I know this is not strictly car - related, but I thought I might give it a go ...
You see, we have been frustrated at every turn by our inability to buy our favourite teas at reasonable cost, primarily due to Fortnum and Mason's shipping charges being exorbitant compared to the real cost of shipping, and to the value of the product shipped. They say their charge of 30GBP ($50) to send a 250 gram pack of tea (that's about 9 ounces, for around $12) are reasonable and non-negotiable.
Their stated position:
"Our shipping charges are based on courier prices rather than the straight forward carriage costs one would experience by simply using a local post office. We adhere to the prices charged by our courier and those prices reflect all the necessary import and export costs, costs in raising paperwork for Customs and sundry administration costs. (However Customs Duties can be charged in addition.)"
SOOOOoooo, 'Plan B' -
Is there a member in London, UK, who might be passing 181 Picadilly Circus one day, and be willing to stop in, snag a couple of packs of loose tea for us, and ship it back here to me in the US of A? That incident in Boston Harbour some centuries ago (they called it a 'Tea Party'?) was not my idea; I am a big fan of the particular Fortnum's blend they call Earl Grey Classic, and would like to try a few others in 50g sample sizes. I find it impossible to obtain this outside London. But if 'Carriage Fees' of thirty British pounds are not affordable, then round trip airfare to Heathrow would be out of the question.
Anyone in the UK who is willing, please email me to express interest in negotiating an arrangement and for the details.
Yours faithfully,
Andy (the tail light guy)
You see, we have been frustrated at every turn by our inability to buy our favourite teas at reasonable cost, primarily due to Fortnum and Mason's shipping charges being exorbitant compared to the real cost of shipping, and to the value of the product shipped. They say their charge of 30GBP ($50) to send a 250 gram pack of tea (that's about 9 ounces, for around $12) are reasonable and non-negotiable.
Their stated position:
"Our shipping charges are based on courier prices rather than the straight forward carriage costs one would experience by simply using a local post office. We adhere to the prices charged by our courier and those prices reflect all the necessary import and export costs, costs in raising paperwork for Customs and sundry administration costs. (However Customs Duties can be charged in addition.)"
SOOOOoooo, 'Plan B' -
Is there a member in London, UK, who might be passing 181 Picadilly Circus one day, and be willing to stop in, snag a couple of packs of loose tea for us, and ship it back here to me in the US of A? That incident in Boston Harbour some centuries ago (they called it a 'Tea Party'?) was not my idea; I am a big fan of the particular Fortnum's blend they call Earl Grey Classic, and would like to try a few others in 50g sample sizes. I find it impossible to obtain this outside London. But if 'Carriage Fees' of thirty British pounds are not affordable, then round trip airfare to Heathrow would be out of the question.
Anyone in the UK who is willing, please email me to express interest in negotiating an arrangement and for the details.
Yours faithfully,
Andy (the tail light guy)
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