Beware - parcel2go

[philv]

A quick warning about parcel2go.

I sent £40 of valves via parcel2go.
They went missing.

I made a claim.

Claim refused because they are glass and a prohibited item.

Nothing broken, just lost altogether.

So be warned.
I won't be using them again for using any excuse for not paying.

Anything with valves or any glass content has a chance of not being covered.

[enrae8]

I had exactly the same experience with Hermès - thought i’d try them
Same result as you :(

[karma67]

isn't parcel to go just a broker? who actually shipped it?

[Macca]

isn't parcel to go just a broker? who actually shipped it?

Yes they are just a broker.

[philv]

Yes a broker.
I tried hermes who was the service i chose.
They weren't interested.

A real pain to contact parcel2go.

I'll write it off to experience, but they will never have my custom again.

[Pharos]

Did the terms and conditions exclude glass?

[Shovel_Knight]

Did the terms and conditions exclude glass?

Yes, their terms and conditions exclude glass, turntables and other fragile items explicitly.

[Macca]

I don't think any of them cover glass. Or jewellery, documents, passports, furs, alcohol, gold, silver, money. Basically anything that's likely to get nicked or broken.

[mikeyb]

It's in their small print, always a good idea to read through prohibited items, especially courier resellers like parcel2go, parcel monkey etc.

Turntables, amplifiers, loudspeakers over £250, items made mostly of glass are in most prohibited lists.

Main reason I use Royal Mail Special Delivery, not cheap, but sometimes cheaper than Parcelforce, fast and reliable with good insurance.

[Yomanze]

Yes a broker.
I tried hermes who was the service i chose.
They weren't interested.

A real pain to contact parcel2go.

I'll write it off to experience, but they will never have my custom again.

Hmm that's quite bad form for a lost parcel!

The root of the issue though was entrusting Hermes with a package full-stop.

[VanDerGraaf]

I sent an amplifier recently via UPS directly from their website- I think it ended up cheaper than via an intermediary such as Interparcel!

I can accept the idea of using Hermes (in fact I actually do use them) and other low-end services for items that aren't worth much. But Mike is right- if you have something fragile and expensive, don't go cheap, go for the best you can.

[anthonyTD]

I dont think any of the couriers cover glass, or items made from glass, including Royal Mail, check the small print!
But if you send them special delivery, at least your pretty safe in that; they will get to their destination.

[zanash]

nearly all will try to prevent you claiming loss or damage .....I was reliably told years ago by a loss adjuster that you don't have to accept there decision. Usually if you fight your corner and threaten small claims court they will fold . The proviso is of course if its an exclusion. There aim is to make you think the decision can't be changed.


I had parcel lost, though more likely stolen by the post master...[I later learned the branch was under investigation for numerous thefts] the value was not huge I had a great deal of difficulty recovering the cost from parcel force who claimed it wasn't there fault as it was never transferred to them from the post office. The effort and time outweight the cost of items lost.

[Pieoftheday]

I used one if the above couriers to send some AV gear £150 worth, they lost it but they did pay up on the insurance, 3 weeks later it arrived back to me! I sold it again ont bay, get in:)

[WullieD20]

Interesting thread that sent me looking, having used Hermes (https://international.myhermes.co.uk/prohibited-items) on numerous occasions.....

I can't see them prohibiting "glass" or "Valves" specifically. However having scanned through the list I begin to wonder what on earth you CAN actually send with them?

:D:D:lol:

[paulf-2007]

The point should be it doesn't matter that's it's glass if it's lost not broken. Also what happens is when something is lost they want proof of value. That shouldn't matter, if they do their job it wouldn't be lost. The value and proof of such shouldn't matter either. Surely if I post a brick and value it at £1000, provided they deliver it they have nothing to worry about. It's not like I have any influence over the delivery provided it's addressed correctly. They are all competing for little money and using any loophole to avoid paying out.

[WullieD20]

The point should be it doesn't matter that's it's glass if it's lost not broken. Also what happens is when something is lost they want proof of value. That shouldn't matter, if they do their job it wouldn't be lost. The value and proof of such shouldn't matter either. Surely if I post a brick and value it at £1000, provided they deliver it they have nothing to worry about. It's not like I have any influence over the delivery provided it's addressed correctly. They are all competing for little money and using any loophole to avoid paying out.

:thumbsup: . . . :youtheman: . . . :clap::clap::clap:

[Jac Hawk]

I've noticed since lockdown a lot more is going missing and the tracking number is next to useless as most of the time now it only gives you an update once it's been delivered

[paulf-2007]

I've noticed since lockdown a lot more is going missing and the tracking number is next to useless as most of the time now it only gives you an update once it's been deliveredim waiting for an amp that is a week overdue, I contacted the seller who said something about customs not letting it leave the country of origin and now it's on it's way and in the eu and has a new tracking number that surprisingly or not doesn't work.

[AlexB]

Can’t say I’ve ever had a bad experience with parcel2go.

If I ever did have a problem they always sorted out straight away with their online chat.

[Beobloke]

Interesting timing. As I have mentioned, I always use UPS through Parcel2go and have done for years without any problems. However, UPS recently suspended their operations for a week to catch up with an order backlog. As a result, I had to pick a different courier to ship an eBay item and chose TNT as they are allegedly better than UPS if you believe the reviews. Well, they failed to deliver it initially as they "couldn't find the address", but then apparently delivered it last week. However, christ knows who the lucky recipient was, as it wasn't my buyer. :steam:

Parcel2go actually contacted me initially as the delivery date passed with no confirmation of delivery and so they said they'd be investigating, which was impressive. However, once TNT said they had delivered it they said they considered the matter closed, so I've had to get them to re-open the issue in order to find out where the bloody thing is.

As a result, regardless of how you book it, I would recommend that you avoid TNT at all costs.

[AlexB]

Interesting timing. As I have mentioned, I always use UPS through Parcel2go and have done for years without any problems. However, UPS recently suspended their operations for a week to catch up with an order backlog. As a result, I had to pick a different courier to ship an eBay item and chose TNT as they are allegedly better than UPS if you believe the reviews. Well, they failed to deliver it initially as they "couldn't find the address", but then apparently delivered it last week. However, christ knows who the lucky recipient was, as it wasn't my buyer. :steam:

Parcel2go actually contacted me initially as the delivery date passed with no confirmation of delivery and so they said they'd be investigating, which was impressive. However, once TNT said they had delivered it they said they considered the matter closed, so I've had to get them to re-open the issue in order to find out where the bloody thing is.

As a result, regardless of how you book it, I would recommend that you avoid TNT at all costs.


Agree with you on TNT, I bought something from America for about 15 dollars which is below the threshold for VAT and customs charges.

TNT rip you off by using the shipping cost+value so you end up having to pay VAT and customs charges!

[Lawrence001]

In think it was TNT who dropped my Jas Audio floorstanders (both pairs) and crushed the bottom corners, I wasn't a happy camper when I unpacked them.

Sent from my HRY-LX1 using Tapatalk

[Macca]

Agree with you on TNT, I bought something from America for about 15 dollars which is below the threshold for VAT and customs charges.

TNT rip you off by using the shipping cost+value so you end up having to pay VAT and customs charges!

Shipping cost has to be included in the VAT calculation. That's HMRC's not TNT's fault. The carrier doesn't keep any of that money, they are effectively an unpaid tax collector for the government, as is any business that's VAT registered.

[AlexB]

Shipping cost has to be included in the VAT calculation. That's HMRC's not TNT's fault. The carrier doesn't keep any of that money, they are effectively an unpaid tax collector for the government, as is any business that's VAT registered.

Fedex and DPD dont include the shipping cost, having used them quite a few times for usa to uk. Not once did i need to pay any charges.

[Macca]

Fedex and DPD dont include the shipping cost, having used them quite a few times for usa to uk. Not once did i need to pay any charges.

I know FedEx do include the shipping charge in the VAT calcualtion as I work for them. But if it is non-VAT-able item or VAT is already paid as it was bought within the EU then obviously you won't pay VAT (again) on shipping charge.

Or if it is being sent for repair, or restoration, or is an antique, or aircraft parts. There's quite a few exceptions IIRC.

Were the other imports also from USA? Or elsewhere?

Edit If it was sent as a gift and is under (I think) $40 value then it won't get charged. So maybe the others were coded as gifts on the EAWB?

[mikeyb]

Here's a screenshot of the way Royal Mail assess the duty and tax.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200625/25017eff1d750452b0c4fc87ddbd1664.jpg

NOTE: that under £15 they don't add duty or tax, no idea why another company would add duty and tax to an item of only $15 ?

Surely that's set by the UK govt NOT each individual courier.

Royal Mail link:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.royalmail.com/sites/default/files/International-customs-charges-leaflet-Jan-2017.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwj9iNeuxJzqAhVxRBUIHeUaB6oQFjAAegQIAxAB&usg=AOvVaw2Uc6DHz3T_OxwOvAXhkm15

[Beobloke]

Interesting timing. As I have mentioned, I always use UPS through Parcel2go and have done for years without any problems. However, UPS recently suspended their operations for a week to catch up with an order backlog. As a result, I had to pick a different courier to ship an eBay item and chose TNT as they are allegedly better than UPS if you believe the reviews. Well, they failed to deliver it initially as they "couldn't find the address", but then apparently delivered it last week. However, christ knows who the lucky recipient was, as it wasn't my buyer. :steam:

Parcel2go actually contacted me initially as the delivery date passed with no confirmation of delivery and so they said they'd be investigating, which was impressive. However, once TNT said they had delivered it they said they considered the matter closed, so I've had to get them to re-open the issue in order to find out where the bloody thing is.

As a result, regardless of how you book it, I would recommend that you avoid TNT at all costs.

Just as an addendum to this, it turns out that TNT gave up trying to deliver it to the right place and their “successful delivery” was actually to Parcel2Go HQ!

P2G have therefore contacted me to say they’ll be shipping it back to me - not via TNT, thank god.

Absolutely astonishing, especially given that the destination address wasn’t a remote farm in the Scottish Highlands, but a flat in the suburbs of London!

[The Black Adder]

heck this out... MyHermes parcels are always the last priority.

https://www.facebook.com/kev.andrews.549/videos/1707772849391580 (https://www.facebook.com/kev.andrews.549/videos/1707772849391580)

[HD Goofnut]

Herpes are terrible, short video below.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDV3wUVlwoc

[Martyn Miles]

I have never had any trouble with Parcel2Go.
I sent a pair of speakers to Taiwan and the local courier ( actually Taiwan Post Office ) dropped the parcel
and damaged one cabinet.
The person who received the cabinets arranged a local repair and Parcel2Go were quick on the insurance claim.

Re. Hermes, I have used them a lot with 100% success.

[Colinijohnson]

it's not parcel2go - it's the service you select & when things go wrong, you have to deal with parcel2go who liase with the courier. this year in april I sent motorcycle parts to spain using hermes via p2go. parcel lost, my mate was sent make up instead of the parts!
P2go customer services basically web chat in far east. friggin nightmare. Its hermes international I'm avoiding in future

Sent from my SM-A530F using Tapatalk

[Macca]

parcel lost, my mate was sent make up instead of the parts!


I keep hoping they will mix-up a parcel coming to me with a consignment of Krugerrands. Not happened yet but if I keep ordering tat off the internet it's surely only a matter of time.

[Colinijohnson]

I keep hoping they will mix-up a parcel coming to me with a consignment of Krugerrands. Not happened yet but if I keep ordering tat off the internet it's surely only a matter of time.lol - my mate redirected the make up to the correct address at his expense., so bloody annoying when they cock it up & dont respond

Sent from my SM-A530F using Tapatalk

[Mr.Ian]

My friend has just had an ebay not received claim rejected because hermes say he signed for the parcel. Given he was at work and drivers dont get signatures at present due to covid i think extta extra care needs to be taken when buying selling

[hifi_dave]

I tried to send a parcel, to be collected Thursday by UPS. I booked it through Parcel2go and downloaded the label and invoice but UPS didn't collect. I contacted Parcel2go yesterday, via their webchat and told it was a glitch at their end, nothing to do with UPS.

Hopefully, it will be collected Monday because the customer is not best pleased.

[CageyH]

I sent a top of the range Graham Slee MM phone stage to someone last week.
The package was signed for, and I was told that when the guy opened it, the phono stage was missing.

It appears that the package was opened during it’s voyage, and the phono stage was removed, and the package was taped back up again.
The insurance won’t work as the package was delivered....

[Macca]

It still comes under loss/damage so should be covered, assuming it was reported straight away.

[Ammonite Audio]

I tried to send a parcel, to be collected Thursday by UPS. I booked it through Parcel2go and downloaded the label and invoice but UPS didn't collect. I contacted Parcel2go yesterday, via their webchat and told it was a glitch at their end, nothing to do with UPS.

Hopefully, it will be collected Monday because the customer is not best pleased.

UPS are having some 'difficulties' with UK collections and deliveries - I sent a couple of boxes of parts to the south of England via UPS and it took them 6 days to deliver. UPS international services are fine, though.

[hornucopia]

NOw no lockdown, we should re-start the 'Wam Taxi'?

[philv]

Hermes have lost another of my parcels.
Cordless hedge trimmer returned to amazon via amazon hermrs pickup.

Hermes it seems are definitely to be avoided.
Though it could just be my local hermes agent.

[mikeyb]

Hermes have lost another of my parcels.
Cordless hedge trimmer returned to amazon via amazon hermrs pickup.

Hermes it seems are definitely to be avoided.
Though it could just be my local hermes agent.

Get in touch with Amazon helpline and they’ll sort it for you, I had a similar issue around Xmas time and after a few weeks of Hermes saying it hadn’t been returned I went to the online chat on amazon and the refund was sorted right away, no idea if they ever did get the item back.

[mikeyb]

I’ve been getting quotes from parcel2go and parcelmonkey this week and both flag up a message as you start to type in a prohibited or restricted item, this is new to me and very useful as a prompt to them check the relevant lists.

[philv]

I’ve been getting quotes from parcel2go and parcelmonkey this week and both flag up a message as you start to type in a prohibited or restricted item, this is new to me and very useful as a prompt to them check the relevant lists.

I never checked when i sent the valves.
Can understand and accepted them not covering damage to glass and for that i take full responsibility with my packaging.

But non sensical not to cover some thieving oil from Hermes pinching them, just because they contain glass.

Also, it is a great get out.
Lots of items have some glass content.

I had another order with parcel2go that i cancelled.
No refund to date.
Not impressed.

[rigger67]

They're admitting they throw parcels around with that policy.

I agree about Royal Mail - they're really good and decent value, sometimes surprisingly so.

I work for UPS and we tend to be on the higher side of the price scale but as a rule we do handle stuff really well.
I am actually a loader (I work 4-8am, placing packages on vans for the drivers) and have a couple of hifi shops in my "area" (Winchester and Chandlers Ford dealers) and always take extra special care with boxes marked for them. It's a lot of Naim and ProAc gear mostly.
I would add that anything heavy should be fairly well treated as you can't launch the box into the back of a van, can you ?
I've seen photos of Hermes vehicles with stuff in a heap in the back like it's been chucked in without the driver ever actually climbing into the van to sort it properly.
We have shelves and have to place each parcel in a certain section as they're all numbered. We also scan each individual package as we do it.
There's cameras everywhere on the loading belt so nobody misbehaves .. for long !

[eatapeach]

Hermes have lost another of my parcels.
Cordless hedge trimmer returned to amazon via amazon hermrs pickup.

Hermes it seems are definitely to be avoided.
Though it could just be my local hermes agent.


I’ve been getting quotes from parcel2go and parcelmonkey this week and both flag up a message as you start to type in a prohibited or restricted item, this is new to me and very useful as a prompt to them check the relevant lists.

No, it's Hermes full stop. They have lost two parcels of mine recently, so I've stopped using them. There is no way of contacting a human at Hermes, and I challenge anyone to start a dispute process. It's impossible to find a means to raise a claim if they lose your parcel. I now use DPD who are chalk and cheese different.

Yesterday DPD failed to deliver a parcel to Worcester. They had photos etc of the delivery but the recipient claimed they had no knowledge and that wasn't their house. I raised a dispute on their site, and via the chat facility got a number to ring. A person answered the call, got the tracking data for the van on screen, told me that the driver was in the right street at the time of delivery, and said he would raise a dispute for the driver to sort out "but it might be tomorrow". 20 mins later the driver rang me, said he had recovered the parcel from his mistaken delivery and was now at the right address to deliver.

After weeks of tearing my hair out with Hermes, DPD and Royal Mail are the only ones I will use.

I had a similar bad experience with another third party parcel aggregator similar to Parcel2go - Parcelhero. I needed to send a parcel to the Far East, Parcelhero was the cheapest for FedEx. So I booked it, printed off the labels and waited for the Fex Ex guy to collect. He turned up and wouldn't take the parcel because it didn't have an Air Waybill. So back on the ParcelZero, who sent me another set of labels. But, they were just the first set again. They rebooked the Fed Ex collection..Second day the Fed Ex guy comes to collect, same story. He even tried to scan it and his system refused to recognise the label. The Fed Ex guy told me to tell PZero to "book it as an EPD". So I got back on to ParcelZero and asked what they were going to do about the missing waybill. They referred the matter to their "in-house labelling team".

Now an air waybill is freight 101, everyone know how to format a waybill who has done a few shipments. ParcelZero plainly did not know how to book with Fed Ex nor produce the correct documentation. I think the term for selling something you don't possess or cannot provide is fraudulent misrepresentation.

So next time I'm going to try Interparcel - at least they have a phone number that rings and gets answered by a human - I checked.

[anthonyTD]

I used UPS for years, still do on occasion, however; it all went a bit sour the day they turned up with one of my amps, in its own custom made flight case smashed to bits!
It had only come to me for a service!
I remember having a conversation with someone at Fedex years ago now, and apparently anything you send with them [at the time, things may have changed now] has to withstand a metre drop, so that means you could take for instance an amplifier that weigh's around 40 Kilo, in its packaging, and drop it at any angle from around one metre, and expect it to survive! :doh:
They're admitting they throw parcels around with that policy.

I agree about Royal Mail - they're really good and decent value, sometimes surprisingly so.

I work for UPS and we tend to be on the higher side of the price scale but as a rule we do handle stuff really well.
I am actually a loader (I work 4-8am, placing packages on vans for the drivers) and have a couple of hifi shops in my "area" (Winchester and Chandlers Ford dealers) and always take extra special care with boxes marked for them. It's a lot of Naim and ProAc gear mostly.
I would add that anything heavy should be fairly well treated as you can't launch the box into the back of a van, can you ?
I've seen photos of Hermes vehicles with stuff in a heap in the back like it's been chucked in without the driver ever actually climbing into the van to sort it properly.
We have shelves and have to place each parcel in a certain section as they're all numbered. We also scan each individual package as we do it.
There's cameras everywhere on the loading belt so nobody misbehaves .. for long !

[struth]

ups are good. r mail special del is good value as well