[sdiy] Shipping to Belgium

[J. Larry Hendry]

Ray,  I too have shipped stuff to many spots around the globe.  Normally, I
have no difficulty. US to anyplace in Europe is typically 7 to 10 days air
and 6 to 8 weeks surface (slow boat to...).  However, after many successful
shipments, I did have a package disappear going to the UK.  After about 6
months, and a tour of Europe, it found its way back to my home.  It seems as
if one of the handlers (contract probably) put a destination sticker over
most of the TO address on my package.  No one bother to look at the TO
address on the adjacent customs form.  No one bothered to notice that the
sticker simply peeled off when lifted.

Internationally from the USA, you cannot even file a claim until the
shipment is 60 days old (some will tell you 30 days, but they are wrong).  I
talked to at least 6 different people with the post office before I found
the right place to file the claim.  It is in New York.  They do not have an
800 number.  So, you have to call and talk, or be on hold, on your own dime.
After 60 days you can file an inquiry.  Give them another month or two to
look for the package.  Then, you can file a claim.  And, you better have the
original receipt you got from the post office and your insurance receipt.
Mine was so faded (thermal printer) after 4 months you could hardly read it.
So, even thought I got my package back, I could not file the claim for the
$35 postage loss because me receipt was unreadable.  Sigh.....

If you decide to file a claim, contact me directly and I can give you the
contact information to file a claim.  Just don't expect anyone to be in a
hurry except for you. Best bet on something small is to ship via the more
expensive express mail option.  That gives you better tracking.  The
tracking number on my insurance receipt was useless once it left the USA.

Larry Hendry

----- Original Message -----
From: Ray Wilson <raywilson at comcast.net>
To: Synth-Diy <synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl>
Sent: Tuesday, August 10, 2004 8:02 AM
Subject: [sdiy] Shipping to Belgium


Hi

I have successfully shipped Sound Lab boards literally all over the earth.
Recently I sent 2 boards to Belgium on July 1 or 2, 2004.
They have not received the boards yet. Can someone from Belgium please tell
me if 5-6 weeks is abnormally long
for shipment from Colorado, USA to Belgium?

Any info appreciated.

Thanks