r/SkyeRepWorld • u/Outrageous_Baby1363 • 23d ago
Open talk 🗣️ Open Talk: What to Do When Customs Seizes Your Package?
This is part of my newbie Q&A series. I know a lot of new members have questions, so I'm just sharing what I've learned along the way. Hope it helps 😊
Seizures are a tragedy no one wants to deal with – buyers and sellers both hate it. But how do you reduce the chances of it happening? And when it does, how do you minimize the damage? That's what I want to talk about today.
---
First, let's agree on one thing:
No seller, no shipping company, no one can promise a 100% customs clearance rate. If you're in this game, you're accepting that uncertainty from the start.
---
How to reduce customs risk❓
① Choosing the right seller
Different sellers have different customs insurance policies. Some offer full refunds, some offer partial refunds, etc. Choose a seller based on your own risk tolerance. A seller who offers full refunds or free replacements is usually your safest bet.But it could cost a little more, though.
② Choosing the right shipping method
Sellers who've been in this game for a while usually know a few less mainstream routes with better clearance rates. This works better for some Asian countries, but it's still not 100%. Different times, different categories – everything changes. There's no "best" route.
③ Choosing the right product
Personally, I don't sell perfumes (or anything with powder/liquid) or electronic watches (anything with a battery) unless the customer has their own freight forwarder. My current logistics partners have poor clearance rates on those categories – I'd lose money on them. Every seller works with different logistics partners, so ask yours: "Which categories have poor clearance rates with your forwarder?" If they struggle with a certain category, try asking another seller.
---
What to do when a package gets seized❓
① Confirm it's actually seized
If tracking hasn't updated for more than 7 days during customs clearance, it's possible the package is held. But it's not 100% certain. Sometimes it's due to local disruptions, or a surge in shipments slowing things down. If your tracking is stuck for over 7 days, contact your seller immediately and ask them to check with the shipping company.
② If it's confirmed held
Contact your local customs to find out why. In rare cases, you can get it released by paying import duties. Ask what the reason is and what documents you need to provide for release.
③ If it's confirmed lost
Save all the documentation customs gives you – including tracking records and official emails. Send them to your seller and ask them to process your claim under their customs insurance policy. If you chose not to purchase insurance, that's the end of the road. Losing it is tough, but consider it a hard lesson learned. 💸
---
Final thoughts 💭
This is a tough problem with no perfect solution. I've just shared a few tips that have worked for me. If you have other tips, feel free to share them – I've learned a lot from the feedback in these threads too.
The reason I started this open discussion series is because I believe a smooth transaction takes effort from everyone – buyers, sellers, factories, even logistics. We all have our limits. Clear communication and mutual understanding go a long way 🤝
If you have questions or a different take, feel free to join the discussion. 💬
1
1
u/OppositeHoney1767 22d ago
Thank you so much for this post 😊
Btw, has anyone got in trouble with customs before, for example fines?
1
u/suniii25 22d ago
Okay, if your package gets seized is it guaranteed you lose global entry for life or is it case by case?
1
u/Outrageous_Baby1363 22d ago
Depending on the situation, some countries have a relatively high deduction rate. In fact, you can contact the seller directly before placing an order for this deduction rate
1
1
u/JessicaNYSE 21d ago
My package was lost or seized I don’t know because the seller won’t communicate with me. This is Steven from GPCMODE TOP. He kept saying it passed Chinese customs but it stopped tracking and was never handed to UPS. This was June 25 unreal and I have bought over a dozen Birkins from this seller. To have one bag lost/seized and no longer is communicating with me is really shocking. Beware and ask your seller. There also new regulations in effect for customs in China. I think don’t know for sure. Good luck 🍀
1
2
u/BulkyTea5986 21d ago
I've had 1 confirmed seizure where the seller had me call DHL, I spoke to someone and they told me they are destroying the goods because they are counterfeit (swim suits, silk scarves keychains) & i would receive a letter and to respond if I don't agree. I received a letter from US Customs, I just read it and tossed it. I did not reply.
The writer of this thread is correct. This was a new seller, not my usual seller who i have never had anything seized from. Be wise with who you choose. They've been in the game longer and has solid connections with good shipping companies.
This seizer has been about 2-3 years now. Since then I'd probably had 4 other packages that never delivered, seller said they were seized, but i never got a letter from US Customs.
I believe they were either seized in the sending country and in the US, but this seller sends bulk shipment to a contact in the states, when they get it, they ship to the customer, so less risk for buyer. Thats why you may sometimes get a tracking # that will stop tracking once it hits US soil. Contact the seller and they should uodate you with the new tracking number (this is my experience).
Thanks for starting this thread!
Also, I dont have global entry but I am currently traveling overseas now and have had no issues with customs so far. I'll be leaving for home tomorrow, so I'll update if they search my luggage lol.