[Hagar (Doug)]

I often get asked by the local post master why I purchase a lot of gear and goodies from over seas.

To be honest I usually make purchases based on price and availability but a purchase I made about 4 weeks ago from a clock company in Sydney really has me wondering why I bother buying anything local. I placed an order for a relatively small item valued at $25 plus $9.90 for postage and handling. I wanted the package quickly for project I have been working on for quite some time.
The order was placed with John Knowles Clock company on 21st May. I waited until 15/6 before ringing them to find out what has happened to it. I was told that the company had moved home a week before I placed the order and that they were a bit behind. The gent on the phone assured me he would get my order in the mail on Monday afternoon and I would have it before the weekend. I should have asked which weekend.
Well this morning I checked the mail and of course no parcel. Again I rang the company only to be told they were out of stock and I would have to wait for stock to arrive. I was told these things happen.

I then demanded they credit my credit card and cancel the order. I rang another company and have the item on the way I hope. I also placed an order for the same item including delivery from a Chinese company I deal with for a total price of $9 delivered so I will be interested to see how long the free delivery takes from Hong Kong. Even had I ordered it from China and payed for courier/ Air freight delivery the overall price would have been cheaper and I would have had it in a week. The Chinese item is the same make as both are made in China anyway.