£8 handling fees by PracelForce or I don't get my item. WTF?

[Mr Jones]

I ordered an item from the states, all postage FULLY paid for from that end and I understand if the item is above £18, I'll get VAT. I was prepared for that (>£6 anyway) but never was I expecting PF to add an additional £8 'Handling fees' OR I will not get my item (must be paid within 20days)

What the hell?!

After a quick google, I found this and I cannot help but agree:
http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/transport-automobile-services/parcelforce/1223895/

~HM Rvenue & Customs and ParcelForce Clearance Fee's~

Parcelforce charges the recipient of incoming international parcels a "handling fee" of £8 or £13.50 if it has paid customs duty on behalf of the recipient (I paid £24.87 plus a ParcelForce Clearance Fee of £8 although I had already paid the full postage amount, this has to be paid before delivery), even though the cost of delivery has already been fully paid by the sender. In 2003 Pos****ch said it would investigate, stating "This smacks of profiteering. Customers should be confident when placing orders that the price is the price, with no hidden charges, which in this case appear to be exorbitant. We will be taking this up with Parcelforce immediately" .

Commenting on the legality aspect, Pos****ch stated in 2008 "there appears to be a case for saying that a postal operator may be acting illegally if it retains an item in order to claim its clearance fee". As of April 2009 ParcelForce's Clearance/Handling fee is still in place. The fee is regarded by a lot of customers as a potentially illegal scam.

Never had an issue with PF for local posting but after this experience, I'll be VERY careful now. If ordering from state side, probably go with FedEX or DHL rather than standard US-postal (I'm assuming they don't profit like stupid ParceForce!!)

Just needed to rant. Anyone had a similar experience? I need this item, so I paid it and chalk it on the lines of Do not swear! I'll have on my shotgun list.

Worst is the letter came in today, on the day where if I want the item tomorrow, I'll have to pay £12 for Saturday delivery. I'll be patient and wait till Monday then!

 

[Mr Jones]

I've learnt my lesson then

 

[Mr Jones]

Your refusing to pay the charges that are stated they can probably do what they want. I imagine (although not sure) that they can either keep it as part payment or maybe the law says they can't in which case they could legally send it back to original address and keep your money.

Trouble is, I'm not refusing to pay the VAT, I was expecting VAT since it's above £18 but handling fees are just stupid. Isn't there a way to pay the seller the VAT and have it already added onto the postage?