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Post by Afoo on Aug 4, 2017 15:02:20 GMT
So, I was looking into ordering stuff from abroad, and was wondering about shipping via FedEx.
In particular, I was concerned about how FedEx processes customs. I know UPS will charge you through the nose with ridiculous customs brokerage fees unless you get their more expensive express service. Is this the same for FedEx? If so, ca you get out of it by using their express service (ie: will the more expensive one prevent them from leveraging massive fees beyond the actual import tax)?
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stormmaster
Member
I like viking/migration era swords
Posts: 7,649
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Post by stormmaster on Aug 4, 2017 15:59:38 GMT
Fedex charges the same or more then ups I think, also I hate them with a passion, they once left my custom lwf sword outside my Padio in the rain, right in the part by the stairs not covered and the pattern welded fittings got rusted, i guess they couldnt be bothered to take 2 more steps and plop it by the door, screw fedex
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Post by Afoo on Aug 4, 2017 16:46:07 GMT
Fair enough. Thanks for the warning. I have avoided them thusfar. and I think I will continue to do so
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Post by Dave Kelly on Aug 6, 2017 2:06:34 GMT
So, I was looking into ordering stuff from abroad, and was wondering about shipping via FedEx. In particular, I was concerned about how FedEx processes customs. I know UPS will charge you through the nose with ridiculous customs brokerage fees unless you get their more expensive express service. Is this the same for FedEx? If so, ca you get out of it by using their express service (ie: will the more expensive one prevent them from leveraging massive fees beyond the actual import tax)? See if you can find a DHL agent. Best in the field, if you can tap into them. National postal services still seem to be best bets for international. Another consideration is to look for a freight forwarder in your location. They can be very useful.
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Post by Croccifixio on Aug 6, 2017 12:43:33 GMT
I've used FedEx through a freight forwarder before. They ship fast. Though I did have to pay around $20 as opposed to my usual $2. That said, they got me the sword within a week instead of the usual 1+ month, and I didn't have to pick it up at customs.
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Post by Faldarin on Aug 7, 2017 3:18:34 GMT
I've had about the best luck with DHL - though I've never had a sword shipped by them. Everything else though has been fine, even fragile things from out of country.
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Post by LG Martial Arts on Aug 8, 2017 1:11:03 GMT
I've had about the best luck with DHL - though I've never had a sword shipped by them. Everything else though has been fine, even fragile things from out of country. Out of the "big three", I prefer shipping via USPS, UPS second, and FedEx last. I don't have an account with DHL, but personal items that have been shipped to me via DHL have so far had the WORST service out of the others I mentioned. All of the items in the last 7 or so years have either never arrived, or were delivered to the wrong address. Granted, I've had items shipped with other companies delivered to the wrong address over the years, but compare that to ALL of my items from DHL ending up in the wrong place. Big difference... that's one of the reasons I don't have an account with them. As for FedEx, it all depends on the kind of FedEx service you use - not all FedEx services are the same, and they often use "contractors" (drivers who don't legally work for FedEx, but contract their services to them - legalese to help them with lawsuits, etc) for home deliveries, etc.
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Post by Afoo on Aug 10, 2017 0:38:56 GMT
I've had about the best luck with DHL - though I've never had a sword shipped by them. Everything else though has been fine, even fragile things from out of country. Out of the "big three", I prefer shipping via USPS, UPS second, and FedEx last. I don't have an account with DHL, but personal items that have been shipped to me via DHL have so far had the WORST service out of the others I mentioned. All of the items in the last 7 or so years have either never arrived, or were delivered to the wrong address. Granted, I've had items shipped with other companies delivered to the wrong address over the years, but compare that to ALL of my items from DHL ending up in the wrong place. Big difference... that's one of the reasons I don't have an account with them. As for FedEx, it all depends on the kind of FedEx service you use - not all FedEx services are the same, and they often use "contractors" (drivers who don't legally work for FedEx, but contract their services to them - legalese to help them with lawsuits, etc) for home deliveries, etc. Ah - so they have taken the Uber approach. Nice. I always like USPS or the other equivalent national post services - never had a problem. UPS gave us some headaches, but at least I know what I am dealing with. Was just curious cause I really wanted to get something from Wulflund, but they will only discount their VAT IF I use FedEx....so was curious whether the badness of FedEx was worth the savings. From what I hear, I am guessing not. Especially with a sword you don't want to take chances.... Thanks all for the feedback :)
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