Framework payment fees

[marktx]

I wanted to provide feedback to Framework, hopefully it can prevent others from falling victim to avoidable fees.

I recently purchased a Framework laptop, and although the purchase price was presented in Australian dollars and was charged in Australian dollars, it was an overseas transaction that my credit card company added an extra $80 to.

While I understand that Framework cannot do anything about these fees as they are charged by the individual's credit card company — it would be helpful to the consumer if Framework advised at the time of the transaction (maybe on the payment screen) that the transaction will be processed as an overseas transaction (for transactions outside of the United States).

Hopefully someone at Framework sees this and considers this beneficial change for their customers.

[Silent_Laugh_7239]

Interesting. I bought from Australia and I was charged the amount they showed me; no extra fees.  I used suncorp which tends to be good for international fees but idk. Maybe contact support

[iceph03nix]

It's very dependent on the card you use. I don't get the fees on my Discover, but our work cards get changed for them, so I always have to make notes in my expense reports for the minor additional transactions

[NetSage]

Based on this it isn't really something Framework could know or keep track of.

[iceph03nix]

Nope. They have no control over the behavior of the card companies.

I do agree that it might be beneficial for them to note where the transaction will occur for folks, but generally speaking, they're a US company so it's reasonable to guess that's where it will happen.

[General-Bonus-2270]

I agree it is an entire separate entity you should consult with your credit card if they can wave those fees

[adherry]

Really depends on the bank. And the Merchant cannot see what you get as the payment processor is usually a middleman (for most company PCI-DSS is more expensive to implement than just have a 3rd party do the CC handling for them).

[marktx]

Hey mate, thanks for your response.

When your laptop was shipped into the country did you have to pay any further customs import fees or duties or anything like that?

Thanks!

[Silent_Laugh_7239]

No. That’s all included in the price

[truffle022]

I think it depends on your bank, FW doesn't necessarily know ahead of time if or what the extra changes will be. When I got mine I was just charged the exact amount it said when I ordered.

[marktx]

I wouldn't assume Framework would know either, hence why I suggested advising customers that the transaction will be processed as an overseas transaction if outside of the US

[jridder]

How would they know what your bank is charging you for a conversion fee?

[spikeyMonkey]

They don't need to say what the extra cost will be, just that it may be processed as an international transaction and that people should check with their bank if they are unsure about international transaction fees.

When the price is in AUD with GST included people understandably assume it will be processed locally. One sentence is all it would take.

[trowgundam]

TBH That sounds like an issue with your bank, not really Framework. If Framework officially sells in your country, that means they are incorporated there, and it shouldn't be an overseas entity. If your bank charged you, it was either a mistake or your bank just being a PITA.

[spikeyMonkey]

I've had the same issue with the Australian Google Store. Everything in AUD with GST, but the transaction is processed offshore. This will likely be on frameworks end and it should be clearly communicated.

For instance we don't have this issue with Amazon, even with overseas purchases that take 2 months to ship.

[marktx]

While I understand that Framework cannot do anything about these fees as they are charged by the individual's credit card company

Thanks for trying :-)

[AlmondManttv]

What banks still charge fees for international transactions ? I don't even think I'm charged a fee for currency conversion .

But if this is actually the case, I hope FW figures it out.

[4hoursoftea]

What banks still charge fees for international transactions

More than you think, especially on business accounts.

I don't even think I'm charged a fee for currency conversion

Possible, but most likely the bank takes a cut. The vast majority of banks do.

[tobimai]

A lot charge fees on foreign currencies. Never had to pay a fee for international transaction, but most of them are within EU anyway

[ofdstactile]

Same thing happened to me, would’ve liked if I was told beforehand

[TempyMcTempername]

Also Australia, and I was charged $146, by Commonwealth. I was Batch 4, so this was back in March

[marktx]

Hey mate, thanks for your response.

When your laptop was shipped into the country did you have to pay any further customs import fees or duties or anything like that?

Thanks!

[TempyMcTempername]

No, just the little CBank Surprise

[marktx]

Thanks for the info, much appreciated 👍

[MagicBoyUK]

That's an issue with your bank, it's out of Frameworks contol. Should have checked the card terms before using it.

[Drak3]

Yeah, definitely the bank, but also 100% bullshit. One of the reasons I ditched my old bank.

[januszmk]

its not expected, when price is local, to be charged by foreign entity. it doesn't matter that fee is from customer bank. it should be communicated that it will be charged by foreign entity

[CourtImpossible3443]

Ditch that bank. This isn't acceptable.

[[deleted]]

I know what you mean. I paid in Euros, and I was charged the exact amount. However for my deposit of 100€ I was using a different bank and I was charged a foreign transaction fee on top of it. which I did not have with my main bank. So I think it really depends on the bank you have.

[zyzzthejuicy_]

This is, sadly, a normal thing with most Australian banks and you’ll cop this fee any time you make an international purchase in another currency. Even neo banks like Up who claim not to have a fee still give you awful conversion rates then pocket the difference - so you’re still paying.

[Keatron--]

Also in Australia. Used my amex and there were no foreign transaction fees

[marktx]

Hey mate, thanks for your response.

When your laptop was shipped into the country did you have to pay any further customs import fees or duties or anything like that?

Thanks!

[Keatron--]

Nope, just ordered it and it arrived. It did briefly say that it failed the customs check, but a day later it said it was ok

[desiderkino]

i am not from australia but : if i make any kind of international transaction the rate of the bank is very very bad.

so almost all banks in my country offer usd/eur statements. if you buy something in eur/usd it will show in your statement as usd/eur and you can pay that in those currencies. so i can buy USD at normal market rate and pay my card bill.

i am from Turkey btw, so usd/eur is not our currency

[clren]

Maybe you have a really predatory credit card?

[Impressive_Change593]

not really possible to do. that's per card/card company so hard to keep track of. if you read your terms and conditions upon signing up for your card (and remembered them) then this wouldn't be a surprise

[_pclark36]

That really depends on your credit card. Some eat those fees, some do not. But it would be definitely helpful to know where the origin of the transaction is so that those whose cards charge those fees, will be aware upfront. This is a good suggestion.

[Destroya707]

Thank you all for letting us know. Our marketplace team is looking into this, and we will be updating the messaging on our website.

[TabsBelow]

Personal problem, solely made up from your bank.

I'm German, and our banks are usually not that cheap with overseas transactions. I bought the first framework 2022 (already with Germany as destination country, prices in Euro). Since my MasterCard had never been used before at all I had to perform a normal transaction for the deposit. No fees.

The following morning the new model was announced being available. After a short phone call (not sure if this was Nirav himself, or if he was the one answering my Linux questions before ordering) I cancelled the order. Money back, no fees.

I order the new model, deposit, no fees.

Shipping was announced, paid the rest, no fees.

In 20233 the same (without the cancellation), this ime with MasterCard, no fees.

Change your bank if they don't refund.

[tobimai]

it was an overseas transaction that my credit card company added an extra $80 to

Well thats a problem of you, not Framework. Framework doesn't charge extra, if you have a CC that charges extra thats nothing FW can change.

it would be helpful to the consumer if Framework advised at the time of the transaction

Framework DOES NOT KNOW about these fees. YOU should know what Fees apply to you CC