Gift Shipment Issues: Dealing with Customs

Hi everyone,

I recently had a family member send me a high-end coffee espresso machine from overseas as
a wedding present.

I was shocked when the shipping company sent me a bill for "import duties" before they would release the package.

I really should have used a customs import calculator to see what the potential hit would be, even for a gift. It seems like the valuation they used is much higher than the actual sale price.

Does anyone know how to provide proof of value to customs to get these charges lowered?  

Thanks in advance.