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zee-chan-jpn-books · ‎08-18-2014

I had an EMS parcel that was shipped from Japan on August 8th, and it arrived in Richmond on August 14 according to tracking record. Then tracking shows "Item processed" multiple times on the 15th and 16th. Canada Post "attempted" to deliver it today, August 18. They didn't ring my doorbell... whoever did it simply left the delivery notice card in the community mailbox (not even on my front door), so I won't be able to pick up the parcel until tomorrow August 19 because of that. There is also a customs charge of $47 item *sigh*

Now, if I check Japan Post's EMS delivery standard page, it says the delivery standard from Tokyo to Canada is estimated 3 days. It has been the case for my past EMS parcels from Japan, that they always arrive within the 3-5 days range. This is the first time I ever had a EMS parcel taking as long as 11 days to get to me (technically I don't have it in my hands yet)... The sad part is I bought something else from Hong Kong on the same day using standard airmail and I got that last Friday!

Is it "standard practice" for the posties to just dump the parcels that needs to pay customs fees at postal outlets instead of properly delivering them to us nowadays?

Also, I'm not sure if it's possible to file any postal claims for this situation as the item was not delivered within standard time frame? But then EMS doesn't say guaranteed by 3 business days (like how our Xpresspost says guaranteed 5 business days)... it did say estimated so I'm not sure if 11 days still counted as within the estimate. =\

Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks!

femmefan1946 · ‎08-19-2014

Is it "standard practice" for the posties to just dump the parcels that needs to pay customs fees at postal outlets instead of properly delivering them to us nowadays?

Likely, especially if your 'postie' is actually working for a contracted delivery company as many are.

She may not want to be carrying cash, can't accept a cheque and doesn't want to be yelled at for the ridiculous level at which duty (and sales tax) kick in.

She also may not carry a credit card machine, making it even more difficult to collect duty, tax and of course her company's service fee.

It almost makes the GSP look good. << ducks behind a steel and asbestos curtain>>

pjcdn2005 · ‎08-19-2014

Is it "standard practice" for the posties to just dump the parcels that needs to pay customs fees at postal outlets instead of properly delivering them to us nowadays?

It's standard here. But we have to go to the postal outlet for any package that requires anything extra such as a signature.

Also, I'm not sure if it's possible to file any postal claims for this situation as the item was not delivered within standard time frame?

I'm not familiar with that service but If there is a guaranteed time frame, the person who actually purchased the postage would have to put in the claim.

pjcdn2005 · ‎08-19-2014

It almost makes the GSP look good. << ducks behind a steel and asbestos curtain>>

Hiding is a good idea. LOL

zee-chan-jpn-books · ‎08-20-2014

She may not want to be carrying cash, can't accept a cheque and doesn't want to be yelled at for the ridiculous level at which duty (and sales tax) kick in.

lol, trust me, I'd be much happier to pay the tax at my door than having to travel to the postal outlet that I really dislike. I just don't think it's appropriate for the tracking info to show "delivery attempted" when they clearly did not attempt one. I can understand the part about not carrying cash though. $47 is not exactly a small sum.

By the way, is it true that now for customs fees, they only accept cash or debit, and not credit card? I'm trying to figure out whether it was this particular postal outlet being a PITA or if it's a new customs rule... I haven't really bought anything this expensive lately so I haven't been dinged to know whether or not this is new.

And please excuse my ignorance, but what is GSP...? I tried googling but it had varying answers so I just wanted to be sure... 😛

It's standard here. But we have to go to the postal outlet for any package that requires anything extra such as a signature.

I see. Before I moved to my new place, the postie who delivers to my old place does carry the machine for credit/debit card and I paid by the door.

I'll have to look further into Japan Post's EMS info then. But since it says "estimated 3 days" and not "guaranteed 3 days" they probably will just ignore my claim...