An Australian shopper has found out the hard way what happens when you don't pay every single fine and fee associated with an online purchase.
The unnamed Perth resident forked out $26,000 to buy a Saint Laurent handbag that was made from alligator skin.
In order for it to arrive safely in their hands, the shopper had to pay a (CITES) export permit in France from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, as well as an import permit from the Australian CITES Management Authority.
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Sadly for them, they missed that last part and the bag was seized by Australian Customs and Border Protection.
Because they didn't have the permit at the ready, Customs decided to destroy the incredibly expensive handbag.
What's baffling about this is that the import fee is just $70, which is a drop in the ocean when you're paying 371 times that amount on a handbag.
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Products containing alligator skin are allowed into Australia, according to the Sydney Morning Herald, however their flow is tightly regulated.
As part of the process of exporting and importing things like this, you have to make sure the product has been officiated so that regulators have a good idea of how many products are being made and where they're ending up.
The permits will help authorities be able to sniff out illegally imported exotic wildlife products when they make their way out or in to a country.
Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley urged anyone and everyone that they need to dot ever i and cross every t if they want to bring high-value goods into the country.
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We all need to be aware of what we're purchasing online as restricting the trade of animal products is crucial to the long-term survival of endangered species," the minister said.
"Aside from the rules themselves, it is important that people take the time to think about ethical fashion choices."
No doubt the shopper will be mindful the next time they hit purchase on the online sale.
Featured Image Credit: YSL