[Elecraft] Re: Customs

[Mario Lorenz]

On Wed, Oct 23, 2002 at 02:45:09PM +0200, Geert Jan de Groot wrote:
> 
> I had several packages *disappear* if sent through USPS/GLS; elecraft
> has been good at replacing them so they seem to be used to it.

Ouch.
> 
> I, for one, would like Elecraft to evaluate other means of shipping:
> after all, they are the customer (from the USPS point of view),
> and for us to complain to GLS is useless - much more effective to
> *not* use GLS in the first place (and hence not use USPS, or talk
> USPS to use a different agent at this side of the pond).

Which is why I have asked via EMail both USPS and Deutsche Post what
would have to be written on the parcel to restore the old behaviour.
Lets see if/what they answer.
In neither case I have, despite repeated searches on the respective
WWW pages, found any mention about the service fee.
This is what makes me upset: That this service fee is not documented
anywhere.

I have finally reached somebody on the phone at GLS today
"What ? You emailed Monday ? No, we have not yet processed monday's
email." As for the customs, she asked why I'd make a fuss about
that little ammount of customs. As for the questions where I agreed
to pay the fee, its in their terms of service she said. Asking
were these were to be seen, she couldnt help me either, insisting
its for their administrative cost etc.

> 
> Personally I have the luck that I can use fedex. If GLS charges $20
> as service fee, then together with shipping cost, that's getting 
> in the range of a fedex shipment. Highly, highly recommended:
> you can see where your stuff is and they *do* deliver on time.

That might be true on the express stuff. From Air Parcel Post
its still quite some money. The week or two that takes is usually
sufficient for me :)

Eric, Wayne: Did you receive any notice from USPS that this have
been any changes made in the shipment terms ? Eg, did you know
about this fee change ?

Regards,

Mario