Digital BW, The Print

aaltenmueller wrote:
> 
> I odered a complete set Selentone and WN for the 7600 4 weeks ago - up to now 
> inkjetmall isn't able to deliver and I am beginning to loose my patience now.
> 
> Anyone else waiting for inks from inkjetmall?
> 
> What are your expieriences?
> 

NO problems with inkjetmall, personally I have never used them, however 
I work for a courier company, and there are all kinds of reasons for a 
package to "no show".  Contact the company, and see if there is a 
tracking number on the package and who it was shipped with.  Then 
contact the carrier and see what the status is on the package.

Now, what I am about to write here, is good advice if your sending 
packages to anyone, even internationally.

Usually it's the shippers fault, it's extremely rare for a package to go 
completely missing, never to be seen again.  Often the problem is that 
the information and package get separated.

Smart shippers make sure that the name and address for both the sender 
and receiver appear at least thrice on the package.  Once on the 
waybill, once printed on a separate attached label or written on the box 
itself, and once on a sheet of paper inside the box.  This way the 
carrier can figure out who it belongs to, even if the waybill is defaced 
or unintentionally removed.  They will only open the package if they 
can't figure out, any other way, where it should go.  If they do find 
the information, they will add a new barcode, and send the package on 
it's way.  The last thing they want is an "unmark" which is a package 
where they don't know whom the contents belongs to.

Second problem, if the shipper and receiver are in different countries, 
customs can hold whatever they want for as long as they want, so make 
sure ALL requested paperwork is included, and any clearing procedures 
followed.

Third problem, missing information, if you live in an apartment then 
give the shipper both the apartment number, and buzzer or entry code 
information, even if it's the same.  A smart shipper will put apt 607 
entry code 607 on the label, to make it clear.  Drivers are not experts 
at breaking into apartment buildings, and if they are running late they 
don't have the time to go through 65,536 names on the board downstairs, 
many of those boards are wrong anyway.  The other issue is telephone 
numbers, if there is a problem, and your telephone number is on the box, 
most carriers will attempt contact, before they return to the sender.

Fourth and final, packaging, if the item is breakable, putting a fragile 
sticker on the box means nothing, many carriers use automated sorting 
systems, and those machines can't read.  Instead pack it well, wrap 
fragile items with bubble wrap, make sure to use a good, new box.  On 
the bottom of the box will be a round label, that gives the strength of 
the box, it should be at least double the weight of the item inside, and 
the crush strength should be 200lbs, make sure the box has 10cm/4" on 
all four sides, of your bubble wrapped item, now put down a layer of 
popcorn 10cm thick, add your item, fill the sides in well, and add more 
to the top, you want it slightly over full.  Shake it, and fill in any 
holes, now add a sheet of paper that contains the shippers name, 
address, telephone number and email address, along with the receivers 
name address, telephone number and email address.  Make it clear which 
is which.  If it's going to a country where the language is other then 
English, then the receivers information can be in the native language, 
but the country name should be in English.

Now tape the box closed, use packing or strapping tape, at least 5cm 
wide.  Shake the box again, it should make no sound at all, if you hear 
some ratling, open the box and shake it to settle the popcorn, and add 
some more.  Now tape all the corners, and make sure that tape goes 
around the box in both directions.  Overpacking is better then 
underpacking, especially if you plan on insuring the package.  It's a 
good idea, if you are shipping something of value, to take a few digital 
pictures along the way, then buy the insurance, the photos are then 
evidence if something does happen.

Now, send the package, if you have an email address for the receiver, 
then send them a quick email with the carrier name, and tracking number. 
    This way they can track it as well.