I hear your frustration.I only got hit hard once when I received my vintage AT AT(star wars) VIA UPS.I had to pay an extra $40.I am luckly in that I only had to pay duty on about 4 items over the last year.(Knocks on wood)

Don't give up as your luck may turn and buy from the right sellers on ebay to pick your Joes up.

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My Collections

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22356329@N03/sets/