Quote:
Originally Posted by longsuffering
1. Is it 'right' for a courier to charge $40 to process an item costing $20?
YES, why wouldnt it be? they have a cost of providing the service, the value notwithstanding. maybe you have to look at your shipping patterns to ensure you dont get into this situation.
2. Is it 'right' for a courier to charge a processing fee without disclosing UPFRONT what the fee is?
NO, but I am sure the fee's were agreed to in the T&C of the waybill that was signed by the shipper. Is it "right" that your shipper entered into a contract without disclosing to you all the terms?
3. Is it 'right' for a company such as DHL to charge twice as much as their competitors for customs processing - again, without disclosing that a fee will be charged at all?
YES, a company has a right to charge whatever they want. Its up to the market to determine if the price is fair or not.
4. Is it 'right' for a courier to process customs documents on behalf of a recipient without (1) the recipients permission, or (2) providing the recipient an opportunity to Customs clear the shipment on their own? (Fedex at least normally provides this option)
NO, DHL, UPS, FDX or whoevr should always call the consignee first and ask them if they have their own broker or would like the shipment cleared on their behalf.
I agree DHL especially has the WORST customer service, I would never use them unless I had to. Simply defending the process of customs clearance as not being a criminial charge.
It seems like you're saying anyone buying anything on the internet should just bend over and pay whatever the courier decides it wants to charge for services it was never asked to provide.
NO, I am saying understand what you are buying and when you or the shipper sign the waybill, understand what you have signed and what you have bought. You arent buying customs clearance when you ship, you are buying transport services.
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I have been in the industry for over 20 years, the first 15 or so in the small parcel business and have done a few million dollars or more in business with all the major couriers.
for the most part, they are all the same. 97% of the time, just fine. the 3%, good luck as they all have no idea what real customer service is.