NOTE: you may also download this information as a PDF by clicking here.
What is the “Buy-on-your-Behalf Service”?
Some U.S. sellers refuse to sell to international customers, even when the product is to be shipped to a U.S. FFL (Federal Firearms Licensee) Dealer for legal export. In these cases, and a few others, we offer this Buy-on-your-Behalf Service.
How does it work?
After you identify the items to be purchased, and have verified that the U.S. seller will not accept any form of international payment, initiate contact with us. Once we have determined that there is a high probability of export license approval, we will make arrangements with you to proceed.
Pre-payment required: In all cases, pre-payment will be required. In the case of online auctions, we must receive payment at least 72 hours prior to the end of the auction.
How much does it cost?
Because of the various costs of offering this service (such as the time involved, B&O tax, liability insurance, funds processing costs, etc.), we must charge a nominal fee.
The Fee Structure is as follows:
5% of the purchase amount, with a $50 minimum.
(Available for up to $5,000 purchase price; contact us to inquire about a higher purchase price).
*Note + 3% charge for payment by Visa or MasterCard, details below.
How can I get the money to Borderview International?
The preferred method of payment is Wire Transfer into our designated bank account (instructions will be provided). Alternatively, you can send a Money Order or Certified Check by mail, in U.S. funds. Finally, on a case-by-case basis we can accept payment by Visa or MasterCard, for an additional 3% of the amount being transferred.
What about auctions – where I may not be the highest bidder, or it may go for less?
We can bid on auctions on GunBroker.com on your behalf. You’ll be required to submit to us in writing (email is fine) your desired “highest bid”. We’ll then place a bid for that amount on your behalf. Unfortunately, we do not have the ability to ‘strategically bid’ on auctions, such as waiting to the last minute to bid, or slowly bidding more and more.
If you’re not the highest bidder: In cases where your high bid is not the winning bid, we can hold your funds for use toward a future auction/purchase, or refund the funds intended to be used for the bid (the Buy-on-your-Behalf Service fee itself (detailed above) is non-refundable). There will be an additional $25 “Refund Processing Fee” if you choose to have these funds refunded, rather than used toward a future auction/purchase.
If the closing price is less than you sent us: If the auction closing price is less than you sent us, there are two options: (1) if any export-related expenses are still unpaid (i.e. shipping, export licensing, etc.), the excess funds will be first applied to the unpaid balance; then (2) any excess funds after you’ve paid-in-full will be refunded to you by the original payment method.
Summary & Conclusion:
This is simply offered as a service for customers that find themselves in the unusual situation of a U.S. seller unwilling to take any form of payment from abroad. The service is not intended to be a profit-maker for us, but rather to pass-through the related costs of such a transaction. Whenever possible, we highly encourage you to make direct payment arrangements with the U.S. seller. Thank-you for understanding the limitations we must put on this service in order to make it feasible to continue offering this option. We look forward to serving you.
Updated February 2012.
NOTE: you may also download this information as a PDF by clicking here.
