Al Pascia Site, New Features, More Brands

[mso489]

Al Pascia has always had one of the classy sites as a sponsor on Forums, but it seems to have take some steps up lately, more brands, more pipes from each brand, and nifty translation features to give you either metric and non-metric specs and EU or USD prices. Also included is a beautiful shot of the brick and mortar store, which is way uptown. It's always been an enjoyable visit, but now even more so.

 

[sandollars]

I got nipped pretty hard on the last pipe I bought from them. Got the bill from FedEx. Apparently they pay Customs and then bill the recipient?

I think I am through buying overseas...

 

[Jack Tar]

I'm going to bump this thread because I'd like to find out whether the Customs issue is in Canada or the US. I'm looking at a pipe on Al Pascia, and I hear some horror stories about Customs in many related threads.

I purchased one other pipe overseas that arrived at US destination via DHL with no issues. Do US customers pay the additional duties/fees everyone is complaining about? Thanks!

 

[Jack Tar]

Also...is this just an issue with FedEx? DHL international seems to have the process down pat.

 

[captpat]

I’ve purchased several pipes from Al Pascia — never got hit with a customs charge.

 

[mso489]

Captpat, how recently have you bought from Al Pascia? Forums members have often raved about buying pipes from him, and never mentioned a big customs problem until now. Maybe this is a relatively recent issue. He seems to carry a somewhat different selection of various brands and provides a useful alternative ... if the customs aren't a burden.

 

[tobefrank]

I think the issue is with FedEx. I have never had issues with DHL, but FedEx always seems to come up with additional custom charges that need to be paid prior to delivery. This is not specific to pipes either.

Not sure why this is. Maybe they are more strict about declaring things, or maybe they have a nice side business collecting custom duties where none are due from customs themselves.

 

[select565]

Bought a pipe from them a week ago. Shipped to east coast USA in 2 days

 

[Olkofri]

I think the issue is with FedEx. I have never had issues with DHL, but FedEx always seems to come up with additional custom charges that need to be paid prior to delivery. This is not specific to pipes either.

Both couriers nail me with duties. I think couriers in general make money from "brokerage fees", which leads me to believe they're most interested in duties ALWAYS being assessed on anything. The only times I've been spared the duties are when the items are shipped by post; not always, but neat when it comes through "unmolested".

Of course, the post is out of the question nowadays.

PS: Oh, and of note it is that couriers are upping their rates too, or have done so by now, due to the present viral thing going on. So, brace yourselves.

 

[captpat]

Captpat, how recently have you bought from Al Pascia? Forums members have often raved about buying pipes from him, and never mentioned a big customs problem until now. Maybe this is a relatively recent issue. He seems to carry a somewhat different selection of various brands and provides a useful alternative ... if the customs aren't a burden.

So it's been about 6 months or so since I last ordered from them. I've ordered from other overseas vendors (not pipe stuff) where a customs charge was assessed. In that case, the carrier (DHL in this case) paid the fee and delivered the package. I received a bill from DHL several days later. I've not had an issue with FedEx adding any charges, the only issue with them is that frequently their tracking is unreliable. BTW I've heard that customs kicks in for declared value in excess of $700 -- maybe that's an urban myth.

I would not hesitate ordering from Al Pascia.

 

[sandollars]

I'm going to bump this thread because I'd like to find out whether the Customs issue is in Canada or the US. I'm looking at a pipe on Al Pascia, and I hear some horror stories about Customs in many related threads.

I purchased one other pipe overseas that arrived at US destination via DHL with no issues. Do US customers pay the additional duties/fees everyone is complaining about? Thanks!

I am in Crapifornia. The customs was about 20%. I don't know if it had any bearing, but it was a 4 figure pipe. I have never had the problem before and I am thinking maybe that 1 extra zero was what caught their eye?

 

[sandollars]

I think the issue is with FedEx. I have never had issues with DHL, but FedEx always seems to come up with additional custom charges that need to be paid prior to delivery. This is not specific to pipes either.

Not sure why this is. Maybe they are more strict about declaring things, or maybe they have a nice side business collecting custom duties where none are due from customs themselves.

My bill was indeed from FEDEX however, it came with the appropriate US Customs forms and the bill was written out by US Customs for FEDEX to pay. They in turn charged me. I have no doubt the bill was a legitimate expense they incurred. I can't recall if my previous shipments from Al Pascia were from FEDEX or DHL.

Of note: The shipment was not held up and the bill came about 3 weeks later so I got the pipe on time as if that is any consolation..

Regardless, I am done with the overseas sellers buying unless it's something I must have and am unable to get it in the US of A

 

[kcghost]

Well, that's too bad but when you get burned you are twice shy,

 

[mso489]

Customs is scary because every shipment is a deep mystery and the rules and fees are never clear, nor consistent. My organization used to ship boxes of publications to scientific meetings across the U.S./ Canadian border. The meeting organizers would tell us to hire a customs broker or we'd never see our publications again. So we did, and the pubs showed up right on time, no problem. But it was clearly a sinkhole if you didn't play the game.

 

[danimalia]

Interesting. If there is a price threshold where customs starts taking a look, I suppose this is one time I am grateful for being a broke-ass, as there are no $700+ pipes in my immediate future.

I will add to the chorus raving about their site. It is well organized, loaded with beautiful pipes which are perfectly captured with pictures and both English and metric measurements. There are a couple Radice I have my eye on. They also have a really nice looking line of Al Pascia rusticated pipes that would be perfect for your fans of Italian rusticated pipes on a budget.

 

[Jack Tar]

Thanks all. I took the plunge. I'll report my experience later.

 

[mso489]

Jack, I'll be intrigued to hear. It could be effortless and prompt, with no hassle, I hope.

 

[Olkofri]

I am in Crapifornia.

 

[Olkofri]

The only time I've purchased from Al Pascia they sent the Curvy (~$120 USD give or take) via Fedex. Fedex phoned me to notify of duties. I was given the option to pay them online whilst the parcel was en route to expedite delivery. I did so.

Last time I ordered from Italy was last February, from Bollitopipe. They had a choice 'twixt Fedex and DHL. I chose Fedex, but for some reason they sent it via DHL. DHL always E-mails me a notification of duties to be paid and a link to pay them online. I always do so, because if the DHL driver misses me it's a pain to pick up the parcel myself (which is the reason I chose Fedex). The duties were ~$25 USD on a $156 USD Vauen pipe.

 

[Toast]

I think couriers in general make money from "brokerage fees", which leads me to believe they're most interested in duties ALWAYS being assessed on anything.

That's certainly my impression, FedEx's processing fee is nearly as much as the initial postage - & I always get hit with it (UK).

That said, if you throw your toys out of the pram enough about them charging fees which you haven't contacted with them to pay (rather than including them in the fees they charge the sender, which would be much less duplicitous, if less profitable) they'll often waive it.

I don't bother anymore because it's just way too much hassle.