Priest of the Order of the Butterfly
Posts: 736 from 2003/2/24
From: aGaS & CUAZ Al...
Quote:
Jim wrote:
Interesting.
I've shipped to locations across the globe (including one package that went to Moscow), and no one has ever screwed with me.
Of course, there is that possibility.
And, since tracking is erratic outside the US (in fact the few exceptions for me are Brazil and Great Britain) you can't count on delivery confirmation.
This could invite a royal screwing if someone is determined to mess with you.
Tracking works fine in Spain (and most EU countries). It's slightly more expensive but I always choose it, and depending on the value of the package I pay extra insurance too. I have never been screwed using tracking (both as seller and buyer).
I started using tracking after a pair of bad experiences with lost items sent from Netherlands&Belgium, but it was just a coincidence, it could happen anywhere if you don't use tracking.
I would advice using always tracking
There are other extra options like signing on arrival of package so you are notified when the recipient receives the package... but these aren't compatible between some countries. Tracking usually exists on all countries and also shows you information if recipient received the package or not. At least in Spain you can check the status of the delivery easily.
Some of my friends had minor problems with items shipped outside EU because customs stopped the package and they had to pay taxes but I don't think it's a major problem. Everybody buying items outside of his country should know that customs couls stop the package and make you pay taxes.
If you are the seller, you sent the package using tracking and the package is stopped at customs it's not your faoult, the recipient must pay the taxes. Another option is trying to "cheat" sending items as a "gift" but sometimes customs won't believe it and will stop the package. The bigger the package is, the higher chances it's stopped.
