A new type of challenge.
A new type of challenge.
Hello, my issue is about technology, though not purely technical. I’m a 44-year-old tech lover and software developer based in Turkey. I also run a small textile factory that exports to Germany. I’ll clarify my situation soon. I own a GPD Win Max, which I previously bought via an Indiegogo campaign. I really enjoy it and still use it. When I face problems with my desktop PC—my main gaming machine with an eGPU—I rely on it. Last year I discovered that GPD now releases Win Max 2 with an AMD 6800U CPU, which was my top pick (Ryzen 9 5900X too). So naturally, I wanted the same. There were some extra features, so I went all out: a 2TB+32GB AMD 6800U, LTE modem, pen, and a 1TB NVMe drive. The cost was around $1500, but I was confident in its quality for my needs. Also, there were several upgrades on the new version, which I appreciated. Eventually, delivery time arrived. When I checked the shipping details, I was pleased. I tracked the package almost every day. Then it reached customs. Here’s a brief summary: the price listed was $200, marked as “Game Console” to avoid issues. In Turkey, importing goods over €150 is treated as trade items, so extra fees apply—about $400. Plus, since it’s labeled a “Game Console,” there’s an additional 50% surcharge (because gaming consoles are considered luxury). That made the total around $540. I was willing to pay but customs insisted on the correct HS code: “casino game equipment.” This caused complications. Also, gambling is illegal in Turkey, so customs refused delivery. I tried returning it to GPD in November 2022, hoping for a refund. I should have, but I mistakenly thought redirecting it to my German customer would help. He could bring the device with him when visiting. I asked GPD to ship it to him, but they said I needed to pay the return fee first. Confused, I questioned them. After DHL informed me the sender wouldn’t cover costs, I insisted on sending it back. They refused until we agreed on a timeline—paying fees before receiving the device. By February, my friend visited and still hadn’t received anything, asking if everything was okay. I tried to resolve it, but since he visits only once a year, I missed the chance. Around then, GPD told me I’d have to pay $300 for return fees. I found that unreasonable and asked for an invoice. They said it would arrive soon but if I wanted the device, I had to cover the $300 fee plus shipping to Germany. I demanded a proper invoice, but they promised delivery in three months. By March, I still hadn’t received anything. When I finally asked about the invoice, they said it was delayed and refused to send it. DHL explained they were covering costs from Turkey. They sent me the paperwork and tried to simplify things for a five-year-old. Eventually, after explaining everything clearly, GPD accepted my explanation. I paid for their shipping upfront and told my customer the package would arrive. The day came—my customer had to pay about 32% of the customs fee (around €60). I offered to cover all costs. When he opened it, it was a GPD Win 3, not what I expected. I returned to GPD immediately to clarify. They insisted on the specs and my explanation. This was frustrating. In short, I bought a GPD Win Max 2 with all features. GPD sent me a Win 3, now blaming me for scamming them. TL;DR: I ordered a GPD WinMax 2, got a Win 3 instead, faced customs issues, had to pay fees, and ended up with disappointment.