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International Shipping & Ordering: Stories/Tips/Tricks/Advice

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Which Int'l shipping service do you prefer?

  • BiaB

    Votes: 3 12.0%
  • Etre

    Votes: 21 84.0%
  • Y'all are crazy for spending that much on shipping

    Votes: 1 4.0%

  • Total voters
    25
Don't print a label, just go in and fill it out in the post office. If it's like Lux, it's a 2 min exercise of listing contents, giving origin address and destination address.
 
Don't print a label, just go in and fill it out in the post office. If it's like Lux, it's a 2 min exercise of listing contents, giving origin address and destination address.

I agree. I always go to a B post office and ask for an international shipping form. It takes about 5 minutes to fill out the necessary info.
 
Any updates on West Coast shipping? LAX?
I've gotten two packages successfully in recent months, including one that came in less than a week, but both have come through New York, not LAX. Still, shipping to the west coast seems less fraught now.
 
I'm starting to think that I'm going to lose my first Etre box.

Wl95Zjj.png


Into O'Hare 11 days ago, no word since then. Used to be delivered just 2-3 days after arriving at O'Hare.

:(

Just got this in the mail today - has anyone else gotten one of these?

sy49n6V.png

sy49n6V
 
Anyone else have delayed shipments from belgium? It supposedly left Belgium on the 18th and has had no updates since.
 
Anyone else have delayed shipments from belgium? It supposedly left Belgium on the 18th and has had no updates since.
This happens all the time, did you read any of this thread? It's completely normal to have weeks-long delays in shipments that arrive just fine.
 
This happens all the time, did you read any of this thread? It's completely normal to have weeks-long delays in shipments that arrive just fine.
I did, but most people see the box arrive to customs. I've had other boxes come before in 5 days to my house from the same shipper. To not even make it to customs yet got me slightly concerned. I'm sure it will show up eventually and maybe I just got lucky on the other shipments.
 
I did, but most people see the box arrive to customs. I've had other boxes come before in 5 days to my house from the same shipper. To not even make it to customs yet got me slightly concerned. I'm sure it will show up eventually and maybe I just got lucky on the other shipments.

Did you order from a website? I'm actually having the same issue and I'm in NY near Buffalo area. Mine left on the 16th though and 12 days later there's not another update from Bpost. All other shipments normally hit JFK in 4 to 5 days and are delivered within a few days after that.
 
Did you order from a website? I'm actually having the same issue and I'm in NY near Buffalo area. Mine left on the 16th though and 12 days later there's not another update from Bpost. All other shipments normally hit JFK in 4 to 5 days and are delivered within a few days after that.
Yes, Finest Belgian. I'm in Ithaca and have had no problems before with Bpost deliveries.
 
Yes, Finest Belgian. I'm in Ithaca and have had no problems before with Bpost deliveries.

Mine was TrappistWorld. Same here. All other Bpost deliveries through trades and purchases arrive within 10 days. Bpost tracking looks odd as well on this one with everything duplicated.

17/10/2016 00:30 Item information registered manually
17/10/2016 00:05 Departure from office of exchange BEBRUA Belgium
17/10/2016 00:05 Departure from office of exchange BEBRUA Belgium
16/10/2016 20:36 Your item has been sorted NOUVEAU GAND X
16/10/2016 20:35 Your item has been sorted NOUVEAU GAND X
16/10/2016 15:21 Item information registered manually at the counter OOSTENDE CENTRUM

Normally, in under a week mine all say arrived at JFK. Sit in NYC for a day and then to Southwest NY within two days. This one is concerning to me because it wasn't exactly a cheap order and I notice they keep selling out, replenishing, selling out, replenishing of the beers on a daily basis. Their customer service is horrible and I've gotten no replies from them at all.
 
I did, but most people see the box arrive to customs. I've had other boxes come before in 5 days to my house from the same shipper. To not even make it to customs yet got me slightly concerned. I'm sure it will show up eventually and maybe I just got lucky on the other shipments.
I don't think that's true, I think they tend to not update at all until they're through customs, at least my recent ones haven't.

But, basically, whenever someone asks "____ is happening with my tracking is it normal?" the answer is "YES IT'S FINE JUST RELAX" unless it actually says that it was rejected, in which case the answer is "NO IT'S NOT FINE PANIC" but I don't think that needs explaining.
 
Mine was TrappistWorld. Same here. All other Bpost deliveries through trades and purchases arrive within 10 days. Bpost tracking looks odd as well on this one with everything duplicated.

17/10/2016 00:30 Item information registered manually
17/10/2016 00:05 Departure from office of exchange BEBRUA Belgium
17/10/2016 00:05 Departure from office of exchange BEBRUA Belgium
16/10/2016 20:36 Your item has been sorted NOUVEAU GAND X
16/10/2016 20:35 Your item has been sorted NOUVEAU GAND X
16/10/2016 15:21 Item information registered manually at the counter OOSTENDE CENTRUM

Normally, in under a week mine all say arrived at JFK. Sit in NYC for a day and then to Southwest NY within two days. This one is concerning to me because it wasn't exactly a cheap order and I notice they keep selling out, replenishing, selling out, replenishing of the beers on a daily basis. Their customer service is horrible and I've gotten no replies from them at all.
I've avoided that specific site because it's usually too expensive for me. Hope for both our sakes it just rolls through fine. Good to hear someone else is experiencing the same thing.
 
I've avoided that specific site because it's usually too expensive for me. Hope for both our sakes it just rolls through fine. Good to hear someone else is experiencing the same thing.

Trust me, I agree. I only did it because there's a beer I've really wanted to try for some time and I don't get distro or ammo to trade for it. I saw it pop up and figured that I would take a shot. Their mark-up is insane and when I went to Cantillon a few years ago I'm pretty sure most bottles I bought were 12 euro or less. I justified this purchase by saying well it's still cheaper than a plane ticket and room expenses. I also wish you luck in your purchase as well. Hopefully it's just a fluke this time around and both of our first times seeing a delay.
 
Mine was TrappistWorld. Same here. All other Bpost deliveries through trades and purchases arrive within 10 days. Bpost tracking looks odd as well on this one with everything duplicated.

17/10/2016 00:30 Item information registered manually
17/10/2016 00:05 Departure from office of exchange BEBRUA Belgium
17/10/2016 00:05 Departure from office of exchange BEBRUA Belgium
16/10/2016 20:36 Your item has been sorted NOUVEAU GAND X
16/10/2016 20:35 Your item has been sorted NOUVEAU GAND X
16/10/2016 15:21 Item information registered manually at the counter OOSTENDE CENTRUM

Normally, in under a week mine all say arrived at JFK. Sit in NYC for a day and then to Southwest NY within two days. This one is concerning to me because it wasn't exactly a cheap order and I notice they keep selling out, replenishing, selling out, replenishing of the beers on a daily basis. Their customer service is horrible and I've gotten no replies from them at all.

They just replenished again with what I can onlyassume were the bottles intended for you. You're probably **** out of luck.








































Just kidding. You'll be fine.
 
They just replenished again with what I can onlyassume were the bottles intended for you. You're probably **** out of luck.



Just kidding. You'll be fine.
I understand the replenishment weren't the bottles I bought, I was merely stating that there were plenty of changes to the inventory, however, no one would reach out to me with a reply to my inquiries on the matter. It's not been 3 weeks since the order and two weeks since the box shipped and still zero Bpost updates or scans. I've had international boxes arrive to me that were shipped after this, so that's why I am worried. A UK box just came in under a week and another Belgium in a bit over. I just can't see why this one would have no scans for two weeks is all. I apologize for venting on here, was just looking for others who may be seeing the same issue is all.
 
I understand the replenishment weren't the bottles I bought, I was merely stating that there were plenty of changes to the inventory, however, no one would reach out to me with a reply to my inquiries on the matter. It's not been 3 weeks since the order and two weeks since the box shipped and still zero Bpost updates or scans. I've had international boxes arrive to me that were shipped after this, so that's why I am worried. A UK box just came in under a week and another Belgium in a bit over. I just can't see why this one would have no scans for two weeks is all. I apologize for venting on here, was just looking for others who may be seeing the same issue is all.

It's ok, you are not the only one. Post here though if you do hear anything.
 
I understand the replenishment weren't the bottles I bought, I was merely stating that there were plenty of changes to the inventory, however, no one would reach out to me with a reply to my inquiries on the matter. It's not been 3 weeks since the order and two weeks since the box shipped and still zero Bpost updates or scans. I've had international boxes arrive to me that were shipped after this, so that's why I am worried. A UK box just came in under a week and another Belgium in a bit over. I just can't see why this one would have no scans for two weeks is all. I apologize for venting on here, was just looking for others who may be seeing the same issue is all.

Recent order from Trappistworld to SF bay area:

Ordered mine on 10/3. Didn't get any shipping info or update until 10/12 where it sat around for a bit only to show up in SF customs on the 15th:

Tracking:
October 12, 2016 , 11:14 am Processed Through Facility AMSTERDAM INTERNATIONAL MAIL CENT, NETHERLANDS
Origin Post is Preparing Shipment
October 15, 2016 , 8:21 pm Processed Through Facility ISC SAN FRANCISCO (USPS)
Inbound Into Customs
October 16, 2016 , 1:39 pm Inbound Out of Customs
October 16, 2016 , 2:41 pm Arrived at USPS Facility SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94128
October 17, 2016 , 10:44 pm Arrived at USPS Facility SAN JOSE, CA 95101

Eventually arrived on the 18th. Their boxes kinda sucks too.. the box my bottles were in was so thin and was already showing plenty of signs of damage. Same with a friend of mine that had a much larger order.
 
Recent order from Trappistworld to SF bay area:

Ordered mine on 10/3. Didn't get any shipping info or update until 10/12 where it sat around for a bit only to show up in SF customs on the 15th:

Tracking:
October 12, 2016 , 11:14 am Processed Through Facility AMSTERDAM INTERNATIONAL MAIL CENT, NETHERLANDS
Origin Post is Preparing Shipment
October 15, 2016 , 8:21 pm Processed Through Facility ISC SAN FRANCISCO (USPS)
Inbound Into Customs
October 16, 2016 , 1:39 pm Inbound Out of Customs
October 16, 2016 , 2:41 pm Arrived at USPS Facility SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94128
October 17, 2016 , 10:44 pm Arrived at USPS Facility SAN JOSE, CA 95101

Eventually arrived on the 18th. Their boxes kinda sucks too.. the box my bottles were in was so thin and was already showing plenty of signs of damage. Same with a friend of mine that had a much larger order.

I'll hold out hope then. My order was on the 10th, info on the 16th, and then no update on the tracking since the 17th. The tracking I'm used to seeing is right around what yours was when it leaves and then hits customs in 4 to 5 days and then delivers in a couple after that.
 
I'll hold out hope then. My order was on the 10th, info on the 16th, and then no update on the tracking since the 17th. The tracking I'm used to seeing is right around what yours was when it leaves and then hits customs in 4 to 5 days and then delivers in a couple after that.
Just a heads up, I emailed the shop I ordered from and he said he already put out a request to bpost before I had emailed supposedly. Right after I got the email from him my package showed up in customs on bpost tracking.. I'm happy either way, but seems strange.
 
Just a heads up, I emailed the shop I ordered from and he said he already put out a request to bpost before I had emailed supposedly. Right after I got the email from him my package showed up in customs on bpost tracking.. I'm happy either way, but seems strange.

Thank you for the update! I'm having a really hard time getting an update or response back from TrappistWorld. I asked if they could check with Bpost, but still nothing back.
 
I was able to get in contact with Bpost and they confirmed basically what the tracking says with the last scan of the package in Belgium on October 17th. They suggested I should have the sender open up an investigation, however, I'm unable to do that since TW will not respond to any inquiries. If I'm getting blown off just on basic questions it seems highly unlikely that they take the time to open an investigation up and refund me, if needed.
 
I was able to get in contact with Bpost and they confirmed basically what the tracking says with the last scan of the package in Belgium on October 17th. They suggested I should have the sender open up an investigation, however, I'm unable to do that since TW will not respond to any inquiries. If I'm getting blown off just on basic questions it seems highly unlikely that they take the time to open an investigation up and refund me, if needed.
If they don't respond with emails just dispute it with your credit card company. That usually gets attention.
 
I was able to get in contact with Bpost and they confirmed basically what the tracking says with the last scan of the package in Belgium on October 17th. They suggested I should have the sender open up an investigation, however, I'm unable to do that since TW will not respond to any inquiries. If I'm getting blown off just on basic questions it seems highly unlikely that they take the time to open an investigation up and refund me, if needed.
If showed up at my door today, best of luck!
 
I'm starting to think that I'm going to lose my first Etre box.

Wl95Zjj.png


Into O'Hare 11 days ago, no word since then. Used to be delivered just 2-3 days after arriving at O'Hare.

:(

My long nightmare is over.

n9edH6f.png


More than a month after the package landed in Chicago, the status was updated to having cleared customs. But that wasn't the end of the story. The USPS status claims that a delivery attempt was made on 10/28, but it wasn't. My wife was home all day, and there was no notice left. Nonetheless, I rescheduled a delivery for 11/1. 11/1 came and went with no sign of the package, and no update online. So I went to the post office this morning to see if I could track it down. Wonder of wonders, they actually had it there. I was curious why there hadn't been any attempt to actually, you know, take it to my house. But I didn't want to jinx anything.

Anyway, got it home more than a month after mentally writing it off. It was almost like a birthday gift, because I couldn't actually remember what I had ordered. But it's here.

RJefLtC.jpg
 
My long nightmare is over.

n9edH6f.png


More than a month after the package landed in Chicago, the status was updated to having cleared customs. But that wasn't the end of the story. The USPS status claims that a delivery attempt was made on 10/28, but it wasn't. My wife was home all day, and there was no notice left. Nonetheless, I rescheduled a delivery for 11/1. 11/1 came and went with no sign of the package, and no update online. So I went to the post office this morning to see if I could track it down. Wonder of wonders, they actually had it there. I was curious why there hadn't been any attempt to actually, you know, take it to my house. But I didn't want to jinx anything.

Anyway, got it home more than a month after mentally writing it off. It was almost like a birthday gift, because I couldn't actually remember what I had ordered. But it's here.

RJefLtC.jpg

Excellent, glad your issue was resolved and you got your beer!
 
the only issue I've had with international shipping is once the package gets in the hands of USPS. they don't want to carry the box because it's heavy...so they'll leave this magical, invisible note on the door.
 
My long nightmare is over.

n9edH6f.png


More than a month after the package landed in Chicago, the status was updated to having cleared customs. But that wasn't the end of the story. The USPS status claims that a delivery attempt was made on 10/28, but it wasn't. My wife was home all day, and there was no notice left. Nonetheless, I rescheduled a delivery for 11/1. 11/1 came and went with no sign of the package, and no update online. So I went to the post office this morning to see if I could track it down. Wonder of wonders, they actually had it there. I was curious why there hadn't been any attempt to actually, you know, take it to my house. But I didn't want to jinx anything.

Anyway, got it home more than a month after mentally writing it off. It was almost like a birthday gift, because I couldn't actually remember what I had ordered. But it's here.

RJefLtC.jpg


Out of..... 60? boxes Ive had from Belgium, I've had 1 actually delivered to my house.

I always have to go pick it up due to "missed delivery", which I assume is code for "this ****'s too heavy, leave it here for this guy to come pick up".
 
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