This is a follow-up on the other thread about the AliExpress taxes.

On 20 September I placed an order for a Hayward Multi Port Valve (MPV), because the replacement stem spring I had ordered from Lazada, had damaged the valve.

Shipping which I had expected to proceed in the next few days was severely delayed, and yesterday at 9pm I got the notification that it was shipped. Just in time, because one day later, and an automatic refund would be issued.

So do I smell a rat? Yes I do and with reason.

I had the same item in my cart from 4 other sellers, just in case my order wouldn't get shipped, and they remained available till the last day, as I checked every day.

When I received the shipping notification, I checked the cart again, and suddenly none of them were available any more.

Bit strange, don't you think?

So I expect that I either will receive nothing, or will receive a wrong item.

As no import duties or VAT was added to the purchase price, I expect that the logistics will collect them on delivery.

The seller in question has a good rating, but there are reviews about none or incomplete delivery. I only discovered those after the order was placed.

So to get to the point of my thread.

Am I allowed to open and check the parcel on delivery, similar to a Lazada or Shopee order?

If the parcel contains the wrong item, do I accept the delivery and then file a claim, or reject and file a claim?

If I accept the delivery, and have to pay import duties, I assume they can not be recovered if a refund is approved, and I will be out of the money for that. Correct?

So, how should I proceed at the time of delivery?

46 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

Am I allowed to open and check the parcel on delivery, similar to a Lazada or Shopee order?

Yes you ar allowed to open/inspect the delivery before accepting it and paying.