Do they not want to export items? Plain stupidity? Or am I just asking the most incredibly weird questions?
I have been trying to order some of the small plastic pegs that hold a ZX80 motherboard in position.
It might have been easier to ask China to send me to the moon...
I am just not sure why this is such a big issue. I have dealt with several companies, all to no avail.
a) Company A (one of my usual suppliers in the UK) - it was no problem for them, they get a quote but come back with the news that the minimum order quantity (MOQ) is 40,000 !!
b) Company B (US manufacturer) - sent me a sample to check. That was fine, but for ordering I have to contact my nearest distributor who they list as their French Office - no of course, there is no website / email details and they can't pass my details onto the French office...
c) Company C (USA) -
- Hmm not sure what they mean by FOB: USA (wikipedia has several suggestions), but maybe if I am lucky it means free of charge carriage within the USA. Of course I would not expect it to be free of charge to the UK, but of course, they can't ship overseas (no idea why this is - anyone?)I can offer:
MOQ: 200 pcs @ USD xxx ea in stock
FOB: USA
Subject to unsold!
Sorry, we ship only FOB USA .
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
d) Company D (USA) - I don't know whether to laugh or cry at this exchange of emails...
Initially I was pleased:Good morning,
Please see pricing below.
Thanks- Nicole
You can supply us with you carrier collect # for shipping.
Alas, their reply:Hi Nicole,
That sounds a good price - however, I should have thought the simplest way would be for you to send them through the mail system as the only carrier I know of in the UK that collects would charge £60 to collect!
They are not exactly bulky or heavy, so would be fine in a large padded envelope.
My address for you to calculate the postage is:
xxx
xxx
If you can send by US mail, then please advise the total to pay and the best way to make payment.
I try to be helpful, with items sent via an intermediary:I cannot mail parts needs to go through a carrier.
Please advise.
Thanks- Nicole
Can anyone guess the response?Hi,
In that case, do you have a carrier that can deliver to an address in the USA?
What would be the cost of shipping to California?
Rich
Now I can see we are going around in circles, so I think keep it simple and send them an email to head this off..We can ship UPS/FEDX
Please advise with your carrier collect number.
Thanks- Nicole
Hi Nicole,
I am sorry - I don't understand what you mean by a carrier collect number ?
Can't you provide a quote for you booking a courier - as I have no idea on weight / size of parcel etc...
You could provide a price for sending 100 of the clips to (a) the UK and (b) the USA - California
I can then see which is the easiest and cheapest way of importing these..
Rich
Their response is as helpful as ever:
Argghhh....I NEED YOUR NUMBER FROM THE CARRIER YOU WOULD LIKE TO USE.
What is this number they want? My phone number (as that is the only number a courier might have for me)? My account number with the courier (not on your life!) ?
A phone number for a courier (not sure they want a phone number for a UK courier - maybe they can't use the internet to find a Fedex phone number?)
What to do next?