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

[bigda83]

Finally got a reply from TW, but no closer to having this resolved. 4 weeks since order, and 3 weeks since it was shipped and still no scan or update on the package. TW said shipping between continents sometimes takes longer. Basically the same stuff I already know, however, 3 weeks between scans seems a bit ridiculous at this point.

 

[MooseLang]

What Customs Office is ORDA? This is the first package I've had that hasn't gone through JFK...

05/11/2016 11:25 Retained at customs : reason unknown USORDA United States
04/11/2016 14:45 Arrival at international office of exchange USORDA United States
03/11/2016 23:20 Item information registered manually
03/11/2016 23:08 Departure from office of exchange BEBRUA Belgium
03/11/2016 16:16 Your item has been sorted BRUXELLES X
03/11/2016 11:57 Confirmation of preparation of the shipment received

 

[IndianaJones]

ORD is Chicago - O'Hare, which is main hub for international package customs. Probably it's at that airport

 

[boogercrack]

What Customs Office is ORDA? This is the first package I've had that hasn't gone through JFK...

05/11/2016 11:25 Retained at customs : reason unknown USORDA United States
04/11/2016 14:45 Arrival at international office of exchange USORDA United States
03/11/2016 23:20 Item information registered manually
03/11/2016 23:08 Departure from office of exchange BEBRUA Belgium
03/11/2016 16:16 Your item has been sorted BRUXELLES X
03/11/2016 11:57 Confirmation of preparation of the shipment received

I usually get much faster processing times at O'Hare than at JFK, fwiw.

 

[MooseLang]

I usually get much faster processing times at O'Hare than at JFK, fwiw.

Interesting. I was just taken by surprise a bit, as I have only ever seen JFK pop up for me before. Good to know though.


(Watch this be the first box I lose)

 

[bigda83]

Interesting. I was just taken by surprise a bit, as I have only ever seen JFK pop up for me before. Good to know though.


(Watch this be the first box I lose)

At least yours actually made it to customs. Mine still says departure since October 17th with no movement. One of my first international trades gave me the same info as yours being held there. I think it took about a week and then all of a sudden was out for delivery. Hopefully you'll this one soon enough, man.

 

[MooseLang]

At least yours actually made it to customs. Mine still says departure since October 17th with no movement. One of my first international trades gave me the same info as yours being held there. I think it took about a week and then all of a sudden was out for delivery. Hopefully you'll this one soon enough, man.

Mine was released and sent to the Post Office yesterday. I wasn't worried about it, just surprised it didn't go to JFK. Knock on wood, but I have never had an issue with Etre. One time, it was held at customs for 8 days, but that was about it.

Hope yours gets to you safely!

 

[bigda83]

As of today, my package still hasn't moved. Over a month has passed since I ordered and nearly 4 weeks since it was shipped. I have no idea why it would just sit there for a month with no movement, unless it was lost.

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

 

[CaliforniaKid]

Also, realize that for a 12 bottle shipper you're looking at around $110. It's not cheap but it's certainly worth it if you want the gueuzez.

And if you don't have a scale take it to UPS or Fedex to get weighed before you complete the customs form.

Via which shipper? This is a great price.

 

[IndianaJones]

As of today, my package still hasn't moved. Over a month has passed since I ordered and nearly 4 weeks since it was shipped. I have no idea why it would just sit there for a month with no movement, unless it was lost.

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

I'm in the same boat with bpost, about 24 days with no update after shipping

 

[bigda83]

I'm in the same boat with bpost, about 24 days with no update after shipping

Thank you for letting me know. At least I know I'm not the only one that this is happening to. I'm getting close to one month and no movement, so we both appear to have a ways to go. Now my worry is weather if I ever get these. Western NY is going to be having a lot of days below freezing coming up and these are low ABV lambics. Ugh.

 

[chefduff2]

Thank you for letting me know. At least I know I'm not the only one that this is happening to. I'm getting close to one month and no movement, so we both appear to have a ways to go. Now my worry is weather if I ever get these. Western NY is going to be having a lot of days below freezing coming up and these are low ABV lambics. Ugh.

Did you ever get them to trace it with Bpost?

 

[bigda83]

Did you ever get them to trace it with Bpost?

No, they just told me the same information that I can already see. TrappistWorld replied and also told me the same thing and sent me the link saying "you can track your package here". Haha, I already know that and that's why I'm emailing because it hasn't moved. It's irritating. They said they would open a incident with Bpost in the email but said that normally they just reply back saying they couldn't find anything on it. I'm not holding out much hope these days.

 

[IndianaJones]

No, they just told me the same information that I can already see. TrappistWorld replied and also told me the same thing and sent me the link saying "you can track your package here". Haha, I already know that and that's why I'm emailing because it hasn't moved. It's irritating. They said they would open a incident with Bpost in the email but said that normally they just reply back saying they couldn't find anything on it. I'm not holding out much hope these days.

I ordered through Finest Belgian Beers. The proprietor, Alexandre, is a stand-up guy; he pestered Bpost upwards of a dozen times, and they finally updated the tracking last night. The tracking now says its in customs at JFK. I imagine having someone to hold Bpost's feet to the fire helps the process along. Unfortunately, I don't know if Trappist World will have the same level of service. Good luck, your box is probably still headed to you, albeit painfully slowly.

 

[bigda83]

I ordered through Finest Belgian Beers. The proprietor, Alexandre, is a stand-up guy; he pestered Bpost upwards of a dozen times, and they finally updated the tracking last night. The tracking now says its in customs at JFK. I imagine having someone to hold Bpost's feet to the fire helps the process along. Unfortunately, I don't know if Trappist World will have the same level of service. Good luck, your box is probably still headed to you, albeit painfully slowly.

Thank you, I appreciate you letting me know this. No, TW is not anywhere as close to being as helpful as they were. It usually takes days to even get a reply and it's generally generic and something I already know. I won't be ordering from them ever again and I'm pissed since they're super expensive and I feel like I'm getting dicked around at this point. Good luck with your box and hopefully it arrives soon!

 

[IndianaJones]

Thank you, I appreciate you letting me know this. No, TW is not anywhere as close to being as helpful as they were. It usually takes days to even get a reply and it's generally generic and something I already know. I won't be ordering from them ever again and I'm pissed since they're super expensive and I feel like I'm getting dicked around at this point. Good luck with your box and hopefully it arrives soon!

My package arrived today. No updates in tracking for 25 days, yesterday it updated to say it was accepted at customs in NYC, and today it's on my doorstep. Obviously those timelines don't add up. I say this to show you how truly spotty international tracking is; gone for weeks, shows up one day. I think yours should arrive sooner or later.

 

[bigda83]

My package arrived today. No updates in tracking for 25 days, yesterday it updated to say it was accepted at customs in NYC, and today it's on my doorstep. Obviously those timelines don't add up. I say this to show you how truly spotty international tracking is; gone for weeks, shows up one day. I think yours should arrive sooner or later.

Glad to hear yours arrived. That is a relief for you at least. I'm at 30 days now without an update and the sender hardly replies at all. I finally opened a dispute on the charge to see if that will at least get them to look into the matter with Bpost. I have seen the crazy nature of international shipping before, but these month long delays in scans seem crazy. I feel like I'm in the old days waiting on a horse to arrive with a wax-sealed telegram that was sent weeks prior. haha.

 

[chefduff2]

Glad to hear yours arrived. That is a relief for you at least. I'm at 30 days now without an update and the sender hardly replies at all. I finally opened a dispute on the charge to see if that will at least get them to look into the matter with Bpost. I have seen the crazy nature of international shipping before, but these month long delays in scans seem crazy. I feel like I'm in the old days waiting on a horse to arrive with a wax-sealed telegram that was sent weeks prior. haha.

Any update to your box?

 

[bigda83]

Any update to your box?

Nope. Even after I opened a dispute with the credit card company. TrappistWorld still has not replied or been helpful at all as far as saying they'll look into the matter, take care of things, or make it right. On top of that, it's below freezing where I am in NY now, so if the box ever does arrive these low ABV lambics could freeze. That's why I ordered in early October haha. The tracking still shows exactly the same as what I posed on here a couple times, Bpost can't help me because the sender has a business account and needs to dispute things, and the sender won't help or do anything. I recommend anyone, even those who have had success with TW prior, to avoid them at all costs. I've sold things online throughout my life and whenever people had issues I was constantly communicating with them to help as best I could. Leaving me hanging is poor customer service and if they have time to constantly be adding new inventory then a reply to my email inquiry is within reason. Thanks for checking in man, but sadly I'm thinking this is a lost cause after a month and a half now.

 

[bigda83]

Still no updates, or replies from Trappistworld. 6 weeks and counting. I'd like to reiterate to everyone NEVER to use this website. Even if you've had success in the past, they appear to have went way down hill. Refuse to reply to inquiries and everything on their website is a sham. I've experienced none of their listed things of satisfaction guaranteed, good customer service, refund for lost order, fast shipping within 5 to 12 days, etc. Avoid them and losing money. I'm glad I opened the dispute, but sadly the company gives them 90 days to reply and I'm sure they will wait all 90 since they haven't yet.

 

[belvedere86]

owner of trappist world is Robin Vermoere.

I found this guy on facebook (and he is also from Ostend). So maybe you need this guy? Could also be a dude that has the same name of course

https://www.facebook.com/robin.vermoere/about

 

[belvedere86]

pretty sure it's this guy. He also tried to sell Westvleteren to bars...

http://www.drankenvermoere.be/drankenvermoere_007.htm

http://westvleterenforsale.com/en/t...tles/11-24-pack-trappist-westvleteren-12.html

 

[bigda83]

owner of trappist world is Robin Vermoere.

I found this guy on facebook (and he is also from Ostend). So maybe you need this guy? Could also be a dude that has the same name of course

https://www.facebook.com/robin.vermoere/about

Yes, I believe that is him. I have tried reaching out to him directly, but never got a reply. The few times that the website actually replied, it was always ended with "Robin", so I assume he was the one replying. The communication was minimal, but now it's completely gone even though my inquiries were friendly and asking for help. I just assume he doesn't want to refund me, or look into this matter, and the Cantillon I ordered is no longer available for a replacement. I just see constant updates of available beers so he's obviously online and seeing my emails and inquiries if he's the sole website and customer service person.

 

[sunnrider]

These kinds of operations are usually just some dude working out of his garage trying to make a quick buck off the back of the current most popular beer. You're practically guaranteed there's going to be over-ordering and stock issues. Probably what happened in your case.
On a personal note, I have to side with the breweries here, these people are unwelcome in the artisanal beer world, their sole motivation is profit and that, alongside the whole currently booming secondary sales market leaves a really bad taste. My recommendation is to seek out trading partners, there are some good people out there, motivated more by the beers than their resale value.

 

[bigda83]

These kinds of operations are usually just some dude working out of his garage trying to make a quick buck off the back of the current most popular beer. You're practically guaranteed there's going to be over-ordering and stock issues. Probably what happened in your case.
On a personal note, I have to side with the breweries here, these people are unwelcome in the artisanal beer world, their sole motivation is profit and that, alongside the whole currently booming secondary sales market leaves a really bad taste. My recommendation is to seek out trading partners, there are some good people out there, motivated more by the beers than their resale value.

I also usually shy away from online ordering. It just seemed like an actual legit website. I obviously knew there was a massive mark-up, but I trusted I'd get my beer. I've been to Cantillon once when I visited Europe and figuring in plane ticket and other expenses I was thinking cost was about the same. I hate the whole price gouging and mark-up of beers, but that was the only way I could obtain these. Do you think it's a scam where maybe they're even refilling bottles, or using fake labels, and it's not even Cantillon? I'm a pretty active trader, but it's hard for me to obtain beers with enough value to trade for stuff like Lou Pepes and Fou. I lost a regular trade partner there and looked around a bit before setting on TW being legit and an ok site. I've learned a big lesson here I think.

 

[bigda83]

On a side note, they list Fou in stock with more inventory daily. It sells out and then the next day will be 20 more available. Was it that abundant this year? It sucks because people are obviously buying and may get burned like me.

 

[chefduff2]

I also usually shy away from online ordering. It just seemed like an actual legit website. I obviously knew there was a massive mark-up, but I trusted I'd get my beer. I've been to Cantillon once when I visited Europe and figuring in plane ticket and other expenses I was thinking cost was about the same. I hate the whole price gouging and mark-up of beers, but that was the only way I could obtain these. Do you think it's a scam where maybe they're even refilling bottles, or using fake labels, and it's not even Cantillon? I'm a pretty active trader, but it's hard for me to obtain beers with enough value to trade for stuff like Lou Pepes and Fou. I lost a regular trade partner there and looked around a bit before setting on TW being legit and an ok site. I've learned a big lesson here I think.

I don't think it's quite a scam, but yes the prices are quite high. That site has been around for awhile. Most likely you did have a package sent and went missing possibly somewhere in customs. I hope it works out.

 

[bigda83]

I don't think it's quite a scam, but yes the prices are quite high. That site has been around for awhile. Most likely you did have a package sent and went missing possibly somewhere in customs. I hope it works out.

It never made customs or out of Belgium. That tracking I included here was the exact tracking. It said information registered manually on 10-17. Nothing since then or even into US customs at all. When it's held up there I've always seen an update and then it moves again after a while. I just think it's ******** the guy can't reply with something to acknowledge my concern and offer as much help as possible. If he can update new beers and inventory daily then I'd think a 1 minute reply is possible. They list all these guarantees on the site and I've seen none of them put into place sadly. I just want to make sure as many as possible steer away from there. If I can prevent just one person from losing out then I'm happy.

 

[JulianB1]

lolololololol

Who buys 47 bottles of lambic in Belgium without having a ******* clue how they are going to get it back to the US?

 

[Lutter]

lolololololol

Who buys 47 bottles of lambic in Belgium without having a ******* clue how they are going to get it back to the US?

Jamie Dewaele. That's who.