Al Pascia

[wayneteipen]

I've bought several pipes from them and my experience has been the same. They carry pipes from makers that you can't get in the U.S. The price isn't the best deal especially after shipping then an additional $25 bill from FedEx that comes a week later but when it's a pipe that I can't live without it's worth it to me. Their customer service is top notch.

 

[crazypipe]

I have been buying from them for some time now, and they are outstanding. ::

 

[troutface]

Teddy, are you in the US and have you been getting a bill from FedEx for a brokerage fee?

 

[foggymountain]

Troutface: You will get a bill from Fedex for about $20 + 3 1/2% US import tax. But you save the 20% European value added tax.

 

[peckinpahhombre]

Yeah, mine was $20 plus our 13% HST. Still, nothing unique to Al Pascia. My new Walt Cannoy pipe just came in and I got hammered for duty on that. I have ordered pipes from SP before and have ALWAYS got hammered there as well, even if sent via mail. Alas, I have tax fatigue, but what are you going to do?

 

[phil22]

So, is Al Pascia that much less expensive than the US vendors?

 

[Briar Boy]

Yes Al Pascia is great all around IMO, prices, website & service, I ordered my pipe on a Monday night and received it early Wensday, funny thing, heres the pipe I ordered

http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s498/Devildigger/a54ef1bb-abd2-4b06-b15e-e971b39d5239_zps2b07e05a.jpg

 

[alexl]

When we talk about buying pipes from Italy, I reccomend Moretti. I think it's unique when you buy a pipe straight from the pipe master. Marco Biagini is super-nice guy, it's a pleasure to deal with him.
And no, I do not get any interest payments from him

 

[ohin3]

Don't go blaming Al Pascia for what your country charges you for excise tax, shipping tax, import fees, duty...etc. I'm a Yank living in Canada and am just used to getting bent over on shipping on anything from anywhere.

 

[blacksmith]

Al Pascia, well, I bought my first pipe there, right in their shop in Milan and I can only agree with you. I'm glad you found them.

 

[cortezattic]

I've purchased several pipes from Al Pascia, and I have nothing but praise for their prices and service.

The fastest turn around time from Milan to Chicago was 33 hours from mouse click to door bell ring!

 

[bpipes]

I was not lucky. Ordered a beautiful Mastro Gepetto that arrived in two days... at Fedex place.

After that, the pipe got stuck there for two weeks! I contacted Alpascia, they said that they provided all the documents the carrier asked to release the package.

They finally delivered, but a few days later I received an invoice, charging me almost 27%, (30.81). What surprised me more was that 20.00 is for "U.S. Food & Drug Admin Processing Fee"

So I think they declared something wrong that lead to Food & drug administration. Any guess?

 

[litup]

The FDA believes it has the authority to regulate pipes now so that sounds like a new fee to help pay for their oversight.

 

[samanden]

Yeah, I’m in the same boat. It all began when I returned an unused pipe to Al Pascia. (The initial pipe arrived to menin less than three days.) It took nearly three weeks to return; it was held up in Italian customs. Anyway, I finally exchanged the pipe, but then my new pipe got caught up in American customs in Newark. Said the “description was insufficient to classify the commodity.” I emailed Al Pascia who said they were on top of it. Then I emailed customs at FedEx who said they would release my package. It’s now in transit and scheduled to arrive at my home tomorrow by 3:00 pm (fingers crossed). Not looking forward to getting that bill.

 

[samanden]

I should add that Al Pascia has stellar customer service and excellent prices. I’ve purchased a half dozen pipes from them and will continue to give them my business.

 

[ssjones]

I think customs is all screwed up lately. I ordered a Doxa wristwatch from Austria last month. It was also held for "description insufficient". Doxa pays the fees for US purchases, so here's hoping I don't get a 30% bill for that watch!
Also last month, I sent a Chris Asteriou to Greece. It was held at US Customs in Newark, then returned to me in Maryland. The explanation was "Tobacco products not allowed to be shipped to the destination country". I had it listed as a "Tobacco Briar Pipe". They didn't open the package, just returned it to me. So, I had to pay another $20 to ship to Greece. I'm done selling anything out of the country.

 

[jojoc]

My guess is with all the new tariffs, customs is under significant pressure to look for packages that may be using product descriptions as a way to try to get around tariffs.
jojoc

 

[jpmcwjr]

They should have much bigger fish to fry than a single pipe shipped to Greece!
Maybe using the description: "Wood and plastic arts craft".

 

[paulfg]

That one didnt go too well all round as I got done 23% tax plus 20 euro processing charge by Greek Customs when it arrived here

.It was still a good deal buying from Al as he is always fair with his prices

 

[crazyhog]

I hate to read about this. I was looking through Al Pascia site and fell in love with some of his stock. However; there is no way that I will chance a 23% or more bill in the mail.