As I've noticed the same sort of problems arising for many of our readers, I thought it might be an idea for experienced international shoppers to chip in their top tips for successful porn shopping.
For example, Scipio so rightly wonders if it is a good idea at all to order from a company that doesn't answer your emails, even before you order. That might prompt the following:
Tip: Email company before ordering to test out their service. If they don't answer before ordering, how will you get in touch to correct a problem?
Tip: Always read the small print.
Tip: Avoid companies that don't provide full contact details: email, telephone, address, the works.
Tip: Always read Adult DVD Talk's International Shopping forum!
You get the idea - this is about general, commonsense measures you can take to prevent being ripped off, not specifics about individual companies etc. Let's have your suggestions...
Tip : Stores known to accept returns (only unopened sealed DVDs) includes Five Star and Laser's Edge . Note that although GameLink ships factory sealed DVDs, GameLink do NOT accept returns at this time.
That's a good point about returns policy, Shenton. It's something customers should check over before ordering as we know some stores have been a little sticky over this.
This information is not correct. I've used FedEx International many times when ordering from Gamelink and you can track the package just fine as long as you have the FedEx number AND it's very fast. I usually get my package in two days, that's from the US to Holland. I think FedEx is the fastest shipping method but also the most expensive.
Fair enough. Even as I wrote the tip, I refused to believe FedEx International does not provide tracking information. The tip is based on purchases made with Five Star where there is no tracking number available when shipped using FedEx. As to how fast, FedEx with FiveStar takes 3 days while DHL takes 1 day to Canada. I'm beginning to suspect that Five Star is using lower class of service with FedEx and I'm sure FedEx could deliver in 1 day as DHL but as of it stands, shipping FedEx with Five Star takes 3 days. Let me rephrase the tip.
I'd like to clarify a few points regarding our international shipments.
1. ALL of our FedEx shipments are trackable. If you have any trouble tracking a package please contact our customer service department.
2. We use only FedEx International Priority, which is a premium service. It typically reaches major Canadian cities by 10:30 on the next business day and major European cities by 10:30 am in 2 business days. Overall, our international customers have been very pleased with the speed and reliability of this service and it's becoming quite popular.
Shenton, I can’t comment on your particular situation without knowing the specifics about your order. Keep in mind that Saturday and Sunday do not count as business days. Also remote cities can take longer and occasionally a package can be delayed in customs. If you contact us with your order number we can research this for you.
FedEx is reliable and trackable, but my last order from Fivestar could not use FedEx shipment, because Fivestar does not offer FedEx shipment anymore (at least in Germany). Maybe Fivestar has trouble now with FedEx Company. The disadvantage of FedEx shipments is that all FedEx shipments have to pass customs, so you have to pay high customs duty additional to the FedEx fees.
Thanks for clarifying the issue about FedEx shipments. My order was made last year and I had not ordered from Five Star since then. I remember the order confirmation form has a field for Tracking Number but it said tracking is available for UPS only. But if you say that tracking information is available for FedEx shipments, I will take it that you are correct and my information has been outdated.
I will edit the tip to remove it entirely to reflect the current situation.
Greetings, certain countries can add taxes/tariffs/ or additional handling fees. If these fees are paid by FedEx then FedEx will charge you for this service.
If you have any further questions regarding shipment with Five Star DVD and our many methods of shipment, please email me directly. Thanks again!
OK, I've re-written this to comply with the topic at hand (after a "little reprimand") and am making this a tip for International Shopping, especially for those of us who live in the Republic of Ireland, at least in reference to the current climate of Internet shopping and buying adult dvds online:
* Shipping by Standard post -- GOOD!! (at least at present and for the most part but also not exclusively), * Shipping by Courier's Post -- BAAAADDDDD!!!! (at least for the instances I've heard about and thus prove me wrong if you haven't suffered this way -- from current experience, FedEx International, Letter form Five Star was stopped)
It seems that Irish Customs isn't dumb anymore and have "woken up from their slumber" from the point of view of not bothering adult dvd shipments over the last few years and have been more vigilant in stopping and checking incoming packages. I would guess that they know which are the names, addresses and pseudonyms of the adult retailers from the various countries and are possibly flagging any shipments (that they can catch) for inspection.
So, maybe some of those reading these threads, should think long and hard about the shipping methods and options they use, in order to purchase their dvds from outside Ireland....
If anyone wants to agree, disagree or contradict what I'm stating (and it's only my personal opinion), feel free top do so.
Online DVD Stores that makes money on shipping! Does'nt offer airmail through USPS... if they do the postage cost doubled or tripled. Others that offered $30 - 35 flat rate and no other choices for International... Then only send the disc and covers. I know that its for safety reasons but its always the customer choice if they want to ship the DVD with/without the case/box.
Global Priority US$9.00 Flat Rate Large Envelope up to 4 lbs. (about 3 DVD's capacity) is always available in USPS... Why online stores doesnt use that method, and it arrives quicker and reliable than regular airmail. Tested many times...
cykedout, I really appreciate your comments and your concern, but it would have been better if you had started a new topic on this issue - the idea of this thread was "about general, commonsense measures you can take to prevent being ripped off, not specifics about individual companies". You obviously have a particular point to make and it would have served both it and this topic better to make it in a separate thread, or indeed in an email to the store in question.
To clarify, comments about earlier tips and so on fit in - specific problems, queries and so forth are not what I had in mind.
You're a Cock-Suckin', Ass-Lickin' Uncle Fucker! - review by Sean DPS
Posted - Nov 20 2003 : 6:06AM