Digital BW, The Print

Just had this from Bob at MIS...


 
Julian,

I understand.  The Post Office service is usually acceptable, but when 
the
package hits Customs, this is where the problems and delays occur.  The
Post Office has no control over it, and we don't either.  They can sit 
on a
package forever or pass it straight through.  Sometimes our attempt to 
keep
the marked value of the package low, so you don't have to pay fortune in
taxes and duty, backfires on us.  If a Customs agent thinks we are 
trying
to cheat them, they will hold it longer.

If we ship using FedEx or UPS, they operate differently than the Post
Office.  They walk their shipments through Customs or have dedicated 
agents
assigned to their packages.  It all goes much smoother, and UPS or FedEx
will not let a package get hung up in Customs like the Post Office does.
There is a price to pay however.  UPS and FedEx demand to have the 
actual
product invoice attached to the outside of the box.  This means paying 
full
price on tax and duty.  Plus, the difference between the freight charges
that the Post Office charges is significant.  For instance a 4 pound
package to Spain via Air Parcel Post is about $40.  The same package
shipped using FedEx or UPS will run about $160 or more.

It is a trade off, cost vs risk of delay.  Most of our customers opt to
take the risk.

As usual in life, for those who are in a hurry, everything goes wrong.
Sorry this is happening to you.

Post this on the forum if you wish.

Bob
MIS