Daft situation involving parcels from the USA
Discussion
I've ordered some equipment from a well-established company in the USA, and they've sent it to me on an express airmail service in three separate parcels. The carrier is a large US based international company.
The tracking info shows that all three parcels arrived at Stansted Airport on the 22nd of December. Since then the tracking information shows that they haven't been cleared because-
"All pieces have not arrived at clearance port together.
Recommended action: No action required at this time."
This is the reply I had from the suppliers-
"Thank you for contacting us. We do apologize for the delayed response. Unfortunately once and order has arrived at it's destination country we have no control over how it's packaged/shipped either. We don't even get detailed tracking information regarding orders once they arrive at international destination posts. Sorry for the inconvenience."
Fedex won't talk to me about it because I don't have a "shipping account number".
Any suggestions? I'd really like to get this equipment, I have work waiting for it.
The tracking info shows that all three parcels arrived at Stansted Airport on the 22nd of December. Since then the tracking information shows that they haven't been cleared because-
"All pieces have not arrived at clearance port together.
Recommended action: No action required at this time."
This is the reply I had from the suppliers-
"Thank you for contacting us. We do apologize for the delayed response. Unfortunately once and order has arrived at it's destination country we have no control over how it's packaged/shipped either. We don't even get detailed tracking information regarding orders once they arrive at international destination posts. Sorry for the inconvenience."
Fedex won't talk to me about it because I don't have a "shipping account number".
Any suggestions? I'd really like to get this equipment, I have work waiting for it.
Strange that Fedex wont talk to you. You are the consignee? If so, just ask them to provide an update on the missing parcels (chances are they have now gone missing).
You could ask them to do a partial clearance, which means they will do a customs entry on the parcel that has actually turned up. They wont really like doing this as it's extra work.
You could ask them to do a partial clearance, which means they will do a customs entry on the parcel that has actually turned up. They wont really like doing this as it's extra work.
You're best bet at this point is to ask the company to get in touch with Fedex to ask UK customs for details on what they need to clear the parcel.
The automated notifications don't line up with what the actual issue is a lot of the time. If the company isn't being helpful you can try getting in touch with customs yourself but that's a bureaucratic nightmare.
The automated notifications don't line up with what the actual issue is a lot of the time. If the company isn't being helpful you can try getting in touch with customs yourself but that's a bureaucratic nightmare.
I managed to get past the automated response part of the online chat system, and 'chatted' with a lady who informed me that the parcels haven't been cleared yet because they are waiting for the payment of duty and VAT. She gave me the figure, and when I asked who do I pay I gathered, after a couple more questions, that's it's Fedex that I have to pay.
She suggested I could pay by bank transfer and put my name and consignment number is the reference. I would prefer it if they emailed me an invoice because I have no confidence that the transfer reference would be picked up and actioned, and am therefore reluctant to pursue that course.
It's my belief that something has gone wrong and that I should have been asked for the money by whoever at Fedex deals with this stuff, by post if they haven't got my email address (the suppliers have, of course)
Fedex, like most large companies, make it difficult for people to communicate with them so I'm stuck as to what to do next.
She suggested I could pay by bank transfer and put my name and consignment number is the reference. I would prefer it if they emailed me an invoice because I have no confidence that the transfer reference would be picked up and actioned, and am therefore reluctant to pursue that course.
It's my belief that something has gone wrong and that I should have been asked for the money by whoever at Fedex deals with this stuff, by post if they haven't got my email address (the suppliers have, of course)
Fedex, like most large companies, make it difficult for people to communicate with them so I'm stuck as to what to do next.
singlecoil said:
I managed to get past the automated response part of the online chat system, and 'chatted' with a lady who informed me that the parcels haven't been cleared yet because they are waiting for the payment of duty and VAT. She gave me the figure, and when I asked who do I pay I gathered, after a couple more questions, that's it's Fedex that I have to pay.
She suggested I could pay by bank transfer and put my name and consignment number is the reference. I would prefer it if they emailed me an invoice because I have no confidence that the transfer reference would be picked up and actioned, and am therefore reluctant to pursue that course.
It's my belief that something has gone wrong and that I should have been asked for the money by whoever at Fedex deals with this stuff, by post if they haven't got my email address (the suppliers have, of course)
Fedex, like most large companies, make it difficult for people to communicate with them so I'm stuck as to what to do next.
You'll just open yourself up to more delays if you dont do as they instructed. There systems will pick up the payment and as lonng as you follow their instruction and include the consignment number as the reference, it will clear customs.She suggested I could pay by bank transfer and put my name and consignment number is the reference. I would prefer it if they emailed me an invoice because I have no confidence that the transfer reference would be picked up and actioned, and am therefore reluctant to pursue that course.
It's my belief that something has gone wrong and that I should have been asked for the money by whoever at Fedex deals with this stuff, by post if they haven't got my email address (the suppliers have, of course)
Fedex, like most large companies, make it difficult for people to communicate with them so I'm stuck as to what to do next.
The invoice should follow on with the parcels. They should have contacted you (they have probably written to you and the letter has got caught up in the RM strikes).
I had another go on the online chat, got a different 'adviser' this time. It was left that I would get a phone call during which the payment would be made, and then the parcels will be released and delivered to me.
The call, somewhat to my surprise, has actually taken place and spoke to a very efficient and pleasant English woman who rang me from Brussels. Payment made so I'm anticipating a delivery soon.
Here's hoping
The call, somewhat to my surprise, has actually taken place and spoke to a very efficient and pleasant English woman who rang me from Brussels. Payment made so I'm anticipating a delivery soon.
Here's hoping
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