Shipping Charges

[pig140]

Ok, this may get long-winded, but I need some clarification.

I ordered a sporran, belt, buckle, and kilt hose from scottishkilts.net. My total purchase was $87.37. The invoice showed my shipping to be $11.78, with a total at the bottom to be $99.15. However, I checked my credit card bill the following day and found a charge of $121.93 (making my shipping $34.56).

First, I emailed them asking about the extra $22.78, and received a polite email explaining that the $99.15 was before shipping. I went back to the site and filled the shopping cart with the same items and again it showed my total as $87.37, and $99.15 AFTER "delivery". So, I emailed them again. This time I copied the shopping cart to a word file and attached it to the email.

The following day I received an email from a different person. It said that they were experiencing difficulties with their usual international shipping provider. It also said that they were using International Datapost for all "large" packages to ensure delivery, but that it was more expensive. They then apologized for not giving me notification at the time of order and gave me the tracking number.

First, I don't see how my items are considered "large". Second, I am greatful for the apology, but to charge triple the shipping directly to my card without notification?

All my emails as well as theirs have been courteous and polite. I just wanted to know if anyone else had done business with them or maybe had a similar experience.

[MacWage]

From my experiences, international shipping (across the pond) is usually INSANE. I've been charged more than the item purchased before (for a $50 purchase). It is not the fault if the supplier, but that is what the post/shipping companies charge. Personally, I don't get it.
The initial $11 and change seemed low to me, while the $30 some odd seemed more plausible.
It does seem to me to be an internet order issue. To bad they didn't see it on the initial purchase order and inform you BEFORE processing, but I'm glad to see it was handled "gratiously" afterwards.


I hope you enjoy your new kit!

[Robin]

I did business with them once (some hose and a clan badge), without any problems. After that I mailed them several times asking them for more information about a jacket....never received an answer, so I went elsewhere.

I think it's not good when they charge you more (is it legal?) without asking you for approval....even when it's a mistake or bug on the website.

What I know about shipping charges..."large" is anything that doesn't fit into a mailbox. The $34,56 is not outrageous for Track & Trace.

Example...when I send something to the USA (from the Netherlands), large package upto 2 kilograms Track and Trace and insured it will cost me €22,75 (at about $25).
That's without a box, handling charges and PayPal/Credit card percentage "loss".

So they didn't rip you

[pig140]

Now I feel a little better. I figured it would cost about $30 to get it shipped across the ocean and was pleasantly surpirsed when it was barely over $10. But the change without my approval, or notification for that matter, left me a little concerned. I too wondered about the legality of it. I did track it though and saw that its been sitting in New York since the 18th, so at least its here.

I'm just glad my kilt is coming from USAK. Just feels better to know that shipping the most important part shouldn't be complicated.

[RockyR]

I think that it's reprehensible to charge someone more than quoted for shipping. I understand that they're having a problem with their shipper, but again... THEY'RE having problems with their shipper...

I would ask them to refund the difference from what you were quoted to what was charged. Why should you pay for their problems? What if you only HAD $100 in your acct when they decided to charge you $121? You'd have an overdraft fee and had to pay a penalty to your bank for THEIR charging you more than you agreed!

[MacWage]

I think that it's reprehensible to charge someone more than quoted for shipping. I understand that they're having a problem with their shipper, but again... THEY'RE having problems with their shipper...

I would ask them to refund the difference from what you were quoted to what was charged. Why should you pay for their problems? What if you only HAD $100 in your acct when they decided to charge you $121? You'd have an overdraft fee and had to pay a penalty to your bank for THEIR charging you more than you agreed!

Take it from someone on that side of the business (seller)!!!! My intent was the cost wasn't that bad . . .
BUT I don't like what they did (NOTE, I Did say, "To bad they didn't see it on the initial purchase order and inform you BEFORE processing"). They should have TOLD you BEFORE processing, even if it WAS THEIR fault.

Rereading the initial post, I didn't notice this on the first read:
"First, I emailed them asking about the extra $22.78, and received a polite email explaining that the $99.15 was before shipping. I went back to the site and filled the shopping cart with the same items and again it showed my total as $87.37, and $99.15 AFTER "delivery". So, I emailed them again. This time I copied the shopping cart to a word file and attached it to the email."
THAT changes things a bit!!!!!

Now, I am less likely to order from them due to your experience, when give a choice between several different vendors/sellers. If they had handled it differently, it might not be so.

Let us know how it all turns out!

I'd take Rocky's advice and raise a FUSSS :fewl:

[pig140]

I received the items today and all products are of good quality. The shipping was really quick, but I couldn't find something on the invoice - shipping cost.

I am going to take Rocky's advice. I'll be sending them an email tonight and we'll see what happens. I'll post on this as it progresses.

[MacTavishOfJapan]

I'm with Rocky, that seems wrong at worst and incredibly impolite at best.