Lead Adventure Forum
Other Stuff => General Wargames and Hobby Discussion => Topic started by: Calimero on December 13, 2013, 03:05:17 PM
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[Warning!!! Rant – On]
Is it just me or is it increasingly difficult to get figures and other stuff delivered in Canada from abroad? An increasing numbers of parcels seem to be delivered thru courier companies rather than regular mail (like Canada Post) and it leads to all kind of problems… the latest in date, an email from PSC on behalf of UPS telling me that, the later, "can't locate my address", an address which I used for to last 4 years now with no problems at all, receiving parcels from all over the world (but mainly from UK, USA and Canada) some of these parcels previously delivered by… UPS.
One major flaw in the use of courier companies is that although you can always find local agent to send out parcel, most don't have a place where you can actually go and pickup your parcels. Believe it or not, at least two courier companies that sent me parcel lately try to deliver my stuff here in Chicoutimi then failed to do so and sent back the parcels at their closest pickup place which is in Québec city (a 2 hours drive from where I live!!!)... and I don’t even own a car… or a valid driving license for that matters… lol
Also, I find there's a much greater chance that you'll end up with all kind of additional fees on delivery when the parcels are delivered by couriers…
Am I the only one having this kind of problem lately?
[Rant – Off]
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Well, Canada Post is having troubles all on its own. Estimated no home delivery of mail by 2020. Everyone will have to go to central pick up boxes.
Possibly has something to do with living in a 'smaller' city?
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Sounds like the problem is UPS. I never use UPS.
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UPS is terrible - I avoid them like the plague. Their surprise brokerage fees are complete BS. >:(
I live in Toronto and never have any problems with Canada Post, but I assume that is because I'm in a big city. Shipping from the UK via the Royal Mail has been amazing for me I have to say.
Hope your issue gets sorted out soon!
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There are a few retailers that I don't order from over a certain amount as it forces them to use UPS. I have literally never had a UPS delivery go through without total screwups.
The company in Canada is run by some of the most inefficient and apparently stupid people I have had the displeasure of dealing with. The horror stories I could tell if they wouldn't get me screaming at my monitor ;D
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I avoid UPS at all costs. Living in an apartment building basically guarantees that they'll make me go pick up.
I'm not surprised though. I have a friend in Québec who's been having similar problems as you with the mail lately.
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I have always considered UPS to stand for Universally Poor Service.
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I feel for you bonhomme. C'est typique, c'est triste.
I suppose the postal rates in the UK convinced the Plastic Soldier Co. that courier companies are the way to go. But ultimately the cost will be lost business due to unhappy customers.
Have you been able to look at buying PSC product from within Canada?
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If you are looking for PSC products in Canada you can try J&M Miniatures out of Stratford, Ontario: http://j-m-miniatures.myshopify.com/
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Also Sentry Box in Calgary.
UPS does indeed blow.
But Canada post is about to blow worse. I had a super mailbox for 10yers, I was always getting my neighbours mail, they even left it unlocked one day. They use low pay subcontractors to deliver to the super mail boxes. Lowest cost, worst value.
I just have door to door now, and they are going to take it away! Balls. Wrote everyone I can.
We all should.
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I just received my latest delivery from Perry Miniatures - took more than a month to get to me on Vancouver Island. Two weeks is closer to what I'd experienced before. When it finally arrived, I noticed it had a stamp from Correos de Costa Rica! So I'm not certain if I can blame Canada Post this time.
without getting too political, it seems to me that we've been seeing a race to maximise cuts to all services from all government-related service providers across the country, especially since 2 May 2011. Ok, that is completely political.
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I think it's going to get worse before it's gets better. That applies to Canada Post, UPS and any other parcel "service" for that matter. UPS' surprise "Customs Brokerage" fees really grind my gears.
Canada Post's next day postal outlet pick-up because you didn't answer the door (while you were at work) card is another bone of contention. Even with online tracking, I've had email notification to say that they tried to deliver the package and I was not home, even though when I got the email I was standing in my living room and had been home all day on a rare weekday off. When the Canada Post guy arrived, he put the card in my mailbox without ringing or knocking and walked away. When I opened to door to say "Dude, where's my mail?", he relies that I'll have to pick it up at the outlet tomorrow because he doesn't have time to find it in the back of the truck. Your tax dollars hard at work. >:D >:(
That being said, I've ordered from several small overseas companies and have received my minis in 2-3 weeks delivered in a small non-descript box tucked neatly in my mailbox. I guess it just depends on what company is doing the shipping/receiving/delivering. Typically, my Pulp Figures arrive in less than a week! :)
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I refuse to order from retails who only offer UPS or DHL for exactly the reasons above. Poor service and usually extortionate delivery fees. Postal service, thought poor, seems to come thru eventually without additional fees.
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It all came from a impulse buy (is there any other type of buys in the wargaming world?) when PSC run a small sale thru their web site. In the end the order I made was quite substantial and they probably figured it was a better idea to send it via courier (UPS at this end). But actually it wasn't. It’s been almost a week since PSC warned me about the issues with delivery and I haven’t receive anything yet. I know the problem is UPS and I’ve tried to contact them and explain the situation… which basically change nothing since they seem to be dead set on returning the package to PSC in the UK.
Well, lesson learned. I will not make an other order of that value without first inquiring who they’re going to use as a courier to send the parcel.
As a side note, around 67,000 people live in Chicoutimi so this is not really a "small city" (at least by Canadian standards) ;)
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That being said, I've ordered from several small overseas companies and have received my minis in 2-3 weeks delivered in a small non-descript box tucked neatly in my mailbox. I guess it just depends on what company is doing the shipping/receiving/delivering. Typically, my Pulp Figures arrive in less than a week! :)
How I love those perfect packages that fit the mailbox... Two or three 1/72 resin vehicles fit like a charm in those little boxes and I have come to count on parcels like these to arrive without hassle in my mailbox.
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<snip>
without getting too political, it seems to me that we've been seeing a race to maximise cuts to all services from all government-related service providers across the country, especially since 2 May 2011. Ok, that is completely political.
I think economics drives these decisions more but yes, this has to go political shortly...
Sadly.
Gracias,
Glenn
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<snip>
That being said, I've ordered from several small overseas companies and have received my minis in 2-3 weeks delivered in a small non-descript box tucked neatly in my mailbox. I guess it just depends on what company is doing the shipping/receiving/delivering. Typically, my Pulp Figures arrive in less than a week! :)
As always, it is the people who make or break a company. Interpret those words as you may.
Gracias,
Glenn
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How I love those perfect packages that fit the mailbox... Two or three 1/72 resin vehicles fit like a charm in those little boxes and I have come to count on parcels like these to arrive without hassle in my mailbox.
Agreed whole heartedly. Those small perfect packages tucked neatly into the mailbox awaiting you upon your return are one of my favourite things. Ever.
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I just received my latest delivery from Perry Miniatures - took more than a month to get to me on Vancouver Island. Two weeks is closer to what I'd experienced before. When it finally arrived, I noticed it had a stamp from Correos de Costa Rica! So I'm not certain if I can blame Canada Post this time.
Definitely not typical for Perry - I find their service to be exemplary! Costa Rica! Wow!
In fact, I have a bunch of Perry on their way right now ... :D
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I had a package of models returned to me after getting into Canadian customs. The reason for return? "Illegible return address". Right, so how did it get delivered back to me then? Canadian post people cant read? Hmmm......
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I had a package of models returned to me after getting into Canadian customs. The reason for return? "Illegible return address". Right, so how did it get delivered back to me then? Canadian post people cant read? Hmmm......
That's some "A game" work, right there. lol
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I had a package of models returned to me after getting into Canadian customs. The reason for return? "Illegible return address". Right, so how did it get delivered back to me then? Canadian post people cant read? Hmmm......
Bleeding Kafkaesque.... o_o
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Your tax dollars hard at work, indeed. Canada Post is the model of inefficiency and bureaucracy modeled after our own government... :? ::)
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Definitely not typical for Perry - I find their service to be exemplary! Costa Rica! Wow!
In fact, I have a bunch of Perry on their way right now ... :D
I don't blame the Perrys for this one as it was out of their hands once they gave it to the post office. The slip-up was somewhere between Royal Mail and Canada Post - and I'll give credit to Correos Costa Rica for keeping the package moving!
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Your tax dollars hard at work, indeed. Canada Post is the model of inefficiency and bureaucracy modeled after our own government... :? ::)
As a "Federal Bureaucrat" myself I can tell you it is inherent in the nature of all Governments - Bureaucracy is designed to stop the current "Emperor" from screwing something up so badly the next "Emperor" can't fix it short of a revolution or an invasion.
Gracias,
Glenn
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<snip>and I'll give credit to Correos Costa Rica for keeping the package moving!
Now this is deserving of a merit bonus!
Gracias,
Glenn
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As a "Federal Bureaucrat" myself I can tell you it is inherent in the nature of all Governments - Bureaucracy is designed to stop the current "Emperor" from screwing something up so badly the next "Emperor" can't fix it short of a revolution or an invasion.
A revolution or invasion might be the kind of thing that we need at Canada Post to shake things up a bit. ;)
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A revolution or invasion might be the kind of thing that we need at Canada Post to shake things up a bit. ;)
To my associates the other Three Letter agencies - this is not the e-mail you are looking to monitor... lol ;)
Hey, it worked in Star Wars with R2D2 and C3PO! Oh wait, I am not a Jedi... ::)
Gracias,
Glenn
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A revolution or invasion might be the kind of thing that we need at Canada Post to shake things up a bit. ;)
An attack of common sense (while unlikely) would be easier... and less costly... lol
Gracias,
Glenn
Edit: strike "... easier..." - what was I thinking? ;)
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An attack of common sense (while unlikely) would be easier... and less costly... lol
Agreed. That's the problem with "common sense", it's just not that common anymore ;) :D
strike "... easier..." - what was I thinking? ;)
I think I'll avoid throwing my 2 cents in about strikes -that's a whole new can of worms ;)
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…and I finally get my package… well almost. I had it in my hand for about 3 second until the delivery guy realise that I had fees to pay. As I only had cash on me at that time, no credit card or check, he take back the parcel… they suppose to deliver it back to me on Monday 23rd… we’ll see…
This, at least, gives me the chance to know the tracking number of my parcel. I’ve looked on the internet to follow the shipping and know when it all went wrong and find out that this package travel a lot more in the past few days that I did in the previous years myself… lol
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…and I finally get my package… well almost. I had it in my hand for about 3 second until the delivery guy realise that I had fees to pay. As I only had cash on me at that time, no credit card or check, he take back the parcel… they suppose to deliver it back to me on Monday 23rd… we’ll see…
This, at least, gives me the chance to know the tracking number of my parcel. I’ve looked on the internet to follow the shipping and know when it all went wrong and find out that this package travel a lot more in the past few days that I did in the previous years myself… lol
Yes, heaven forbid they let you pay in the official monetary format of the country. ::)
You should be able to pay and get a receipt and the package :o but I guess they fear for the safety of the delivery personnel carrying large sums of money because of being robbed. :(
The unofficial stereotype of Canadians (by Americans) is that Canadians are too nice and law abiding to rob people. I suppose that is another fantasy destroyed... :'(
Gracias,
Glenn
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The company isn't worried one bit about their delivery driver. They are rather afraid that the delivery driver will steal the money! lol
Fantasy.:. Restored :D
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You should be able to pay and get a receipt and the package :o but I guess they fear for the safety of the delivery personnel carrying large sums of money because of being robbed. :(
They don't want to have to carry change.
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The company isn't worried one bit about their delivery driver. They are rather afraid that the delivery driver will steal the money! lol
Fantasy.:. Restored :D
lol That's what I think too!
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So, what if you don't have a credit card?
What if you ordered via Paypal, and then a delivery service refused cash payment?
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I also asked myself this question ... especially since I could have pay with cash if it has been "brokerage fees" instead of "customs fees"… :?
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The company isn't worried one bit about their delivery driver. They are rather afraid that the delivery driver will steal the money! lol
Fantasy.:. Restored :D
Wait, isn't that what a receipt is for? The delivery man gets the cash and issues a receipt with a copy going to the driver and a copy to the recipient?. If the receipt is lost by the driver then the driver is responsible for the value of the fee? ???
Eh, moot point since they don't allow it... o_o ;)
Gracias,
Glenn
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The company isn't worried one bit about their delivery driver. They are rather afraid that the delivery driver will steal the money! lol
Fantasy.:. Restored :D
Um, not exactly... :o
lol
I guess not everyone is like my wife. Scrupulous to the point of penalizing herself if there is any doubt.
Gracias,
Glenn
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I also asked myself this question ... especially since I could have pay with cash if it has been "brokerage fees" instead of "customs fees"… :?
Hair splitting at it's finest... ::)
Gracias,
Glenn
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They don't want to have to carry change.
Okay, as much as I hate change I can identify with that...
All those pennies you see in the bowls/plates by cash registers? Some of those are almost certainly mine...
Gracias,
Glenn
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Okay, as much as I hate change I can identify with that...
All those pennies you see in the bowls/plates by cash registers? Some of those are almost certainly mine...
Gracias,
Glenn
We don't have pennies any longer lol
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We don't have pennies any longer lol
Pardon the language but Fucking Damn Brilliant move!
Yes, I hate them that much.
Gracias,
Glenn
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Pardon the language but Fucking Damn Brilliant move!
Yes, I hate them that much.
Gracias,
Glenn
lol
I kept a tub of them for bases. You know, just in case. They are perfectly 20mm by the way... (but watch out! Some years have an edged instead of smooth rim - it's like 12 sided or something. Kind of annoying. And the later ones have almost zero weight to them!)
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I also asked myself this question ... especially since I could have pay with cash if it has been "brokerage fees" instead of "customs fees"… :?
Hair splitting at it's finest... ::)
Gracias,
Glenn
We have an ironic saying here that said ; "pourquoi faire simple quand on peut faire compliqué…" (basically, why make things simple when they can be complicated...)
I think that’s really adapted to this situation… very Kafkaesque as Mr.Peabody said earlier on this thread… :?
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lol
I kept a tub of them for bases. You know, just in case. They are perfectly 20mm by the way... (but watch out! Some years have an edged instead of smooth rim - it's like 12 sided or something. Kind of annoying. And the later ones have almost zero weight to them!)
That probably works better than using them as money.
Gracias,
Glenn
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A Canada Post story.
I made 4 orders from Perry in December (as paypal came in ...).
The first, on 3 December, arrived fine, before Christmas.
The second, on 4 December, is still outstanding.
The third and fourth, on 14 December, arrived yesterday.
I had put in a note to Perry last week, because I wondered where the three were, and they sent me replacements. And now the bloody original showed up, all but one. I sent Perry an email for them to invoice me for the replacements.
Damn you, Canada Post, damn you ...
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I'm always confused about the fact that Canadian people are so laid back and their 'institutions' are so smothered in red tape they are barely able to operate.
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Mediocrity is our national pastime.
I bet you think I'm kidding.
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Mediocrity is our national pastime.
I bet you think I'm kidding.
Canadians are very content to have everyone in the world do something better, and never complain about it.
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I'm always confused about the fact that Canadian people are so laid back and their 'institutions' are so smothered in red tape they are barely able to operate.
I don't think that this is the case at all.
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Canadians are very content to have everyone in the world do something better, and never complain about it.
We used to be sort of good at being nice and inoffensive.
Now we're like the national equivalent of that ass who tells the neighbour "Sure you can borrow my lawnmower!" and then runs and hides when he sees the neighbour coming over to ask.
But I digress... don't want to turn this into a political thread.
So uhm, how about those miniatures, lads?
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We used to be sort of good at being nice and inoffensive.
Now we're like the national equivalent of that ass who tells the neighbour "Sure you can borrow my lawnmower!" and then runs and hides when he sees the neighbour coming over to ask.
But I digress... don't want to turn this into a political thread.
So uhm, how about those miniatures, lads?
I concur - let's move this back to parcels, and miniatures, and how awful Canada Post is. Which they are.
Empress Miniatures recently sent me something, and it was sent tracked, signed for. I thought that was very good of them. Well worth the assurance knowing it got here.
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I concur - let's move this back to parcels, and miniatures, and how awful Canada Post is. Which they are.
I don't think they are though. Besides, the OP's problem was with UPS and not Canada Post :D
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Just this week I received, in a timely manner, a small package from Mason in the U.K. and a rather larger box from my favourite eBay shop which is in China. The week before I got a parcel from another eBay vendor in Korea. The week before that, a box with two resin and white metal Valentine VIII's from 20mm Zone in the U.K.
All these purchases were made on or about December 24 to 31. None of them were hit for duty or any additional fees.
In fact the only time I have been hit for duties/taxes by Canada Post was years ago, for a substantial order from Ground Zero Games. And I have ordered multiple times from GZG without being dinged...
Postal traffic coming from the U.S. has been rather less happy, but still reliable.
I don't like UPS, or FedEx for that matter, but I try hard to be friendly to our Posties on the beat. If we lose those letter carriers I'll be a sad, sad bear indeed.
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I’ve received plenty of parcels thru Canada Post in the last 20 odd years and never had any serious problem… nothing as serious as the problems I had with courier companies :?
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To be fair, I've gotten a load of stuff recently that I was sure I'd be dinged for customs fees on, orders from $30 to $55, with the value clearly marked. Lucky me, I guess!
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i have send parcells to canada , some delivered in 7 days, some 20 days, but it's not a canadian specificity .
I've send some minis from france to London , 1147 Km, 21 days for delivery less than 55 kms a day .
Universal postal service ( quite cheap and quite efficient ) is dying ( is dead ? ) .