as they are not in this program. Thank you for your understanding.
Best Regards,
Dan K.
eBay"
