Americans may want to pay closer attention to where they’re shopping online this holiday season.
With tariffs hitting foreign goods shipped to the US, consumers could end up with surprise bills tucked in their packages. Some customers have received unexpected charges when international deliveries arrive at their doorsteps, for example.
To avoid paying extra for your gifts this year — or at least figure out if you’ll be on the hook for customs fees — you’ll need to read the fine print on retailer websites.
Do your research before you purchase
First, take note of the retailer or seller’s location. If it’s shipping from outside the US — and you can’t find a similar item from a US-based seller — you should check how the seller handles tariff fees.
Read the checkout page carefully to find those details; it may outline the fees for you. If it doesn’t, try the seller’s about page or the frequently asked questions on its website. Some retailers have a section dedicated to shipping expectations.
Online marketplace Etsy, for example, has a section in its FAQs about how to navigate tariffs for US shoppers. It advises customers to communicate with independent sellers to learn how they intend to handle tariffs and the associated costs. Since Etsy is a marketplace, each seller may approach tariffs differently.
And, while Amazon’s tariff help page said it will charge you for customs-related costs at checkout, streetwear marketplace Grailed, and an Ireland-based small business Sonnet and Fable inform consumers that they’ll have to worry about additional fees after checking out. Sonnet and Fable says that your package could be delayed or discarded if you miss the email about your extra charges.
If your seller is based outside the US and doesn’t have a section with international shipping information, you may want to get in contact to clear up any confusion. Ultimately, the recipient of the package could be expected to pay the tariff charges if the seller hasn’t paid the fees upfront.
Check your invoice and proceed with caution
Once you’ve made your purchase, shipping giant UPS recommends tracking your order closely. UPS says that if you pay the fees online before your package arrives, you can avoid a $12 surcharge that’s applied if you pay the delivery worker upon arrival.
If you believe there’s an error with your bill, you can dispute the taxes or duties fee by contacting the UPS Billing group using the number on your invoice.
FedEx, meanwhile, advises recipients to expect an invoice in the mail, which can be paid electronically, by phone, or by mail. Instructions for each option are included on the invoice.
Watch out for potential scams and avoid clicking on payment links too quickly.
To help guard against potential customs-related scams, FedEx recommends being cautious of any request for payment to receive a delivery, especially if it contains wording that appears inappropriate. FedEx says it won’t ask you to verify or provide personal information in an email or text message, for example.
It’s not impossible to shop internationally this holiday season, but it’s important to remain vigilant.
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