Customs horror stories

[Nick Bidmade]

I'm a bit of a pessimist at heart...

My new BenRom was sent from Canada early last week, went to the Fedex depot at Memphis, and, according to the tracker info Bent sent to me, it arrived at Stanstead last Thursday. 3000 miles in 48 hours, and 6 days (and counting) to do the last 250 miles.

So... I'm wondering if Customs have got their hands on it. If they have, and when it finally arrives at my local sorting office it appears that the packaging has been opened, or, worse, there is any potential damage evident by its appearance before I sign for it, what do I do???

Do I refuse to pay the import duty, pay the duty and ask for a claim form, take lots of photos...

Any thoughts, suggestions or advice gratefully received.

(Of course, it could be nothing and just my anxiety... but I want to be prepared for the worst!)

[Danny Mitchell]

6 days (and counting) to do the last 250 miles.

Unbelievable Nick I hope someone has experience of this and can put your mind at rest. Fingers crossed for you.

[Jason Lynch]

ring the fedex office directly and ask if its waiting for a customs payment. Chances are it's being held till they can send you a letter. standard procedure if they don't have a phone number for the recipient.

[Nick Bidmade]

Spot on Jason!

Got a letter today from Fedex. My phone number had been entered wrongly on the package, hence the delay in contacting me.

They still tried to sting me for VAT on US dollars rather than Canadian dollars - a difference of over £100!

However, they sorted it out pretty quickly when I phoned them and now I'm waiting - maybe delivery tomorrow or Monday - and hopefully all will be well.

[Jason Lynch]

fantastic. Love it when a plan comes together!

[Nick Bidmade]

The guitar is here! I couldn't be happier. Sounds and looks fabulous, even with me behind her!
Bent has done a brilliant job. Anyone thinking of a new build - I would strongly recommend Bent to you. It's a long wait - he makes 'em one at a time - but worth it.
The Canadian dollar is a more favourable currency for us in the UK than the US dollar - although Brexiteers have cost me the best part of £300 as the pound plummets to the same value as pretty shells....
No matter! I am a pig in sh!