Blind Print Exchange 38 (BPX38) – status & updates

[piu58]

Sent: 11/12: piu58, Buzz-01, Don Heisz, mfohl, spijker, halfaman, Pioneer, ced, gijsbert, tezzasmall, cramej
Recvd: 9(+1 resent)/12: spijker. gijsbert, mfohl, Don Heisz, mfohl, piu58, cramej, tezzasmall, Buzz-01

Dear photographers, I recommend sending only leters outside US, no small packages. You find my findings in #39. I'll include a few of similar sentences in every sign up thread.

 

[Buzz-01]

@Buzz-01
That's strange... and frustrating! I even "valued" it at $1.00 to try to avoid that but maybe that was a mistake. The EU gets their VAT on everything they can, I guess!

Don't worry about it, it's only a few bucks, which I'm supposed to get refunded anyway if they'll process my objection correctly.
And if not then so be it. Still happy to receive your photo in a couple of days hopefully!

The frustrating thing is that one needs to pay first, before one can file for any objection against that same payment...

Dear photographers, I recommend sending only leters outside US, no small packages. You find my findings in #39. I'll include a few of similar sentences in every sign up thread.

Thanks Uwe!

 

[Buzz-01]

Totday the mailman has delivered the print that cramej has sent me.
A beautiful print of the sunlight coming through the skylight in the library of the university where John works. An interesting pattern of light and shadow is projected on the wall.
Taken with a Hasselblad SWC and printed on Ilford MGlV RC Satin paper, the finish I've started to appreciate (and use more) over the last few months.

An interesting photo which I really enjoy. Thanks John!

 

[ced]

I repeat this private comm here for the benefit of this group:
Hello & in particular Menno! Yesterday there was delivered to my home without great ceremony the envelope coming from Menno (see attached envelope that may be of help in the future for others sending images to Europe from abroad).
The said envelope contained 2 fine prints taken in Rotterdam (just up the road ) they are very finely printed with wonderful tonal range, superb blacks (selenium toned) and the bright paper giving it a sparkle that I am not too familiar with.
Well done Menno & they are most welcome after such a long way back & forth. Most appreciated thanks for your trouble & expense!

 

[piu58]

Sent: 11/12: piu58, Buzz-01, Don Heisz, mfohl, spijker, halfaman, Pioneer, ced, gijsbert, tezzasmall, cramej
Recvd: 10(+1 resent)/12: spijker. gijsbert, mfohl, Don Heisz, mfohl, piu58, cramej, tezzasmall, Buzz-01, ced

 

[spijker]

I'm glad to see that the low profile envelope did the trick and my prints made to you it this time. I appreciate your nice comment about the prints. A good motivation to keep the hobby going.

Menno

 

[Buzz-01]

Hi John,

Got an e-mail from our Dutch postal service, stating that I need to pay VAT as well, like Cedric.
At least, I think it comes from you according to the invoice they sent me, the envelope will be delivered after payment. Tracking number is LZ997xxx375US, they charge me €0.19 VAT plus €4.00 handling fee.
Fortunately it's not the insane amount that Cedric was going to be charged, so I've just paid it and let them deliver the print to me.
PostNL allows me to object against this VAT charge after payment so I'll do that and see where it takes me.
Best case they refund, worst case PostNL will have unjustly made some money but at least I'll still get your print delivered.

I'll let you know when it arrives!

BR
Sebastiaan.
(I've explicitly included some details in this post so I can point PostNL to here in my objection letter, so they can verify my story )

Got a friendly reply from PostNL customer service. Indeed a packet marked as "GIFT" and with a low value should have passed through without VAT or import duties.

Anyway, the PostNL employee apologized and was genuinely interested in the concept of BPX as they've never heard of it.
They will refund the paid amount within the next couple of days.

 

[ced]

Most welcome Menno! Thanks again!