Estervals order response from C/S

[spearheadbill]

Hey folks with experience with Estervals, I placed an order last night and recieved this email from customer service. I do not have a tax id number and I'm just a pipe smoker with a yen for HU. any experience would be appreciated. I'm not sure if I should just cancel or just roll the dice and see what happens.

 

[mingc]

How much did you order?

 

[greeneyes]

Just do a search here in the forum. This topic has been discussed quite a lot. You need to fill out a DHL power of attorney form and a few other things that are covered elsewhere here in the forum.

 

[spearheadbill]

How much did you order?

14 tins. under 300 including shipping.

 

[Sigmund]

Cash value aside I think you are reaching an order size that customs could consider beyond personal use. Reading between the lines I think CS may also share that concern.

Customs doesnt grasp the concept of TAD. They are too concerned with TAX

 

[woodsroad]

I've placed larger orders without a hitch, but it has been a few years.

 

[jbfrady]

I spent about 850 last March and never received such an email. Something must’ve changed in the meantime.

Could be a California thing too for all I know. That state has many laws that don’t apply elsewhere and it could just be a question due to that reputation.

 

[woodsroad]

I did some widow shopping at Estervals yesterday and was surprised to see that they've discontinued most of their bulk bags over 250gr. It also seems like the prices are up quite a bit on most items.

 

[Choatecav]

I spent about 850 last March and never received such an email. Something must’ve changed in the meantime.

Could be a California thing too for all I know. That state has many laws that don’t apply elsewhere and it could just be a question due to that reputation.

Pretty sure it is a California thing.

Distributors in other countries see a California destination and rockets and flags go off in a big way.

 

[litup]

Californian here . . . I got the same response from Esterval's about a week ago. I just replied and said I'm a hobbyist and don't have a license number. I also mentioned that I've ordered from them in the past and didn't have any problems receiving my order. The next day I got notice that my order status had changed to "payment received". Logging into my account now I see that the status is "Shipment at Approx. Week 3" so I guess it'll be a couple more weeks before they process my order.

 

[anotherbob]

love the wording of that. It implies they're asking if you have one. But not sure if that's what they're talking about.

 

[dottlejockey]

Yep, i have 12 tins on the way via DHL and never had any notice like that either. State could be the issue, but it seems there is an ez solution as posted above.

 

[spearheadbill]

Californian here . . . I got the same response from Esterval's about a week ago. I just replied and said I'm a hobbyist and don't have a license number. I also mentioned that I've ordered from them in the past and didn't have any problems receiving my order. The next day I got notice that my order status had changed to "payment received". Logging into my account now I see that the status is "Shipment at Approx. Week 3" so I guess it'll be a couple more weeks before they process my order.

I replied with essentially the same verbiage. I said I'm not a reseller or retailer just a pipe and tobacco enthusiast. I did offer to reduce or cancel the order if they think it's best. I just want my HU man!!!

 

[BingBong]

I did some widow shopping at Estervals yesterday and was surprised to see that they've discontinued most of their bulk bags over 250gr. It also seems like the prices are up quite a bit on most items.

Oh yes, rich widows, they're the thing.

 

[woodsroad]

FIXED IT.

I did some widow widower shopping at Estervals yesterday and was surprised to see that they've discontinued most of their bulk bags over 250gr. It also seems like the prices are up quite a bit on most items.

 

[LotusEater]

I ordered 15 tins before Christmas and they were held by customs and returned to Estervals. I had purchased them at a 40% discount so I was willing to roll the dice again and have Estevals try shipping them back to me. Second time around there was no issue. I wonder if they (Estervals) have changed their policies as of the new year?

 

[Mike N]

Most HU blends are available in the states now. I have ordered several times from Estervals because they carry Dan Tobacco and other blends I couldn’t find in the states. I’ve never had any problem, but of course I’m from that last bastion of freedom, West By God Virginia. That said, I hope all your HU order arrives safely— just great blends that are a super value at less than $20 typically for a large 100 gram tin. It’s well worth a little bureaucratic hassle.

 

[greeneyes]

You just got an inexperienced DHL agent. Has nothing to do with US Customs--DHL and the other companies perform brokerage duties on behalf of US Customs and they misinterpret the law all the time. There's no restriction on the importation of tobacco for personal use.

I personally imported fifteen pounds of African Virginia directly from South Africa via DHL just the other day.

Yeah they'll get it wrong occasionally and yeah it's a pain in the ass putting it right, but the senior DHL agents know there's know tobacco restriction they've admitted as much in writing. It's even in the DHL Express handbook.

 

[spearheadbill]

Most HU blends are available in the states now. I have ordered several times from Estervals because they carry Dan Tobacco and other blends I couldn’t find in the states. I’ve never had any problem, but of course I’m from that last bastion of freedom, West By God Virginia. That said, I hope all your HU order arrives safely— just great blends that are a super value at less than $20 typically for a large 100 gram tin. It’s well worth a little bureaucratic hassle.

Yes the available blends here are fantastic. I have been getting some of them before laudisi began distribution and some say they are different but whatever, they are still top shelf. The past year I have been fortunate to obtain many older tins and now discontinued stuff and if im going to hoard anything it’s HU. I already have plenty of gawith to last my life but this HU has come neck and neck with it. I like a variety

 

[spearheadbill]

I received this reply and it line up with what some have said. I told them to send it and will simply pay for shipping again if it does go awry...It seems to be more of an issue with California as always.... I appreciate your guys input in this.