Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Just Cleared the Last Hurdle

Wishing lanterns (sky lanterns), what a wonderful way to send messages to Heaven. I know they won't actually make it there but, the whole idea eases the hearts of those that are left behind. I had placed an order and had them shipped via slow boat from China. First things first, the bank transfer and their surcharge. They arrived in New York and I was hit with a storage charge.The lanterns were then sent to Orlando, only I wasn't notified until I called New York. Blake and I headed to Orlando to pick up the lanterns. The warehouse was not in the best of neighborhoods. I arrived with my release and was asked for my customs clearance paperwork. My what? Where was I suppose to get that? From a customs broker or I could go to the customs office and beg and plead for them to release the goods. Back track to the customs office where I pleaded my case. The gentleman that waited on me was diagnosed with lung cancer and had to under go treatment. They ran a background check on me and he gladly stamped my paperwork. Back to the warehouse but, the release I had was from Dolphin and he needed one from JIF. Blake patiently called Dolphin 4 times and we waited. I was also informed that because the merchandise had been there so long..(that was between me and Dolphin) not me and the warehouse, the storage was up to $2,400.00 By this point I was ready to walk. After talking to the guy and explaining everything he was willing to charge me the minimum plus a processing fee. Blake and I loaded up the lanterns. All this over two boxes that fit in the back of my Jeep. After I figured up the total cost of the merchandise, the shipping and the storage from New York, the lanterns were cheaper to buy in America.

No comments: