Shipping Parts - The REAL Deal

[Julian]

The recent threads on shipping of parts hit a nerve with me and I have held off posting my experience as I had hoped it would get resolved amicably, but alas it seems more and more unlikely that will be the case, so to avoid anyone else falling into a similar situation I'm writing this word of caution on International ordering/shipping of parts.

Back in February I ordered parts for my KVA MK1 from a UK based GT40 supplier. The packages arrived damaged and I contacted the vendor whereby I was told it was TNT's issue for damage in transit, so I contacted TNT to file a claim. Once the claim was filed the vendor took offence and said it was his place to file any claim, so I passed it over to him to deal with. From there it has been a circular string of e-mails and contradictions from the vendor getting me nowhere.

One package was a set of windows which were inadequately packaged for International shipment being stuffed in a single piece of corrugated card. The triangular ends of the windows simply broke through the ends of the untaped card and got damaged.

Firstly I was blamed by the vendor for accepting delivery this end. Fact is TNT dropped the package on my doorstep so I didn't have a chance to refuse it and no one ever signed for it.

I was charged a princely sum of GBP195 for packing, shipping and INSURANCE on a 22lb package. Well it turns out the shipment was not insured, so TNT liability is limited to a weight basis only. I have no problem with the principle of 'self insurance' if the vendor were prepared to stump up when things go wrong, but charging for a service and then not providing such basically amounts to fraud.

I offered to send the parts back, but was not willing to pay out of pocket for return shipment due to the additional overseas cost. First this was accepted, then later I was told it was not okay.

I have been told TNT approved the claim, but the vendor will not ship parts until TNT pays up. Well TNT offered to pay me direct about 2 months ago, but I left it to the vendor to sort out as I really just wanted the windows replaced. Now the vendor has stopped responding.

Suffice it to say I will not be ordering from this company again, they were quick to take my order and are quick to knock the competition on this board but when it comes down to it they are just full of WIND.

[Dave P]

International shipping can be tough. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen damaged shipments it happens alot. Air Freight does not mean a easy ride. the fork lift drivers are always in a hurry and not much care is used. Skids magically break

Some key things to remember:

Research who you are shipping with.

Use your digital camera for evidence.

Never have it shipped to where you cannot personally accept it.
( All my parts are shipped to my work address)

What ever you do, do not sign for it if it is damaged refuse it !!!!!!!!!!!

Buyer Beware!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Paul Thompson 'Hooligan']

I'm sorry to hear you have had such a poor response from a specialist UK company Joules..

With the current world financial climate and especially with the dollar being strong against the pound, I'm amazed that the person(s) or company involved are taking such a stance on this transaction and would certainly like to think that it does not reflect the standards maintained by the majority of UK companies.

Dave's comments are all good advice (IMHO) and I hope that common sense prevails and you are suitably recompensed for your loss in due course.

Fingers crossed..

[David Morton]

Julian,
Why can't you say who you are dealing with ?
There are not that many UK suppliers any more.

[Julian]

Originally Posted by David Morton

Julian,
Why can't you say who you are dealing with ?
There are not that many UK suppliers any more.

David,

I thought the references to the other recent Shipping Parts threads and a final 'full of WIND' would be subtle enough hints, maybe not......

[Fran Hall RCR]

Deleted...

[The Baron]

Typhoon!

[Fran Hall RCR]

Deleted..

[Tornado Sports Cars]

David

It is our company Julian is talking about. TORNADO SPORTS CARS.

The complete order was shipped with no items missing or to follow as per our shipping policy.

The shipper (TNT) damaged one of the packages and this should not have been accepted by the customer but it was.

We were told by TNT that the package had been stopped at customs and opened.

The customer started the claim process but it was not his place to do so as the contract with the shipping company was between ourselves and TNT. This action complicated matters and slowed things down.

The customer complained about the delay so I told him to fit the items he had and we would send replacements as soon as TNT had agreed the claim.

The damaged items were a rear window, a side window and a headlight cover. The damage was scratches all of which I am sure can be polished out. We received digital pictures but these did not show the scratches so I asked for the items to be returned but the customer complained about the return shipping costs.

If it had not been accepted it would have been returned FOC.

TNT agreed the claim and we waited for the paperwork as part of the claim includes sending the replacement parts FOC.

After chasing them several times they have now decided to reject the claim because the customer told them the packaging was insufficient. As the shipping company will look for any excuse possible It was not his place to do this.

This packaging is what we have always used and this is the first time there has ever been a problem.

The customer sent an email a couple of days ago threatening that if the matter was not resolved he would post on the forum.

I do not do blackmail. Sorry.

At the end of the day we can not be held responsible for the shipping companys actions.

I know that quite a few manufacturers will not supply parts to customers who do not have their cars. We have always tried to help these customers.

To date we have probably spent more money in time and effort trying to resolve this matter than was made on the original order.


Andy

[Tornado Sports Cars]

Maybe we should follow another manufacturers lead and not send all the parts to save them getting damaged.

Sorry Fran.....cant help myself

[Fran Hall RCR]

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[Tornado Sports Cars]

I think you need to take your own advice

[Tornado Sports Cars]

Oh Fran

Please put your deleted post back

[Fran Hall RCR]

Deleted...

[Tornado Sports Cars]

Why do you not show up as an active member or guest on the thread?

Are you in a special club???

[Fran Hall RCR]

Deleted...

[ArnieSmith]

Boy's...let's play nice.

[Julian]

Originally Posted by Andy Sheldon

The shipper (TNT) damaged one of the packages and this should not have been accepted by the customer but it was.

If it had not been accepted it would have been returned FOC.

After chasing them several times they have now decided to reject the claim because the customer told them the packaging was insufficient. As the shipping company will look for any excuse possible It was not his place to do this.

To date we have probably spent more money in time and effort trying to resolve this matter than was made on the original order.

Andy,

I don't want to get into a deracted argument on the forum, but you have come up with one excuse after another of why this is my fault.

TNT left the packages on my doorstep, no one was home, no one 'accepted' them.

I never told TNT anything about packaging, that is news to me, you never mentioned it previously, again it's all my fault.

You charged me a hefty sum that included insurance and did not insure the package, had you done as contracted this would have been resolved a long time ago.

This is my last post on the matter.

[Tornado Sports Cars]

Fran

Deleted Deleted Deleted !!!!!!

I look forward to your next customer complaint on the forum.

There have been lots and lots in the past and I have never posted. Its bad ethics.

We have one single complaint thats really nothing to do with us as its the shipper at fault and in your words you.....cant help yourself.

I will see if I can help myself in the future but I doubt it very much.

I may even drag some of the old threads up to be helpful.

I like to play by the rules but when someone else breaks the rules then there are no rules.

Deleted Deleted Deleted

[RichardH]

As one who has a car built by none of the above and has no vested interest in any manufacturer, may I just say that this sort of posting does none of you any good at all. If I was considering buying a GT40 from any of you, I would have serious doubts. Yes mistakes happen and things do go wrong, but the sign of a good supplier is to resolve things QUICKLY and AMICABLY.