Amazon Delivery: Prime Service? Just Not on Sunday or Monday

I ordered some electronics through Amazon.com on a Thursday in the early evening. Since I was leaving the city on Tuesday, I paid an extra $8.99 to have the package delivered with "Two Day Shipping - get it Saturday, Jan. 28."

The next day I received a confirmation email that the package "has shipped. Arriving Saturday, January 28."

Checking with tracking, the original expected delivery time was Saturday at 5:00 pm. This was revised to Saturday before 8:00 pm, so I waited up until that time. It did not come.

When I complained to Amazon, I was told to contact FedEx for an estimated delivery time.

Well, surprise.

I was just told that "FedEx Home Delivery" does not open on Sundays or Mondays. In other words, the earliest I can receive my package is... Tuesday. The day I am leaving the city.

Dear Amazon: 

I am asking you to clearly state that your delivery service does not operate on Sundays or Mondays. So really, the two day service is clearly a TWO OR FIVE day service if your delivery service happens to fall on a Saturday. In other words, if delivery is late, it will not be late by one day, it will be late by three days. 

Your customers can then make informed decisions. Better yet, dump FedEx and find a company that works on Mondays. 

Yours truly,
The Obsessive Researching Mommy

Canada Customs and Shopping Online

I am addicted to shopping online.  The whole world at your fingertips.  No matter how eclectic, *someone* has that item for sale.

So when my Artistic Director asked us to come up with pastel chiffon costumes for our turns as fairies in our upcoming December musical, I only spent... 10 hours finding something suitable.  I found it at a British retailer, no surprise.  I am a fan of H&M even though it is hit or miss.  Some really tacky stuff, and some edgy items, all at low cost ranging from $15 to $40 for a dress.

The online UK retailer "Boohoo" has an amazing range of items for sale.  I found a pale pink chiffon top with a peplum for a measly $20, to match a pink chiffon skirt I found on eBay.  While I was at it, I bought a sleeveless skater dress with a scoop neck.  The total cost of my purchase, which had free shipping, was $44.00.  Three days later, I went back for more, like a moth to a flame.  Bought two more skater dresses with 3/4 sleeves.  Total $57.60.  Did I mention that I love skater dresses?  Before this body flattering trend goes away, I'm going to stock up.



Here is the timeline:

October 21: Placed Order #1 for $44.00
October 24: Placed Order #2 for $57.60
October 31: Order #2 arrives.
November 1: Order #1 arrives, via Canada Post.  Paid $8.08 Duty, $6.36 GST/HST and $9.95 "Handling Fee."  Total extra paid is $24.38!!!  On a purchase of $44.00!

The poor postperson had to listen me complain about the extra charges as I handed over my plastic for payment.  I did not realize how lucky I was to get through with one order without paying duty.

The moral of this story is to assume that you will get "chosen" to pay duties.  Duties, sales taxes, and handling fees can work out to an extra 55% of the original charge.  Ouch.  In my personal experience, about half the time I pay the extra charges through customs.  That $24 dress is now $37 when you add in the extra charges.

Oh, and the special chiffon top didn't fit all that well.  My big muscular triathlete arms barely make it through the armhole.  I need me a pair of stick arms, stat.