Shipping from Ukraine

[Armadillo]

Hello all,

Has anyone had any trouble receiving shipments from Ukraine? I purchased an item from a individual on this forum. It passed through customs, made its way through the USPS across the country. Sat at a distribution facility for weeks, and was returned to the sender. The package had the correct address and was within 50 miles of its destination. As the recipient I can get no explanation from the courier. The gentleman who I purchased the item from will be waiting 30 days for an explanation. I'm absolutely baffled how a package could make it so far and then be sent back.

-Adair

[Gerhard von Liebau]

It could be that the package or its contents were deemed damaged goods by a postal worker, so it was sent back. The only other explanation I can think of is if for some reason the cost of shipping was somehow not covered accordingly. Hope it gets worked out!

-Gerhard

[Armadillo]

Thanks Gerhard. I'm optimistic that it will be resolved, but less enthused about international purchases.
-Adair

[Gerhard von Liebau]

I've made several international orders and shipped things to international buyers and friends without issue. I've also had a box returned in exactly the same manner you describe, when it was within a couple of stops from reaching me, that was being shipped from NY to CA. A postal clerk considered the package damaged and shipped it back to the sender. It really comes down to the situation, and has little to do with the locations involved.

-Gerhard

[Friethjoph]

I have my experiences with DHL first hand, and the only two reasons why a delivery is allowed to be sent back internationally here (in Germany) are
1) the package is clearly damaged and can not be repackaged (which is MUCH cheaper for DHL usually than having to send it back as they have to pay transport for damage themselves)
2) the address is invalid
3) the delivery was attempted but nobody was at home, so they got a card with which they could reclaim it at the post office - but didn't within 4 weeks
4) The parcel breaks the terms of service by being too heavy (31.5 kg for DHL)
5) customs or special fees from the receiver are not paid (which counts as "declined package)
6) the customer declines to receive the package

[Amanda M]

I have gotten packages from Ukraine and Russia and not had any problems. Other people have reported lots of problems with US customs though so it seems hit or miss.

[brucer]

At least it was sent back... I ordered a helmet from Ukraine a couple of years ago - it was shipped, got to US Customs, where it sat for 5 months. Then I received a piece of cardboard clearly cut from the box it was packed in stamped "No Contents Found" - They held a piece of cardboard for 5 months?! Another AA member bought from the same vendor - the USPS took it out of the box, put in in a plastic bag loose and shipped it to him with the address cut off the box taped to the bag... So I figure my helmet is gracing the US Customs office, or the fireplace mantel of some customs officer.

My experience is to have your sender use a courier service - I have never had an issue - avoid Ukraine/USPS like the plague. I've had members of my group have gauntlets shipped from Ukraine get all the way to the local Post Office, they claimed they tried to deliver and then they lost them. They never turned up.

[Armadillo]

Thank you all for the input. The address was correct, though perhaps a little difficult to read. I received no notice of attempted delivery.

We will try another service next time around, though I am not sure who to use or who will even ship it. If anyone has recommendations for a courier, it would be most appreciated. Ukraine post/USPS was around $90.

-A.

[Friethjoph]

Difficult to read can be handled as "invalid address" at times, especially if it can lead to confusion. For example, in my hometown, there are a Mühlenhof and a Mühlenweg. Let's assume it goes to the first, but something makes the address just read "Mühlen... 2". Then the postman will usually send it back, for both are in different delivery districts and unless he knows the name he can claim "this is not a valid address". Or if the numbers are somewhat awkward, because postmen hate to guess if that "8" is really a sloppy 3, 6 or 9 and missing that tiny letter A or B other means to differentiate between the houses where necessary make them cringe.