Robot Kingdom - How long before I worry?

[Thanatos]

I bought a rather large bulk lot (7 figures) from Robot Kingdom about a week and a half ago. Now I know it's international delivery, so it might take a while, but I've heard that Sydneysiders and Melbournites get their Robot Kingdom packages in less than a week. Here's the tracking so far.

Posting Date Drop-off Point Origin
21-Aug-2008 Aberdeen Counter Section Aberdeen Counter Section

Date # Location Delivery Status
21-Aug-2008 Hong Kong Item posted.
21-Aug-2008 Hong Kong In transit.
23-Aug-2008 Hong Kong Processed for departure.
23-Aug-2008 Hong Kong The item left Hong Kong for its destination on 23-Aug-2008
25-Aug-2008 Australia Arrived and is being processed.
25-Aug-2008 Australia Pending customs inspection.

So just out of curiousity, since it's been in customs since Thursday... is there any chance of me actually seeing these figures? I mean there isn't even an MP-05 in there.

This is the first time ordering from an online site besides ebay for me, and it's quite new to have tracking.

[iceburn]

out of curiosity..what's in the order such that customs might be interested in?

[Thanatos]

Universe Classics Deluxe Wave 1 and Animated Wave 3, so that's Sunstreaker, Prowl, Tankor, Jazz, Snarl, Soundwave and Oil Slick.

[g1_jazz]

maybe the large ish size of the order attracted some attention ie there "may" be a banned item in there or its just harder to check? try to contact customs if possible. i know when i ordered from Rk the order came in really quick spending 1 day in customs. It will come through eventually just have to be patient i guess!

[STL]

there doesn't look to be anything wrong with it unless they gave u a bonus megatron. I mean, I've ordered massive lots from RK (just about to do another one) without a hassle.

[griffin]

It can sometimes sit at customs for a couple of business days. Or it is already on its way to the next step in the posting chain, but just hasn't been processed there yet. That's pretty ordinary timing though, and usually my tracking list has it arriving at my post office with a couple of days of reaching customs.

[Pulse]

That's strange... :confused:

About a year ago, I bought an Alt Ravage & Rumble off Ebay from the US. When I finally received them (4 days after it arrived in Sydney), Customs had left a note that they had inspected the contents.

The reason why = The seller had used a box that had previously been packaged with food... (strange, Huh? :rolleyes:)

Maybe the same thing has happened to your package? (Customs think RK are trying to smuggle food into the country :confused:)

[Soundwarp]

Man RK is the fastest place i have ever dealt with, they are as fast as local.....

[iceburn]

Thanatos..i'm sure it will come soon *good luck* and keep us updated

[Bartrim]

Once at work I had to order a part fpr a WRX that had to come from japan and it was packed into a freighter that was carrying contraband so I had to wait 4 months for the part. I rang customs a couple of times and they knew all about it but wouldn't release it... Try explaining that to a customer. Needless to say I copped a heap of abuse... But thats just my story.

Hope yours has a happier ending Thanatos:)

[Thanatos]

I've been given the runaround!

I called customs, they put me through to Australia Post. They then informed me that they haven't received the parcel from customs, stating a backlog of items in Sydney. They put me through to the customs international mail in Sydney, who inform me their customs inspection was only about 2 hours long and there was no delay whatsoever.

Called Australia post again at the suggestion of the Sydney customs employee. According to them if I haven't received it by Thursday, then I have to get the original sender (in this case, Robot Kingdom) to launch an inquiry.

Man, just when you think things will be easy :P. I really hope there's no plant life because I don't wanna have to deal with signing off to customs.

[Saintly]

hmmmm that kinda sounds familiar... don't mean to sound negative dude!

According to those dates, Customs would have inspected the good by now if they're lines are only 2 hours long!

[JuzMel]

Yeah Rk orders come in a flash! Usually like 2-3 business days. That pending customs inspection thing really gives me the creeps (but that's only because my parcel at that time had the dreaded MP figure and to date till now it is STILL pending customs inspection since 20 June)

Trust me, Customs or Australia Post are no help at all. I have tried calling them umpteen times. Customs officials gave me mixed answers the other time, they said if item is with them, they will issue a letter in 5-10 business days. When I called Australia Post, they said they can't do anything and I have to call Customs to ask. Basically both sides keep pushing to each other.

But I'm just confused about your case, unless like what STL or pulse say, they "hid MP or food" in your parcel, there should be no reason why your parcel is kept "Pending customs Inspection" so long. Base on past experiences of RJ orders, the status "Pending customs inspection" usually changes at the same day parcel arrives in Australia or 1 day after.

P.S: My "pending customs inspection" parcel from 20 June is still under investigation and Australia Post gave me a ref. number to check. It's bxxxsxxt service from these people.

Keep us updated Thanatos.. and good luck...

[Thanatos]

Yeah I agree Saintly. I don't doubt that I'm screwed, which would just be my luck.

Good thing its insured, I'll at least try to break even if it all falls through.

EDIT: Yeah they're both pretty useless mel. Guess I'll just wait and see.

[Pulse]

Where in the hell could your package be?

I hope it hasn't disappeared into the great unknown (ie. someone at AusPost/Customs has "written it off in a sea of red tape" & taken it home) :rolleyes:

Those good-for-nothing #%$@... :mad:

[Thanatos]

Rang both AusPost and Cutsoms again today. The Post assures me there's a backlog of packages at customs, and Customs assures me there is no such thing and to stop asking questions (customs are incredibly rude).

If I don't receive it tomorrow (10 Business days since order) then I have to get Robot Kingdom to launch an inquiry.

I'm sick of this, the post shouldn't be this ridiculous.

I hope not Pulse, I'll have to unleash a fury of biblical proportions upon them

[Saintly]

you might as well start the RK inquiry now :(

I highly doubt it will be in your hands by tomorrow

[Thanatos]

I will. I've emailed Hong Kong Post to see what the deal is there, and if it isn't here by tomorrow (which I know it won't be) I'll email RK.

Why do I get the sinking feeling I'll never see these figures? All I wanted to do was save some money, but nooooo, it's just too hard.

[G1Optimal]

Sorry if this dosn't help...:o
Have you tried putting the tracking number in the australia post version.

http://ice.auspost.com.au/index.asp?ArticleNumbers=0
Note you must enter all 13 characters

I used this myself and found out this one has a little more detail to the HK Post version in some cases.

the only other things i can think of is there is something in there that you didn't order "if not" import duty has been placed on it?

[Thanatos]

Well, Australia post's tracking version marks it as "n/a". I've rung Austpost who maintain AQUIS have a backlog, I've called customs who say it's AQUIS's problem, and AQUIS have told me that Australia post gets all the international mail, and they just check it when they give it to them.

Emailed the Hong Kong Postmaster who told me to get Robot Kingdom to email the details of mailing to them. I've emailed these items to Robot Kingdom, who have not responded.

I don't think I'll ever see this package :(

[STL]

Give RK a few days, they're pretty good. Ray replies to me in about 3 days on average. But this is an AusPost problem and they're the biggest bunch of hacks this side of Australia.

[JuzMel]

Or you can try emailing RK's boss directly; Steven. I'll pm his email to you. Don't wanna publicise here.

Oh I forgot to add, maybe you should lodge a PayPal dispute as well because RK insures their parcels even though you don't select the option. So you can probably get your $$ back from Paypal first and RK will get their refund later as well, so it won't be unfair to them because of the hopeless postal service/customs.

[Pulse]

I feel terrible for you Thanatos... :(

The package arrived in Australia on August the 25th & it's virtually disappeared since then... *shakes head*

I sure hope it shows up one day...

[Pulse]

In taking a bit of a light-hearted approach to this, Maybe someone like this (http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,24323672-13762,00.html) was assigned to deliver your package? :)

[Thanatos]

Hah! That is funny Pulse :P

I got a call from customs (I complained on their website), a very nice Brisbane rep is going to follow it up. Steven from RK has also launched inquiry with Hong Kong Post and it all seems to be going somewhere (finally).

I might get this package eventually!

[1orion2many]

I have had packages delayed in customs by up to 3 weeks so you should still be keeping your fingers crossed for your package showing up.;)

[Thanatos]

Well, my Tracking Number is still not showing up with Australia post, but on Hong Kong Post says it's in transit. Customs have called me regarding a complaint I left on their site and are looking into it. Unfortunately I did miss a call from a private number and that may have been them calling back. No voicemail, so I'm not sure if they'll get back to me.

No idea what's going on, I assume it'll turn up or I'll get the refund as promised from RK.

[Thanatos]

Happy ending!

Got the package this morning, Customs were very apologetic for the delay but offered nothing past an aplogy (I suppose I don't really deserve more :P).

Thanks for the tips guys. I'm off to enjoy these figs.

[Saintly]

good stuff, thanatos!

hope to see an acquisition post eh? :)

[iceburn]

Happy ending!

Got the package this morning, Customs were very apologetic for the delay but offered nothing past an aplogy (I suppose I don't really deserve more :P).

Thanks for the tips guys. I'm off to enjoy these figs.

always nice to get Happy Endings....
:)

[STL]

always nice to get Happy Endings....
:)

:D

[Thanatos]

good stuff, thanatos!

hope to see an acquisition post eh? :)

Yep. I'll whip out the camera when I get home from Uni tonight.

Also STL, you're such a freak :D

[Pulse]

Yay! :)

Maybe you should go through with the claim with RK & try to get doubles of everything? ;) :D

[Saintly]

Yay! :)

Maybe you should go through with the claim with RK & try to get doubles of everything? ;) :D

LOL!!! I'm open for silencing :D

[Thanatos]

It was tempting Pulse, but I figure I might need them in the future :)

[griffin]

Not that you guys were being serious, but keep in mind that this is a public section of the board, and if you did try that, RK could see it, and never deal with anyone from here again. And, it's in the board guidelines not to solicite (suggest or conspire to commit) an offence here. That's to protect you, and the board.

It's good to hear that it resolved itself for you Thanatos. :)

[JuzMel]

I wll tell... muahahaha.. cause RK is my "friend"... :D :D :D

*faster runs away*

But happy for you Thanatos.. great relief as well for the rest of us who will be making further orders in future.. :)