Chris L

If you make a false declaration, then yes that's breaking US customs law. Having said that the law was not put in place for secondhand personal goods, such as records but rather the import & export of commercial goods. Thing is it's not at all important for US customs what the value is, there are no export taxes. I once bought about $3000 of records from a dealer and just walked on the aeroplane with the record case, no-one looked, asked or checked, not in the US or in Europe. If the seller won't put a low value best to try and find a friend who lives in the US who can ship them onto you and if it's really a really expensive record, reckon on 25% total tax & duties, if it's a potential bill of $500.00+ you may want to even consider going to the US personally and while you're there look for more records. I was staying at a hotel in Chicago and I got the sellers to send stuff there so I didn't have to Backwoodsville to collect them. Good luck

I have to say most, if not all, sellers do put a low value on what they ship me. Best to ask the moment you pay.

Genuine, well done !! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strata-East_Records

Think I'm the same, I'll check out that Marvellows, have it somewhere. Flip Barbara Mills - Queen of fools, nice Popcorn choon........

Just one day to go now

Lars, when the postman arrived the package had already been custom cleared, there is no process to recoup any charges, especially when seller has declared a value. I get records almost daily from the US and generally it works out fine, I shouldn't bitch about 1 £20.00 mishap......... I'm still struggling with this seller he just doesn't want to re-imburse me !!!

2 days to go now...................

Luvva Lee Canadian

This is my reply : "Hello I consider myself a reasonable sort of bloke but I'm having a bit of trouble here. If I understand you correctly, you admit you sent me the wrong item and want me to spend almost the same the value of the record in shipping charges to be able to get a refund. I would be grateful if you could explain the logic and morals of this ? Would you pay for return shipping ? Chris" We await the reply with 'baited' breath

3 days to go

I have somewhere a taped interview with Weldon McDougall, in it he says that Larry had been "drinking" when he recorded She's wanted. He commended his performance in spite of the boozing.

Received this reply from seller : Greetings,. I am very sorry that this record is not up to snuff. I think I know where the error occurred. I had several copies of this Womack 45, and sometimes eBay will combine listings with multiple quantities, so that one buyer doesn't have multiple listings for the same item. Unfortunately this erases the grading that I had in the other listing. I understand you grade this at poor. I previously had it graded at VG-, with jukebox scuffing, gloss loss, and minor marks. I apologize that this happened, and I will be more diligent to make sure it doesn't happen again. I also apologize for you having to pay taxes. Here's a link I found on eBay that may help with future transactions: https://pages.ebay.com/help/pay/international-shipping-rules.html#who. You can also see from my eBay page (https://stores.ebay.com/Bird-Dog-Vintage-and-Vinyl/Shipping-Grading-Payment.html) where I have my policies posted. Now, to the important part. Let's get this resolved. I understand you not wanting to return this record, because the shipping cost is high. I would need the record returned for a full refund. I am definitely willing to give you a fair partial refund, with a store credit for the remaining balance. I can also give you a full store credit for the amount of the record. If you have any other ideas, I would love to work it out. I pride myself on being honest, and I feel terrible that this record is not what you wanted. I am here to help and work things out. Sincerely,

Dutch

Brazil

Here's a couple more.........................

I do that too, as do most people I know.

Haven't heard anything back, I suspect I won't.

Dreadful wouldn't even work for DJ-ing

Yes it was him, I've mailed him today haven't gotten reply yet.

This is what the seller actually said in his description : Bobby Womack & Peace 45 Across 110th St/Hang On In There United Artists 196 Rare Funk Soul - Vinyl is in VG+, Light Minor Marks Condition. Should have gone to Spec-savers

That is quite normal, unless it's broken or so bad it can't play you do have to return record get refund.

You're right generally speaking most sellers do grade well and there some Ebay sellers who do describe the record as G/VG- so you know what you're getting.

Of course it doesn't play, will write to seller tomorrow, be interested to see what he (and I can confirm it is a "he") says.

I bought a Johnny Sayles - Can't get enough, it was a demo and I kinda really wanted it, the seller (a well known dealer & DJ) said it played perfect, it looked dreadful and seller said I could return if I wasn't happy, by jimminey it played perfect, not one crackle or pop. Wish I had kept it

Record grading is a tough business and probably comes only second to whether the record is an original or not. You can have a record that looks mint but plays like hissing Sid or a ruffa-dan-ruff that plays perfect. Perhaps other SS guys & gals can share their experiences. This fell through my letterbox this morning (well actually it didn't, I had to pay £20.00 taxes & duties because the d**khead inflated the actual total value of the records.). What was he thinking of?............................