US only sales WHY???

Asking a seller to undervalue their product on the invoice exposes them to a potential loss in the event of shipping damage as shipping companies generally will not payoff more than the items declared value. If an individual wants to scam their government that's their business. given some of the tax laws I can even understand why they would. But asking me to be complicit is a step too far.

BTW, I am not opposed to international sales or purchases, though my preference is for US transactions, especially for larger purchases. These are always paid for with USPS Money Orders and the funds delivered via the USPS. If there is a scam or deceit it's a Federal offense and the likelihood of the authorities taking action is greater. I may not get my money back, but there is a greater chance the culprit would not do it again! (yes, mildly delusional, but it brings me comfort...)

As I understand it, it is not an offence to undervalue any item being sent, but only to give a different insurance value to the declared customs value. If the buyer wishes to take the risk of a loss on the insurance if the item goes astray and it is underinsured, that is his risk, not the sellers.

Declaring a lesser value is fraud and the border agents are more resourceful than most people assume. They have the computers to check Ebay and Audiogon records and often do, as well as contacting the seller. Not only can they fine, they can confiscate and lay criminal charges.

"Asking a seller to undervalue their product on the invoice exposes them to a potential loss in the event of shipping damage as shipping companies generally will not payoff more than the items declared value." - Why will a seller need a payoff? Nobody is foolish enough to ship an item before he receives the full payment for it. If a shipment is lost, it's a buyer who suffers.

"Declaring a lesser value is fraud" - Lesser than what? What's the reference point? If two people agree on a price, it's their private business, nobody can override their decision. If you want to sell your $800 amp for $200, and a buyer agrees to buy it for $200, it's nobody else's business.

Here's a quiz for everyone. There are two worlds; each has its pluses and minuses:

In the first world, a seller has no responsibility to deliver their product to the buyer in the condition advertised. If there is shipping damage it is the buyer's responsibility to accept the loss. There is no need for freight insurance, therefore any value for the item being shipped can be declared.

In the second world it is the responsibility of a seller to deliver their product to the buyer in the condition advertised. If there is shipping damage it is the seller's responsibility to accept the loss. The seller is allowed to insure their product, but doing so requires an honest declaration of the product's value.

Which world do you want to live in?

Thanks for playing.