Sorry to tell you this but if it's the shop what I think it is, they don't care about bad publicity nor do they care about overseas customer. Tax and VAT won't be reimbursed even when it's their fault. Been there done that. Twice actually.
Nope any type of business big or small; reviews and comments matter. They can never see me praising their company again. Of course I won't be a victim twice. Once is enough.
That's what you and I think about publicity, but not this big powerseller House of Staunton
I've been sending what, 6 mails in totals now? On the third email they finally responded with "could you please remind us what this is about" while if they bother to read the email from beginning they could see my explaining with pictures. So I replied telling the whole situation again and no more responds again.
I am not paying return shipping. I did not buy something to give me so much stress and inconvenience. I payed a lot of storage charges and duty and taxes (on top/ aside from US tax) of 5,500 php. I will consider 100% refund plus free return shipping. Exchange is ok. Else, they can't blame me to cut loyalty and give them honest bad reviews.
Depending on who the vendor and transport company are, in case you return the pieces to the vendor, the vendor might work with you and the transport company to get a refund on the VAT and Import Duty. I tried it once, and it worked (Chess House & FedEx). Michael tried it twice, and it didn't work. But can't hurt to try.
To whom did you pay the VAT and Import Duty? To the vendor (who would forward the money to the transportation company), or to the transportation company?
P.S. If they sent you the wrong set, they should (a) apologize, (b) accept a return, (c) refund the cost incl. shipping and incl. VAT and Import Duty (in case you paid the VAT and Duty to the vendor they should reclaim that money themselves at the transportation company--otherwise they should help you retrieve your money from the transportation company), (d) pay for return shipping, and (e) not charge anything resembling "restocking fee". At least, that's what any civilized vendor would do. (But good luck getting your right if you are abroad.)
As of now they only did sent the wrong item, and (a) apologized. Am waiting for letter (b) accepting return, to happen.