|
Forum: General Photography
09-12-2018, 09:36 PM
|
| |
The computer screen that I got stuck with at 2 post offices had around 2 entries listed. It was a non-scrolling list on the side of the screen, and not as extensive as the HS list.
|
|
Forum: General Photography
09-12-2018, 09:31 PM
|
| |
No, "other" was not there. I was looking at the clerk's computer screen as they tried to figure it out. I also looked for entries like "scientific", "optic", and "return".
|
|
Forum: General Photography
09-12-2018, 11:19 AM
|
| |
This international shipping nightmare 6 months ago reinforced my reluctance to ship internationally.
I help run a public astronomical observatory - we show visitors the night sky through our telescopes. One of our telescopes was having an issue and the UK-based manufacturer agreed it was best for me to fix it on-site rather than ship the entire 2 meter long telescope to them. They shipped a much smaller test part to me, and when I was done I would ship it back. The test part shipped from the UK to USA without issue. No customs fees. Telescope was fixed. Returning the test part, though...
I went to my local USPS office. Their computer had a list of categories, and nothing came close to describing what I was returning. "Other" was not an option. USPS refused to accept the package. That sounded nuts so I tried a 2nd post office with a similar response. There was nothing hazardous or export-controlled in the package.
I went to FedEx. They had similar categories and no great fit, so we settled on "metal" because that was the majority of the item's construction. I explained that I was returning a borrowed item that originated in UK, provided proof, and it was agreed that FedEx would process it in a manner that had no customs fees. Item arrived in UK and recipient was assessed hundreds in import fees. FedEx botched paperwork. I got an email from FedEx in the morning, called 2 hours later to resend proof they already had, FedEx responded "too late, item is being returned to USA". I was able to get a full shipping refund for FedEx's error, but I was still stuck with something I had to ship back to UK.
After some discussion with the UK company, they said they had a much larger shipment coming from a USA affiliate, so I forwarded my package to that affiliate and they stuck it inside their other crate. I might be an international smuggler ;)
|
|
Forum: General Photography
09-11-2018, 10:25 PM
|
| |
I gain nothing from a photo of a lens in good condition. For a scratch or other defect, yes, I'd like to see a photo. Pictures don't protect against dishonest sellers - someone who fails to disclose a defect in the description can also hide the damage in photos.
For me, I ship within USA only because of shipping complications. Customs procedures are unpredictable and inconsistent. I don't sell enough for it to be worth my while. I would consider buying from other countries because the shipping headache is on the seller.
|
