[quote name='TidalDreams']I don't order from the States that often, but I was pretty pissed about that one since the items were supposed to be free. I did get packages from Deep Discount that were marked at $100+ dollars and didn't get charged (although in reality I only paid about $30-40 so I would have bitched at them for overdeclaring if I did get charged).[/QUOTE]The customs taxing is very much dependent on the mood/temperament of the officer who ends up with your package in front of them. I've spoken to 3 postal workers and 1 customs officer regarding this.
Customs officer Jim - Just got back from vacation and is all mellowed out, see's your $115 package from deep discount, decides that he doesn't feel like doing the paperwork and gives you a break, no customs tax
Customs officer Bob - His hockey team just lost the playoffs, he's been having some trouble with his girlfriend, see's your $65 package, decides he wants to take out his frustration on you, fills out the necessary paperwork, BAM! customs tax
[quote name='Solid-Snake-Eyes']Ooh one time I ordered some CDs for like $3 each but the seller didn't write a value, customs took it upon themselves to decide the CDs were worth $10 each and charged me based on that. I was pissed off cause they had been way cheaper. Guess it's the seller's fault but I was mad at customs too. They were CD singles, not full albums.[/QUOTE]That is definitely the seller's fault for not putting a value. You should've made him/her cover the custom's fee. That being said if there is no value they will give it a generic value, ex. $5 postcard, $15 toy etc.