UPS (Woe is Me)

[DionM]

I ordered some stuff from Wimberley. They only let me ship via UPS - no choice in the matter. So I paid $US60 for express shipping, as I need the stuff very soon. And its still sitting in the US. Has been to four different cities, and now it has not moved for a whole day. Four days since I ordered.



Thankfully, I notice that Customs have recently changed their website:
http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=4376

It no longer makes any difference as to the method of importation what the dollar amount is they charge duty on. And that dollar amount is $1000 regardless now (no longer $250 vs $500).

Imported goods with a value of A$1000 or less

- Imported goods arriving by post will be released duty and tax free by Customs for delivery direct to the addressee

-except for tobacco, tobacco products and alcoholic beverages (refer to example 2) or goods subject to import permit requirements

-in these cases, you will be contacted and notified of the action you must take.

- Imported goods arriving otherwise than by post will require the completion of a Self Assessed Clearance (SAC) declaration before clearance from Customs control

- SAC declarations can only be lodged electronically

- no cost recovery charges are imposed by Customs on SAC declarations but administrative/processing charges may be imposed by carriers acting on your behalf.

So it looks like I am up for the UPS fee (bastards) but not from customs.

That is of course providing it actually gets here ...

[NikonUser]

I have gotten things off UPS before and sometimes it arrives at my door before saying it's arrived in the country.

I don't think the tracking system is the greatest.

Good luck

Paul

[DionM]

I have gotten things off UPS before and sometimes it arrives at my door before saying it's arrived in the country.

I don't think the tracking system is the greatest.

Good luck

Paul

I hope so! It's a whole bunch of arca-swiss stuff for my trip, otherwise I will be changing the one A-S plate I own many many times on my trip ...

[DionM]

Finally it is moving again, after sitting in the one place for 30 hours! 4 days on and it is still in the bloody US!

Express service, my arse

[sirhc55]

I would not worry too much - I had an item coming from the Gold Coast to Sydney via Fastway with full tracking.

Contacted Fastway 5 days after the item was sent to be told they had no idea where the package was. Told to phone back next day. I did, and they told me again they had no idea and that I was not to bother them as I was not the sender.



I then contacted the sender to be told by them that they had no response from Fastway to their own inquiry as to where the package was.

Five minutes after my contact the item was delivered by Fastway - hello

[johndec]

Dion, I'm sorry to say that I've heard nothing but bad things about UPS. I recently wanted to purchase a "buy it now" on the US Ebay site, but their shipping instructions insisted on UPS. I contacted them and requested USPS Global Express instead (used several times with no problems) but they refused so I told them to stick it...

They lost a sale... I can't understand why some companies insist on UPS considering their reputation, maybe there is some kickback scheme going on?

[birddog114]

DionM
Wimberley will ship to you by USPS, who did you talk or email at Wimberley?
I got stuff from them ship by USPS most of the time.
The problem with UPS is, they are a fat liar and story maker.
Since then, I never want to tlk to them anymore.

[DionM]

DionM
Wimberley will ship to you by USPS, who did you talk or email at Wimberley?
I got stuff from them ship by USPS most of the time.
The problem with UPS is, they are a fat liar and story maker.
Since then, I never want to tlk to them anymore.

Birddog,

From the Wimberley website:
http://www.tripodhead.com/about-ordering.cfm

Ordering (International):

During the checkout process, you must choose "UPS Worldwide Express" as a shipping method in order to accurately calculate shipping costs for international orders. You will receive confirmation of your order via email. You will also receive a second email containing tracking information and estimated transit time when we ship your order.

[DionM]

Well, knock me dead, it has suddenly appeared in Sydney

SYDNEY - PACKAGE DATA PROCESSED BY BROKERAGE. WAITING FOR CLEARANCE;RELEASED BY CLEARING AGENCY. NOW IN-TRANSIT FOR DELIVERY

So it is only about 1000 kms away. Maybe it will turn up tomorrow. And so far no call about brokerage payment required ... so maybe no brokerage required to be paid ?

[birddog114]

DionM,
Next time send them an email prior to to your order and request to send it by USPS with your complaining about the service of UPS and they will do it for you.
This works for me second time after first time I had trouble with UPS.
And since then I bought more than US$30k from them.
Also tell them, no business for them if they still want to use UPS for your purchases.

[DionM]

DionM,
Next time send them an email prior to to your order and request to send it by USPS with your complaining about the service of UPS and they will do it for you.
This works for me second time after first time I had trouble with UPS.
And since then I bought more than US$30k from them.
Also tell them, no business for them if they still want to use UPS for your purchases.

Birddog,

I sure will be. I had emailed them before they order and they said UPS only. Now that I have bought from them I will push the issue of USPS next time.

Anyway, so far so good, the gear is at least in Oz