Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy

[dean bessey via Meteorite-list]

I can confirm to everybody that this person  Davide Urbinati
"Davide  Urbinati" 
 Cc: "MeteorList" 
 Received: Monday, 25 July, 2016, 12:18 PM
 
 Aloha Capt’n, all,
 
 I just want to say that I know
 Davide Urbinati to be an honest, upstanding and respectful
 member of our meteorite community. I have had numerous
 transactions with him in the past, even after having
 discontinued service to Italy on eBay. 
 
 I am sorry to hear of your experience Michael,
 but am hoping this can be worked out amicably and with
 mutual satisfaction. 
 
 gary
 
 > On
 Jul 23, 2016, at 3:36 PM, Michael Blood via Meteorite-list
 
 wrote:
 > 
 > Hi all,
 > 
 >        You all
 may recall that several years ago multiple
 > Dealers warned against sales to Italy. It
 seams at
 > Least one buyer was claiming
 not to have received
 > Shipments that
 were verified, not to have received
 >
 Money that was sent him, etc.
 > 
 >        Unfortunately, I failed to head
 warnings about
 > Shipping to Italy. A
 different Italian contacted me (Or
 > At
 least one using a different name and email) and
 > I explained even Registered Mail seems to
 fail to
 > guarantee delivery in Italy but
 I somehow allowed
 > him to talk me into a
 Fed Ex shipment of a specimen.
 > I
 agreed, providing he send $50 shipping and agree
 > to pay any additional amount Fed Ex might
 charge.
 > 
 >     
   Perhaps it is the same fellow from several years ago
 > Using a different name (he was so good at
 that Art could
 > Not keep him off the
 list because he would just join again
 >
 Using a different name and email). So, beware of:
 > 
 > "Davide
 Urbinati" 
 > 
 > 
 >        Even though I scanned the
 receipt and sent it to him
 > He refused
 to pay the $59.79 Fed Ex charged me. So, I am
 > Out that $.
 > 
 >        Believe me, I will never ship
 to Italy again.
 > 
 > 
       Better luck to all of you,
 > 
       Michael Blood
 > 
 > 
 > 
 > 
 > 
 >
 __
 > 
 > Visit our Facebook
 page https://www.facebook.com/meteoritecentral
 and the Archives at http://www.meteorite-list-archives.com
 > Meteorite-list mailing list
 > Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com
 > https://pairlist3.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
 
 Gary Fujihara
 Big Kahuna Meteorites Inc.
 PO
 Box 4175, Hilo, HI  96720
 (808) 640-9161
 http://bigkahuna-meteorites.com/
 http://www.ebay.com/sch/fujmon/m.html
 
 __
 
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Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy

[Gary Fujihara via Meteorite-list]

Aloha Capt’n, all,

I just want to say that I know Davide Urbinati to be an honest, upstanding and 
respectful member of our meteorite community. I have had numerous transactions 
with him in the past, even after having discontinued service to Italy on eBay. 

I am sorry to hear of your experience Michael, but am hoping this can be worked 
out amicably and with mutual satisfaction. 

gary

> On Jul 23, 2016, at 3:36 PM, Michael Blood via Meteorite-list 
>  wrote:
> 
> Hi all,
> 
>You all may recall that several years ago multiple
> Dealers warned against sales to Italy. It seams at
> Least one buyer was claiming not to have received
> Shipments that were verified, not to have received
> Money that was sent him, etc.
> 
>Unfortunately, I failed to head warnings about
> Shipping to Italy. A different Italian contacted me (Or
> At least one using a different name and email) and
> I explained even Registered Mail seems to fail to
> guarantee delivery in Italy but I somehow allowed
> him to talk me into a Fed Ex shipment of a specimen.
> I agreed, providing he send $50 shipping and agree
> to pay any additional amount Fed Ex might charge.
> 
>Perhaps it is the same fellow from several years ago
> Using a different name (he was so good at that Art could
> Not keep him off the list because he would just join again
> Using a different name and email). So, beware of:
> 
> "Davide Urbinati" 
> 
> 
>Even though I scanned the receipt and sent it to him
> He refused to pay the $59.79 Fed Ex charged me. So, I am
> Out that $.
> 
>Believe me, I will never ship to Italy again.
> 
>Better luck to all of you,
>Michael Blood
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> __
> 
> Visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/meteoritecentral and the 
> Archives at http://www.meteorite-list-archives.com
> Meteorite-list mailing list
> Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com
> https://pairlist3.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list

Gary Fujihara
Big Kahuna Meteorites Inc.
PO Box 4175, Hilo, HI  96720
(808) 640-9161
http://bigkahuna-meteorites.com/
http://www.ebay.com/sch/fujmon/m.html

__

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Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy

[MexicoDoug via Meteorite-list]

Thanks Captain B,

As we say, "A bad negotiation is better than a good fight."  

99% your customer is not the one you thought.  That suspicion is hurting you.  
You can Google the customer and find out one by his name has done a couple of 
exhibitions for Emilia-Romagna, lectures and belongs to a local astronomical 
society, gives advice on meteorites even including one case where there was a 
shipping question in which his reply was to work with the Seller to resolve it. 
 Try one more time, maybe a show of goodwill above and beyond what is required 
offer to split the $60, and do it face to face by calling dado_sanna on Skype 
...   

Next time just collect shipping costs up front ... rather than exposing 
yourself.  I feel for your customer's situation, having been in a similar one 
for many years because of the unfortunate state of the local postal service and 
the rampant corruption and pilfering throughout the system.  I hope you will 
reconsider supporting our enthusiastic Italian (Brasilian, Russian and Mexican) 
friends so as to do a part in giving them access to reputable meteorite sellers.

Although your customer's expectations were misplaced, it is still a case of 
misunderstanding that could have been prevented - even if that meant two trips 
to FedEx if it was too difficult to calculate the shipping cost yourself.

In the case of Italy, ask if they can cough up a shipping address to a 
different EU nation to initially receive the shipment and from where they can 
be responsible to reship to the Italian address.  The situation is far less 
problematic if the parcel arriving in Italy originates in the current Eurozone, 
vs. the US and Canada which at this moment happen to be outside the walls 
surrounding Byzantium.  It will likely get their much faster too, so it can 
benefit them.

While this may not make sense to many people who take for granted less 
problematical postal services, or don't care about the little saintly 
collector, speaking from personal experience and cravings, sometimes there are 
specimens that are "must have" and being told "NO!  I don't ship to X" can be a 
huge depressant.  

If the collector is conscientious about their situation, they can just adjust 
their purchases accordingly and save up for the moments that are truly special, 
and better yet, get a helping hand from other sympathetic European collectors.  
I responded to this thread because too often I had the "We don't ship to X", 
door slammed in my face.  It never happened with meteorites but was a problem 
with larger companies.  You did a nice thing, btw, and I don't think you will 
end up burnt in the end since the collector had a misunderstanding and I am 
sure he will want to correct it in a positive manner.

As for Italy, firm cash up front, insurance (U-pic or InsurePost), and check 
registered FC mail rules on commercial sales to see what's permitted and what's 
not ...

Kindest wishes
Doug




-Original Message-
From: Michael Blood 
To: MexicoDoug ; Meteorite List 

Sent: Sun, Jul 24, 2016 2:31 am
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy

Hi Doug,
Thanks for the kind words. However, I have saved all
The emails and believe me, there was absolutely no confusion
Re shipping - -clarified clearly (twice) that if Fed EX were
less than $50 I would refund him the difference and if it
were more than $50 he would have to agree to paypal me
the difference.
He stated I should  not have put the "real value" on the shipment -
AFTER I had sent it - When Fed Ex turned out to be more, then
He complained he would have to pay the import fee and wouldn't
Pay any more for the shipping.
Kind and gentle is always best and I tried that for several
Posts to no avail whatever.
No, this is a clear cut case of being ripped off. I suspect it is
Our old "friend" as his approach is nearly identical and his English
Is similarly distorted. But whether it is or not the results are identical.
I, too, like to think people are basically honest and live up to
Their commitments and I do deal with people that way and the vast
Majority of people in the meteorite community are that way.
Also, I do not believe for a second this is "typical of Italians" -
only two - and possibly only one - have/has acted this way. Every
Country has both the saintly and the cur.
Good to hear from you, Doug,
Michael

On 7/23/16 10:32 PM, "MexicoDoug"  wrote:

> Michael,
> 
> How discouraging, as if doing what you love wasn't already a labor of love.
> Your customer appears to be a dedicated collector, exhibitor, lecturer, and
> dealer (involved with meteorites and as using them as raw materials for
> selling trinkets and watch dials, including to school children).  You could
> double-check if it is not a miscommunication from your message exchange
> defining who was supposed 

[meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy

[Paul Swartz via Meteorite-list]

Business/company income tax is an illusion. Income tax is a cost of doing 
business so it is passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.

Paul Swartz
IMCA 5204


> Most companies pay little or no income taxes in the end. 
> 
> Michael Farmer
> 
__

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Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy

[Raremeteorites via Meteorite-list]

You are absolutely correct.  Many countries actually monitor the declared 
values and keep a vendor list of those they suspect of cheating.  I had a 
specimen sent to Switzerland and customs actually took the specimen out, 
weighed it and appraised it much higher than it sold for on eBay!  I do not 
blame the customer for refusing this package since there was a huge 
difference between what it actually sold for and what customs thought it was 
worth.  Not only that, if you claim a low value and there is a discrepancy 
between the declared value and the insurance amount, guess what, you just 
made the list.


It is not worth fudging the numbers on these forms since you could very well 
lose your ability to ship anything overseas or worse, lose what little 
freedom you have left.



- Original Message - 
From: "Daniel Noyes via Meteorite-list" 


To: 
Sent: Sunday, July 24, 2016 12:48 PM
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy



Hello All,

From time to time I get an ebay buyer who asks/suggests that I put a low
number on the customs value declaration. I always respond that in the
USA it is unlawful and punishable by fine or imprisonment to falsify the
customs forms, and if that is a problem they can request a cancellation
of the sale. I even had one ebay buyer, after receipt of the package,
try to give me negative feedback because the import tax was too high,
and why did I not use a low value on the customs form like "all the
other sellers". As much as I may sympathize with their angst over the
import duty, it is not going to happen. I contacted ebay and directed
them to her messages, and they promptly removed the negative feedback.
Part of the problem are the sellers who enable this behavior. Word to
the wise, it is not worth the risk...don't do it.

Best regards,
Daniel

Daniel Noyes
Genuine Moon & Mars Meteorite Rocks
i...@moonmarsrocks.com
www.moonmarsrocks.com




 Original Message 
Message: 4
Date: Sun, 24 Jul 2016 07:58:21 -0700
From: "Raremeteorites" 
To: 
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy
Message-ID: <5FB62A72B0964F6CA7680F7AB4F7A24E@HPDESKTOP>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=original

I have had some overseas buyers ask me to lower the value on the customs

declaration form. Some even threatened not to accept the package if I
reported the correct amount. I always tell them that I pay more than my
fair share of U.S. taxes so why should I assist them on cheating on
theirs
which is against the law. Some of these overseas buyers tell me that
other
U.S. vendors do it all of the time for them. U.S. taxes are among the
highest in the world, especially when dealing in collectables which have
no
long-term capital gain advantage and are in the top tax bracket.

Now, I put this clause in my descriptions:

Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or
shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please
check
with your country's customs office to determine what these additional
costs
will be prior to bidding or buying.

I hope this helps,


- Original Message - 
From: "Michael Blood via Meteorite-list"


To: "MexicoDoug" ; "Meteorite List"

Sent: Saturday, July 23, 2016 11:31 PM
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy



Hi Doug,
Thanks for the kind words. However, I have saved all
The emails and believe me, there was absolutely no confusion
Re shipping - -clarified clearly (twice) that if Fed EX were
less than $50 I would refund him the difference and if it
were more than $50 he would have to agree to paypal me
the difference.
He stated I should not have put the "real value" on the shipment -
AFTER I had sent it - When Fed Ex turned out to be more, then
He complained he would have to pay the import fee and wouldn't
Pay any more for the shipping.
Kind and gentle is always best and I tried that for several
Posts to no avail whatever.
No, this is a clear cut case of being ripped off. I suspect it is
Our old "friend" as his approach is nearly identical and his English
Is similarly distorted. But whether it is or not the results are
identical.
I, too, like to think people are basically honest and live up to
Their commitments and I do deal with people that way and the vast
Majority of people in the meteorite community are that way.
Also, I do not believe for a second this is "typical of Italians" -
only two - and possibly only one - have/has acted this way. Every
Country has both the saintly and the cur.
Good to hear from you, Doug,
Michael

On 7/23/16 10:32 PM, "MexicoDoug"  wrote:


Michael,

How discouraging, as if doing what you love wasn't already a labor of
love.

Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy

[Daniel Noyes via Meteorite-list]

Hello All,

>From time to time I get an ebay buyer who asks/suggests that I put a low
number on the customs value declaration. I always respond that in the
USA it is unlawful and punishable by fine or imprisonment to falsify the
customs forms, and if that is a problem they can request a cancellation
of the sale. I even had one ebay buyer, after receipt of the package,
try to give me negative feedback because the import tax was too high,
and why did I not use a low value on the customs form like "all the
other sellers". As much as I may sympathize with their angst over the
import duty, it is not going to happen. I contacted ebay and directed
them to her messages, and they promptly removed the negative feedback.
Part of the problem are the sellers who enable this behavior. Word to
the wise, it is not worth the risk...don't do it.

Best regards,
Daniel

Daniel Noyes
Genuine Moon & Mars Meteorite Rocks
i...@moonmarsrocks.com
www.moonmarsrocks.com




 Original Message 
Message: 4
Date: Sun, 24 Jul 2016 07:58:21 -0700
From: "Raremeteorites" 
To: 
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy
Message-ID: <5FB62A72B0964F6CA7680F7AB4F7A24E@HPDESKTOP>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
 reply-type=original

I have had some overseas buyers ask me to lower the value on the customs

declaration form. Some even threatened not to accept the package if I 
reported the correct amount. I always tell them that I pay more than my 
fair share of U.S. taxes so why should I assist them on cheating on
theirs 
which is against the law. Some of these overseas buyers tell me that
other 
U.S. vendors do it all of the time for them. U.S. taxes are among the 
highest in the world, especially when dealing in collectables which have
no 
long-term capital gain advantage and are in the top tax bracket.

Now, I put this clause in my descriptions:

Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or 
shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please
check 
with your country's customs office to determine what these additional
costs 
will be prior to bidding or buying.

I hope this helps,


- Original Message - 
From: "Michael Blood via Meteorite-list" 

To: "MexicoDoug" ; "Meteorite List" 

Sent: Saturday, July 23, 2016 11:31 PM
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy


> Hi Doug,
> Thanks for the kind words. However, I have saved all
> The emails and believe me, there was absolutely no confusion
> Re shipping - -clarified clearly (twice) that if Fed EX were
> less than $50 I would refund him the difference and if it
> were more than $50 he would have to agree to paypal me
> the difference.
> He stated I should not have put the "real value" on the shipment -
> AFTER I had sent it - When Fed Ex turned out to be more, then
> He complained he would have to pay the import fee and wouldn't
> Pay any more for the shipping.
> Kind and gentle is always best and I tried that for several
> Posts to no avail whatever.
> No, this is a clear cut case of being ripped off. I suspect it is
> Our old "friend" as his approach is nearly identical and his English
> Is similarly distorted. But whether it is or not the results are 
> identical.
> I, too, like to think people are basically honest and live up to
> Their commitments and I do deal with people that way and the vast
> Majority of people in the meteorite community are that way.
> Also, I do not believe for a second this is "typical of Italians" -
> only two - and possibly only one - have/has acted this way. Every
> Country has both the saintly and the cur.
> Good to hear from you, Doug,
> Michael
>
> On 7/23/16 10:32 PM, "MexicoDoug"  wrote:
>
>> Michael,
>>
>> How discouraging, as if doing what you love wasn't already a labor of 
>> love.
>> Your customer appears to be a dedicated collector, exhibitor, lecturer, 
>> and
>> dealer (involved with meteorites and as using them as raw materials for
>> selling trinkets and watch dials, including to school children). You 
>> could
>> double-check if it is not a miscommunication from your message exchange
>> defining who was supposed to pay for what. The immediate problem was not
>> Italy, as much as the expensive, secure shipping cost which you 
>> understood was
>> to be paid by him as it sounds like he received the meteorite and you 
>> have a
>> tracking receipt.
>>
>> Or, next time you are in Rimini, stop by this hair salon and go collect 
>> if the
>> friendly approach doesn't pan out. Maybe settle for a seafood risotto. 
>> I'd
>> make an appointment first and bring a bottle of wine @ (+39)3485447938. 
>> He
>> really doesn't seem like a scammer!
>>
>> Kindest wishes
>> Doug
>>
>>
>>
>> -Original Message-
>> From: Michael Farmer via 

Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy

[Raremeteorites via Meteorite-list]

Maybe if you average in over half the U.S. population that doesn't pay taxes 
and others who collect entitlements instead would you come up with the 27th 
highest ranking.  Many do not count Obamacare as a tax but the supreme court 
ruled that it is indeed a tax putting the U.S. well over the top.  Many pay 
more for Obamacare than they do their mortgages.


Ina case, taxes are way too high for most of the Americans who actually pay 
them.





.
- Original Message - 
From: "Michael Farmer" 
To: "Raremeteorites" ; "Meteorite Mailing 
List" 

Sent: Sunday, July 24, 2016 9:48 AM
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy


We are the 27th highest. That doesn't take into account deductions, which 
actually bring our rates far lower. Most companies pay little or no income 
taxes in the end.


Michael Farmer

On Jul 24, 2016, at 9:03 AM, Raremeteorites via Meteorite-list 
 wrote:


When you add in FICA, Self-employment tax, Medicaid, Inventory, ObamaCare,
Sales and other taxes, they are the highest in the world.


- Original Message - From: "Michael Farmer" 

To: "Raremeteorites" ; "Meteorite Mailing 
List" 

Sent: Sunday, July 24, 2016 8:41 AM
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy


American taxes are nowhere near the highest in the world..
Michael Farmer

Sent from my iPad

On Jul 24, 2016, at 7:58 AM, Raremeteorites via Meteorite-list 
 wrote:


I have had some overseas buyers ask me to lower the value on the customs 
declaration form.  Some even threatened not to accept the package if I 
reported the correct amount.  I always tell them that I pay more than my 
fair share of U.S. taxes so why should I assist them on cheating on 
theirs which is against the law.  Some of these overseas buyers tell me 
that other U.S. vendors do it all of the time for them. U.S. taxes are 
among the highest in the world, especially when dealing in collectables 
which have no long-term capital gain advantage and are in the top tax 
bracket.


Now, I put this clause in my descriptions:

Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or 
shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.  Please 
check with your country's customs office to determine what these 
additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying.


I hope this helps,


- Original Message - From: "Michael Blood via Meteorite-list" 

To: "MexicoDoug" ; "Meteorite List" 


Sent: Saturday, July 23, 2016 11:31 PM
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy



Hi Doug,
 Thanks for the kind words. However, I have saved all
The emails and believe me, there was absolutely no confusion
Re shipping - -clarified clearly (twice) that if Fed EX were
less than $50 I would refund him the difference and if it
were more than $50 he would have to agree to paypal me
the difference.
 He stated I should  not have put the "real value" on the shipment -
AFTER I had sent it - When Fed Ex turned out to be more, then
He complained he would have to pay the import fee and wouldn't
Pay any more for the shipping.
 Kind and gentle is always best and I tried that for several
Posts to no avail whatever.
 No, this is a clear cut case of being ripped off. I suspect it is
Our old "friend" as his approach is nearly identical and his English
Is similarly distorted. But whether it is or not the results are 
identical.

 I, too, like to think people are basically honest and live up to
Their commitments and I do deal with people that way and the vast
Majority of people in the meteorite community are that way.
 Also, I do not believe for a second this is "typical of Italians" -
only two - and possibly only one - have/has acted this way. Every
Country has both the saintly and the cur.
 Good to hear from you, Doug,
 Michael


On 7/23/16 10:32 PM, "MexicoDoug"  wrote:

Michael,

How discouraging, as if doing what you love wasn't already a labor of 
love.
Your customer appears to be a dedicated collector, exhibitor, lecturer, 
and

dealer (involved with meteorites and as using them as raw materials for
selling trinkets and watch dials, including to school children).  You 
could

double-check if it is not a miscommunication from your message exchange
defining who was supposed to pay for what.  The immediate problem was 
not
Italy, as much as the expensive, secure shipping cost which you 
understood was
to be paid by him as it sounds like he received the meteorite and you 
have a

tracking receipt.

Or, next time you are in Rimini, stop by this hair salon and go collect 
if the
friendly 

[meteorite-list] Warning on eBay buyers

[Gary Fujihara via Meteorite-list]

Meteorite sellers, I give you warnings about eBay buyers: 

Chris Zehm, eBay name: chrizeh-5, with 0 feedback. He won one of my auctions 
and then said that he "would like to hereby resign my purchase . The bid was 
not associated with this product . Ich noticed this today." I blocked him until 
he learns how to use eBay.

D.K Lawas, eBay name: dklawas001. He won several items, then claimed 
non-receipt and filed for refund, which I provided. Another seller contacted me 
about the same person claiming another non-receipt. Since the likelihood of two 
missing packages from two different sellers to this person within 2 months is 
highly suspect, I have blocked this buyer and excluded United Arab Emirates as 
a destination country I serve (because two other residents of UAE had filed 
non-receipt last year, making it 0-3 for this country).

Mahalo, and have a great day!

Gary Fujihara
Big Kahuna Meteorites Inc.
PO Box 4175, Hilo, HI  96720
(808) 640-9161
http://bigkahuna-meteorites.com/
http://www.ebay.com/sch/fujmon/m.html

__

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Archives at http://www.meteorite-list-archives.com
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Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy

[Michael Farmer via Meteorite-list]

We are the 27th highest. That doesn't take into account deductions, which 
actually bring our rates far lower. Most companies pay little or no income 
taxes in the end. 

Michael Farmer

> On Jul 24, 2016, at 9:03 AM, Raremeteorites via Meteorite-list 
>  wrote:
> 
> When you add in FICA, Self-employment tax, Medicaid, Inventory, ObamaCare,
> Sales and other taxes, they are the highest in the world.
> 
> 
> - Original Message - From: "Michael Farmer" 
> To: "Raremeteorites" ; "Meteorite Mailing 
> List" 
> Sent: Sunday, July 24, 2016 8:41 AM
> Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy
> 
> 
> American taxes are nowhere near the highest in the world..
> Michael Farmer
> 
> Sent from my iPad
> 
>> On Jul 24, 2016, at 7:58 AM, Raremeteorites via Meteorite-list 
>>  wrote:
>> 
>> I have had some overseas buyers ask me to lower the value on the customs 
>> declaration form.  Some even threatened not to accept the package if I 
>> reported the correct amount.  I always tell them that I pay more than my 
>> fair share of U.S. taxes so why should I assist them on cheating on theirs 
>> which is against the law.  Some of these overseas buyers tell me that other 
>> U.S. vendors do it all of the time for them. U.S. taxes are among the 
>> highest in the world, especially when dealing in collectables which have no 
>> long-term capital gain advantage and are in the top tax bracket.
>> 
>> Now, I put this clause in my descriptions:
>> 
>> Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or 
>> shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.  Please check 
>> with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs 
>> will be prior to bidding or buying.
>> 
>> I hope this helps,
>> 
>> 
>> - Original Message - From: "Michael Blood via Meteorite-list" 
>> 
>> To: "MexicoDoug" ; "Meteorite List" 
>> 
>> Sent: Saturday, July 23, 2016 11:31 PM
>> Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy
>> 
>> 
>>> Hi Doug,
>>>  Thanks for the kind words. However, I have saved all
>>> The emails and believe me, there was absolutely no confusion
>>> Re shipping - -clarified clearly (twice) that if Fed EX were
>>> less than $50 I would refund him the difference and if it
>>> were more than $50 he would have to agree to paypal me
>>> the difference.
>>>  He stated I should  not have put the "real value" on the shipment -
>>> AFTER I had sent it - When Fed Ex turned out to be more, then
>>> He complained he would have to pay the import fee and wouldn't
>>> Pay any more for the shipping.
>>>  Kind and gentle is always best and I tried that for several
>>> Posts to no avail whatever.
>>>  No, this is a clear cut case of being ripped off. I suspect it is
>>> Our old "friend" as his approach is nearly identical and his English
>>> Is similarly distorted. But whether it is or not the results are identical.
>>>  I, too, like to think people are basically honest and live up to
>>> Their commitments and I do deal with people that way and the vast
>>> Majority of people in the meteorite community are that way.
>>>  Also, I do not believe for a second this is "typical of Italians" -
>>> only two - and possibly only one - have/has acted this way. Every
>>> Country has both the saintly and the cur.
>>>  Good to hear from you, Doug,
>>>  Michael
>>> 
 On 7/23/16 10:32 PM, "MexicoDoug"  wrote:
 
 Michael,
 
 How discouraging, as if doing what you love wasn't already a labor of love.
 Your customer appears to be a dedicated collector, exhibitor, lecturer, and
 dealer (involved with meteorites and as using them as raw materials for
 selling trinkets and watch dials, including to school children).  You could
 double-check if it is not a miscommunication from your message exchange
 defining who was supposed to pay for what.  The immediate problem was not
 Italy, as much as the expensive, secure shipping cost which you understood 
 was
 to be paid by him as it sounds like he received the meteorite and you have 
 a
 tracking receipt.
 
 Or, next time you are in Rimini, stop by this hair salon and go collect if 
 the
 friendly approach doesn't pan out.  Maybe settle for a seafood risotto. I'd
 make an appointment first and bring a bottle of wine @ (+39)3485447938. He
 really doesn't seem like a scammer!
 
 Kindest wishes
 Doug
 
 
 
 -Original Message-
 From: Michael Farmer via Meteorite-list 
 
 To: Michael Blood ; Meteorite Mailing List
 

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-- 

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www.instagram.com/galacticstone
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Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy

[Raremeteorites via Meteorite-list]

When you add in FICA, Self-employment tax, Medicaid, Inventory, ObamaCare,
Sales and other taxes, they are the highest in the world.


- Original Message - 
From: "Michael Farmer" 
To: "Raremeteorites" ; "Meteorite Mailing 
List" 

Sent: Sunday, July 24, 2016 8:41 AM
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy


American taxes are nowhere near the highest in the world..
Michael Farmer

Sent from my iPad

On Jul 24, 2016, at 7:58 AM, Raremeteorites via Meteorite-list 
 wrote:


I have had some overseas buyers ask me to lower the value on the customs 
declaration form.  Some even threatened not to accept the package if I 
reported the correct amount.  I always tell them that I pay more than my 
fair share of U.S. taxes so why should I assist them on cheating on theirs 
which is against the law.  Some of these overseas buyers tell me that 
other U.S. vendors do it all of the time for them. U.S. taxes are among 
the highest in the world, especially when dealing in collectables which 
have no long-term capital gain advantage and are in the top tax bracket.


Now, I put this clause in my descriptions:

Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or 
shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.  Please check 
with your country's customs office to determine what these additional 
costs will be prior to bidding or buying.


I hope this helps,


- Original Message - From: "Michael Blood via Meteorite-list" 

To: "MexicoDoug" ; "Meteorite List" 


Sent: Saturday, July 23, 2016 11:31 PM
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy



Hi Doug,
  Thanks for the kind words. However, I have saved all
The emails and believe me, there was absolutely no confusion
Re shipping - -clarified clearly (twice) that if Fed EX were
less than $50 I would refund him the difference and if it
were more than $50 he would have to agree to paypal me
the difference.
  He stated I should  not have put the "real value" on the shipment -
AFTER I had sent it - When Fed Ex turned out to be more, then
He complained he would have to pay the import fee and wouldn't
Pay any more for the shipping.
  Kind and gentle is always best and I tried that for several
Posts to no avail whatever.
  No, this is a clear cut case of being ripped off. I suspect it is
Our old "friend" as his approach is nearly identical and his English
Is similarly distorted. But whether it is or not the results are 
identical.

  I, too, like to think people are basically honest and live up to
Their commitments and I do deal with people that way and the vast
Majority of people in the meteorite community are that way.
  Also, I do not believe for a second this is "typical of Italians" -
only two - and possibly only one - have/has acted this way. Every
Country has both the saintly and the cur.
  Good to hear from you, Doug,
  Michael


On 7/23/16 10:32 PM, "MexicoDoug"  wrote:

Michael,

How discouraging, as if doing what you love wasn't already a labor of 
love.
Your customer appears to be a dedicated collector, exhibitor, lecturer, 
and

dealer (involved with meteorites and as using them as raw materials for
selling trinkets and watch dials, including to school children).  You 
could

double-check if it is not a miscommunication from your message exchange
defining who was supposed to pay for what.  The immediate problem was 
not
Italy, as much as the expensive, secure shipping cost which you 
understood was
to be paid by him as it sounds like he received the meteorite and you 
have a

tracking receipt.

Or, next time you are in Rimini, stop by this hair salon and go collect 
if the
friendly approach doesn't pan out.  Maybe settle for a seafood risotto. 
I'd
make an appointment first and bring a bottle of wine @ (+39)3485447938. 
He

really doesn't seem like a scammer!

Kindest wishes
Doug



-Original Message-
From: Michael Farmer via Meteorite-list 


To: Michael Blood ; Meteorite Mailing List

Sent: Sat, Jul 23, 2016 9:37 pm
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy

Why do people ignore warnings? Italy is notorious for
scams and stolen packages.

Sent from my iPad


On Jul 23, 2016, at 6:36 PM, Michael Blood via Meteorite-list
 wrote:

Hi all,

  You all may recall that several years ago multiple
Dealers warned against sales to Italy. It seams at
Least one buyer was claiming not to have received
Shipments that were verified, not to have received
Money that was sent him, etc.

  Unfortunately, I failed to head warnings about
Shipping to Italy. A 

Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy

[Raremeteorites via Meteorite-list]

When you add in FICA, Self-employment tax, Medicaid, Inventory, ObamaCare, 
Sales and other taxes, they are the highest in the world.




- Original Message - 
From: "Michael Farmer" 
To: "Raremeteorites" ; "Meteorite Mailing 
List" 

Sent: Sunday, July 24, 2016 8:41 AM
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy


American taxes are nowhere near the highest in the world..
Michael Farmer

Sent from my iPad

On Jul 24, 2016, at 7:58 AM, Raremeteorites via Meteorite-list 
 wrote:


I have had some overseas buyers ask me to lower the value on the customs 
declaration form.  Some even threatened not to accept the package if I 
reported the correct amount.  I always tell them that I pay more than my 
fair share of U.S. taxes so why should I assist them on cheating on theirs 
which is against the law.  Some of these overseas buyers tell me that 
other U.S. vendors do it all of the time for them. U.S. taxes are among 
the highest in the world, especially when dealing in collectables which 
have no long-term capital gain advantage and are in the top tax bracket.


Now, I put this clause in my descriptions:

Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or 
shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.  Please check 
with your country's customs office to determine what these additional 
costs will be prior to bidding or buying.


I hope this helps,


- Original Message - From: "Michael Blood via Meteorite-list" 

To: "MexicoDoug" ; "Meteorite List" 


Sent: Saturday, July 23, 2016 11:31 PM
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy



Hi Doug,
  Thanks for the kind words. However, I have saved all
The emails and believe me, there was absolutely no confusion
Re shipping - -clarified clearly (twice) that if Fed EX were
less than $50 I would refund him the difference and if it
were more than $50 he would have to agree to paypal me
the difference.
  He stated I should  not have put the "real value" on the shipment -
AFTER I had sent it - When Fed Ex turned out to be more, then
He complained he would have to pay the import fee and wouldn't
Pay any more for the shipping.
  Kind and gentle is always best and I tried that for several
Posts to no avail whatever.
  No, this is a clear cut case of being ripped off. I suspect it is
Our old "friend" as his approach is nearly identical and his English
Is similarly distorted. But whether it is or not the results are 
identical.

  I, too, like to think people are basically honest and live up to
Their commitments and I do deal with people that way and the vast
Majority of people in the meteorite community are that way.
  Also, I do not believe for a second this is "typical of Italians" -
only two - and possibly only one - have/has acted this way. Every
Country has both the saintly and the cur.
  Good to hear from you, Doug,
  Michael


On 7/23/16 10:32 PM, "MexicoDoug"  wrote:

Michael,

How discouraging, as if doing what you love wasn't already a labor of 
love.
Your customer appears to be a dedicated collector, exhibitor, lecturer, 
and

dealer (involved with meteorites and as using them as raw materials for
selling trinkets and watch dials, including to school children).  You 
could

double-check if it is not a miscommunication from your message exchange
defining who was supposed to pay for what.  The immediate problem was 
not
Italy, as much as the expensive, secure shipping cost which you 
understood was
to be paid by him as it sounds like he received the meteorite and you 
have a

tracking receipt.

Or, next time you are in Rimini, stop by this hair salon and go collect 
if the
friendly approach doesn't pan out.  Maybe settle for a seafood risotto. 
I'd
make an appointment first and bring a bottle of wine @ (+39)3485447938. 
He

really doesn't seem like a scammer!

Kindest wishes
Doug



-Original Message-
From: Michael Farmer via Meteorite-list 


To: Michael Blood ; Meteorite Mailing List

Sent: Sat, Jul 23, 2016 9:37 pm
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy

Why do people ignore warnings? Italy is notorious for
scams and stolen packages.

Sent from my iPad


On Jul 23, 2016, at 6:36 PM, Michael Blood via Meteorite-list
 wrote:

Hi all,

  You all may recall that several years ago multiple
Dealers warned against sales to Italy. It seams at
Least one buyer was claiming not to have received
Shipments that were verified, not to have received
Money that was sent him, etc.

  Unfortunately, I failed to head warnings about
Shipping to Italy. A 

Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy

[Michael Farmer via Meteorite-list]

American taxes are nowhere near the highest in the world..
Michael Farmer 

Sent from my iPad

> On Jul 24, 2016, at 7:58 AM, Raremeteorites via Meteorite-list 
>  wrote:
> 
> I have had some overseas buyers ask me to lower the value on the customs 
> declaration form.  Some even threatened not to accept the package if I 
> reported the correct amount.  I always tell them that I pay more than my fair 
> share of U.S. taxes so why should I assist them on cheating on theirs which 
> is against the law.  Some of these overseas buyers tell me that other U.S. 
> vendors do it all of the time for them. U.S. taxes are among the highest in 
> the world, especially when dealing in collectables which have no long-term 
> capital gain advantage and are in the top tax bracket.
> 
> Now, I put this clause in my descriptions:
> 
> Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or 
> shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.  Please check 
> with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs 
> will be prior to bidding or buying.
> 
> I hope this helps,
> 
> 
> - Original Message - From: "Michael Blood via Meteorite-list" 
> 
> To: "MexicoDoug" ; "Meteorite List" 
> 
> Sent: Saturday, July 23, 2016 11:31 PM
> Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy
> 
> 
>> Hi Doug,
>>   Thanks for the kind words. However, I have saved all
>> The emails and believe me, there was absolutely no confusion
>> Re shipping - -clarified clearly (twice) that if Fed EX were
>> less than $50 I would refund him the difference and if it
>> were more than $50 he would have to agree to paypal me
>> the difference.
>>   He stated I should  not have put the "real value" on the shipment -
>> AFTER I had sent it - When Fed Ex turned out to be more, then
>> He complained he would have to pay the import fee and wouldn't
>> Pay any more for the shipping.
>>   Kind and gentle is always best and I tried that for several
>> Posts to no avail whatever.
>>   No, this is a clear cut case of being ripped off. I suspect it is
>> Our old "friend" as his approach is nearly identical and his English
>> Is similarly distorted. But whether it is or not the results are identical.
>>   I, too, like to think people are basically honest and live up to
>> Their commitments and I do deal with people that way and the vast
>> Majority of people in the meteorite community are that way.
>>   Also, I do not believe for a second this is "typical of Italians" -
>> only two - and possibly only one - have/has acted this way. Every
>> Country has both the saintly and the cur.
>>   Good to hear from you, Doug,
>>   Michael
>> 
>>> On 7/23/16 10:32 PM, "MexicoDoug"  wrote:
>>> 
>>> Michael,
>>> 
>>> How discouraging, as if doing what you love wasn't already a labor of love.
>>> Your customer appears to be a dedicated collector, exhibitor, lecturer, and
>>> dealer (involved with meteorites and as using them as raw materials for
>>> selling trinkets and watch dials, including to school children).  You could
>>> double-check if it is not a miscommunication from your message exchange
>>> defining who was supposed to pay for what.  The immediate problem was not
>>> Italy, as much as the expensive, secure shipping cost which you understood 
>>> was
>>> to be paid by him as it sounds like he received the meteorite and you have a
>>> tracking receipt.
>>> 
>>> Or, next time you are in Rimini, stop by this hair salon and go collect if 
>>> the
>>> friendly approach doesn't pan out.  Maybe settle for a seafood risotto. I'd
>>> make an appointment first and bring a bottle of wine @ (+39)3485447938. He
>>> really doesn't seem like a scammer!
>>> 
>>> Kindest wishes
>>> Doug
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> -Original Message-
>>> From: Michael Farmer via Meteorite-list 
>>> 
>>> To: Michael Blood ; Meteorite Mailing List
>>> 
>>> Sent: Sat, Jul 23, 2016 9:37 pm
>>> Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy
>>> 
>>> Why do people ignore warnings? Italy is notorious for
>>> scams and stolen packages.
>>> 
>>> Sent from my iPad
>>> 
 On Jul 23, 2016, at 6:36 PM, Michael Blood via Meteorite-list
  wrote:
 
 Hi all,
 
   You all may recall that several years ago multiple
 Dealers warned against sales to Italy. It seams at
 Least one buyer was claiming not to have received
 Shipments that were verified, not to have received
 Money that was sent him, etc.
 
   Unfortunately, I failed to head warnings about
 Shipping to Italy. A different Italian contacted me (Or
 At least one using a different name and email) and
 I 

Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy

[Raremeteorites via Meteorite-list]

I have had some overseas buyers ask me to lower the value on the customs 
declaration form.  Some even threatened not to accept the package if I 
reported the correct amount.  I always tell them that I pay more than my 
fair share of U.S. taxes so why should I assist them on cheating on theirs 
which is against the law.  Some of these overseas buyers tell me that other 
U.S. vendors do it all of the time for them. U.S. taxes are among the 
highest in the world, especially when dealing in collectables which have no 
long-term capital gain advantage and are in the top tax bracket.


Now, I put this clause in my descriptions:

Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or 
shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.  Please check 
with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs 
will be prior to bidding or buying.


I hope this helps,


- Original Message - 
From: "Michael Blood via Meteorite-list" 

To: "MexicoDoug" ; "Meteorite List" 


Sent: Saturday, July 23, 2016 11:31 PM
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy



Hi Doug,
   Thanks for the kind words. However, I have saved all
The emails and believe me, there was absolutely no confusion
Re shipping - -clarified clearly (twice) that if Fed EX were
less than $50 I would refund him the difference and if it
were more than $50 he would have to agree to paypal me
the difference.
   He stated I should  not have put the "real value" on the shipment -
AFTER I had sent it - When Fed Ex turned out to be more, then
He complained he would have to pay the import fee and wouldn't
Pay any more for the shipping.
   Kind and gentle is always best and I tried that for several
Posts to no avail whatever.
   No, this is a clear cut case of being ripped off. I suspect it is
Our old "friend" as his approach is nearly identical and his English
Is similarly distorted. But whether it is or not the results are 
identical.

   I, too, like to think people are basically honest and live up to
Their commitments and I do deal with people that way and the vast
Majority of people in the meteorite community are that way.
   Also, I do not believe for a second this is "typical of Italians" -
only two - and possibly only one - have/has acted this way. Every
Country has both the saintly and the cur.
   Good to hear from you, Doug,
   Michael

On 7/23/16 10:32 PM, "MexicoDoug"  wrote:


Michael,

How discouraging, as if doing what you love wasn't already a labor of 
love.
Your customer appears to be a dedicated collector, exhibitor, lecturer, 
and

dealer (involved with meteorites and as using them as raw materials for
selling trinkets and watch dials, including to school children).  You 
could

double-check if it is not a miscommunication from your message exchange
defining who was supposed to pay for what.  The immediate problem was not
Italy, as much as the expensive, secure shipping cost which you 
understood was
to be paid by him as it sounds like he received the meteorite and you 
have a

tracking receipt.

Or, next time you are in Rimini, stop by this hair salon and go collect 
if the
friendly approach doesn't pan out.  Maybe settle for a seafood risotto. 
I'd
make an appointment first and bring a bottle of wine @ (+39)3485447938. 
He

really doesn't seem like a scammer!

Kindest wishes
Doug



-Original Message-
From: Michael Farmer via Meteorite-list 


To: Michael Blood ; Meteorite Mailing List

Sent: Sat, Jul 23, 2016 9:37 pm
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy

Why do people ignore warnings? Italy is notorious for
scams and stolen packages.

Sent from my iPad


On Jul 23, 2016, at 6:36 PM, Michael Blood via Meteorite-list
 wrote:

Hi all,

   You all may recall that several years ago multiple
Dealers warned against sales to Italy. It seams at
Least one buyer was claiming not to have received
Shipments that were verified, not to have received
Money that was sent him, etc.

   Unfortunately, I failed to head warnings about
Shipping to Italy. A different Italian contacted me (Or
At least one using a different name and email) and
I explained even Registered Mail seems to fail to
guarantee delivery in Italy but I somehow allowed
him to talk me into a Fed Ex shipment of a specimen.
I agreed, providing he send $50 shipping and agree
to pay any additional amount Fed Ex might charge.

  Perhaps it is the same fellow from several years ago
Using a different name (he was so good at that Art could
Not keep him off the list because he would just join again
Using a different name and email). So, beware of:

"Davide Urbinati" 


   Even though I 

[meteorite-list] Meteorite Picture of the Day

[Paul Swartz via Meteorite-list]

Today's Meteorite Picture of the Day: Mapleton

Contributed by: Anne Black

http://www.tucsonmeteorites.com/mpodmain.asp?DD=07/24/2016
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Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy

[Michael Blood via Meteorite-list]

Hi Doug,
Thanks for the kind words. However, I have saved all
The emails and believe me, there was absolutely no confusion
Re shipping - -clarified clearly (twice) that if Fed EX were
less than $50 I would refund him the difference and if it
were more than $50 he would have to agree to paypal me
the difference.
He stated I should  not have put the "real value" on the shipment -
AFTER I had sent it - When Fed Ex turned out to be more, then
He complained he would have to pay the import fee and wouldn't
Pay any more for the shipping.
Kind and gentle is always best and I tried that for several
Posts to no avail whatever.
No, this is a clear cut case of being ripped off. I suspect it is
Our old "friend" as his approach is nearly identical and his English
Is similarly distorted. But whether it is or not the results are identical.
I, too, like to think people are basically honest and live up to
Their commitments and I do deal with people that way and the vast
Majority of people in the meteorite community are that way.
Also, I do not believe for a second this is "typical of Italians" -
only two - and possibly only one - have/has acted this way. Every
Country has both the saintly and the cur.
Good to hear from you, Doug,
Michael

On 7/23/16 10:32 PM, "MexicoDoug"  wrote:

> Michael,
> 
> How discouraging, as if doing what you love wasn't already a labor of love.
> Your customer appears to be a dedicated collector, exhibitor, lecturer, and
> dealer (involved with meteorites and as using them as raw materials for
> selling trinkets and watch dials, including to school children).  You could
> double-check if it is not a miscommunication from your message exchange
> defining who was supposed to pay for what.  The immediate problem was not
> Italy, as much as the expensive, secure shipping cost which you understood was
> to be paid by him as it sounds like he received the meteorite and you have a
> tracking receipt.
> 
> Or, next time you are in Rimini, stop by this hair salon and go collect if the
> friendly approach doesn't pan out.  Maybe settle for a seafood risotto.  I'd
> make an appointment first and bring a bottle of wine @ (+39)3485447938.  He
> really doesn't seem like a scammer!
> 
> Kindest wishes
> Doug
> 
> 
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Michael Farmer via Meteorite-list 
> To: Michael Blood ; Meteorite Mailing List
> 
> Sent: Sat, Jul 23, 2016 9:37 pm
> Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Another warning re sales to Italy
> 
> Why do people ignore warnings? Italy is notorious for
> scams and stolen packages.
> 
> Sent from my iPad
> 
>> On Jul 23, 2016, at 6:36 PM, Michael Blood via Meteorite-list
>>  wrote:
>> 
>> Hi all,
>> 
>>You all may recall that several years ago multiple
>> Dealers warned against sales to Italy. It seams at
>> Least one buyer was claiming not to have received
>> Shipments that were verified, not to have received
>> Money that was sent him, etc.
>> 
>>Unfortunately, I failed to head warnings about
>> Shipping to Italy. A different Italian contacted me (Or
>> At least one using a different name and email) and
>> I explained even Registered Mail seems to fail to
>> guarantee delivery in Italy but I somehow allowed
>> him to talk me into a Fed Ex shipment of a specimen.
>> I agreed, providing he send $50 shipping and agree
>> to pay any additional amount Fed Ex might charge.
>> 
>>   Perhaps it is the same fellow from several years ago
>> Using a different name (he was so good at that Art could
>> Not keep him off the list because he would just join again
>> Using a different name and email). So, beware of:
>> 
>> "Davide Urbinati" 
>> 
>> 
>>Even though I scanned the receipt and sent it to him
>> He refused to pay the $59.79 Fed Ex charged me. So, I am
>> Out that $.
>> 
>>Believe me, I will never ship to Italy again.
>> 
>>Better luck to all of you,
>>Michael Blood
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
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