There were some comments about international shipping that I didn't see get answered.  Basically stating that paying the VAT was shady.  This is perfectly acceptable albeit not typical.  It is called DDP or deliver duties paid.  This puts the responsibility of the duty calculation and charges on the shipper which is why many companies do not send this way.  If they miscalculate, they will get a bill for the difference. 

The method more often used would be DAP (delivered at place, and formerly known as DDU or deliver duties unpaid).  This is what many people are used to and it puts the responsibility to pay duties on the buyer only.

Sending DDP is not an indication of anything shady. 

These are just two of the more common terms for small parcels and LTL freight.  There are many terms outlined. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incoterms