I am based in EU and purchased a product from LMCHING after finding it through Google Shopping.
The website:
Displays prices in EUR
Targets EU (localized interface)
Promotes free shipping
Does not clearly disclose at checkout that goods are shipped from outside the EU
Only after placing the order did I discover that the product was dispatched from Hong Kong/China.
As a result:
Delivery took more than 3 weeks instead of the advertised 3–6 days
The shipment was transferred between multiple carriers
I was asked to pay +35% on top in import VAT and customs clearance fees
There is no prominent disclosure near the product price or during checkout stating that import duties are not included and that EU customers will be required to pay additional mandatory charges.
The only reference to Hong Kong appears in the footer of the website, which is not sufficient transparency for EU consumers.
When I refused to pay the unexpected customs charges and requested a refund, LMCHING declined, stating that their policy does not allow refunds for refused shipments due to unpaid duties.
In my view, this is a misleading commercial practice because the total payable cost is not transparently presented before purchase. EU consumers expect VAT-inclusive pricing unless clearly stated otherwise.
I would not have placed this order had I known the product was shipped from outside the EU and that additional mandatory charges would apply.
Buyers in the EU should be aware of potential hidden import costs when purchasing from this website.
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