Internet Bargains

I have recently ordered a TaylorMade TpxFT wedge from 'Golfstore18.com' I chose these guys because they advertised at £5.00 less than any other site, plus free shipping. after 8 days i received a voicemail from DHL stating that my club was being quarantined and would not be released until I paid VAT on it (£11.86) no where on the site does it mention that these prices are ex VAT.

Anyway I bite the bullet and pay up, when my package arrives it contains not the TPxFT but a RAC wedge, I have no problem with that per se but I have now paid £66.00 for a club I could have bought for my less from my old faithful site Onlinegolf.co.uk.

I have sent numerous emails & no response and guess what the customer services phone line is always on voicemail

I am now going to spend a further £10.00 on beer to drown my sorrows!!

Tread carefully out there guys, even on the internet if it looks too good to be true, it probably is...

Caveat Emptor  or whatever thase foreign chaps say

Julian

Sorry to hear that, similar stories here - http://www.golfshake.com/forums/view/7493/Fake_Callaways.html

VAT is a serious issue and no doubt with these 'austerity measures' the Customs and Revenue are tightening up and looking to get their mits on what they can. VAT is a minefield but the general rule of thumb is that if you're a consumer then you'll have to pay it. unless it is exempt but that's usually reserved for scientific equipment for medical research, charities etc. You really need to make sure that the price you pay is vat included (there have been test cases where if vat is not mentioned it is deemed as included but it does depend on who you are talking to). The problems will inevitably arise if you purchase online, via tv shopping channel, anything other than direct face to face because usually once they've got your money they don't really want to know.

 Also be aware that overses purchases will be subject to vat also (this was not the case not so long ago) and in a lot of cases it is the handler like DHL that may incur (or rather 'hold'  the vat which they then charge to the next or end user.

When I was looking for new clubs I found that site too.  However it seemed too good to be true as their stuff is so much cheaper than anywhere else.  A quick google search revealed all sorts of complaints about that site so I left it.  If it looks too good to be true it probably is.

How did you pay?

Credit card or PayPal then I would suggest contacting either and getting them to issue a refund.

You have not been delivered what you ordered.