according to my tracking number, my new drone set has been sitting (languishing?) in an “international hub” for 3 days now, I’m assuming it’s held up in customs. I am so annoyed that…
AAAAARRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!
[ This Message was edited by: anima on 2003-02-08 13:23 ]
I feel your pain!
Be sure to check up on the laws on U.S. duties on Bagpipes. I had one situation when duty was charged but upon closer inspection there wasn’t supposed to be any duty at all on bagpipes! As far as sales between Canada and the U.S. pipes are now duty free under “NAFTA” but not all customs agents realize this for some reason (probably because pipes don’t come by them very often). Such info should be available online.
Taxes of course are another story…
You said you were having these made by D. Stephenson, right? If so is yours the assembly that’s in the picture on his home page?
no that’s not my set on the main page - no regs on mine, just a half set.
Y’know, you wait 9 months for something and when it’s so close…
Davy sent them to me using the Royal Mail’s Parcelforce Worldwide service. On a whim I entered the tracking number into the US Postal Service’s tracking system and it came up positive. it appears My drones were last checked in at Chicago O’Hare on the 5th and were/are indeed in customs. I imagine there is some idiot customs officer now trying to figure out what exactly they are (Whadya think Vern? Is them things some sorta bomb y’think? Mebbe we oughta call Mr Ashcroft?)
Frustration rules the day…
Jeff
Jeff…US Customs is opening up every package for inspections right now under this Orange Alert. I’ll bet there’s a big waiting line. Your package will probably be opened, examined, and taped back up if they can figure out what those black sticks are (nice to know those things might terrorize more than just pipers) In fact, this post might even get delayed because of contained code words.
Sunday afternoon…drones are still sitting in customs…
One thing I found while rummaging through the US customs site is that all items with a stated value of $2000 or greater require “formal entry” paperwork. Has anyone ever had to fill this paperwork out before? Is it difficult? How long did it take? Bagpipes are duty free so would I still have to make a formal entry? (HTS. CHAPTER 92 - MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND ACCESSORIES OF SUCH ARTICLES No. 9205.90.20 Bagpipes = Free).
I’m not sure what value was attached to my drones when they were shipped as I did a trade for them rather than a money transaction.
Jeff… irritated
Filling out formal entry forms are a big, big pain in the ass and you usualy have to also arrange for a customs broker to help “transition” your purchase through customs (See: Paying some ‘connected’ fellow a good percentage of the value of your item to make sure it isn’t held too long by customs people).
There is no duty on bagpipes. You can look up the exact reference number on the US Customs web site. You may want to do this and print out a copy for when (if?) they make a mistake. I had to do this for a set I purchased.
It doesn’t relate to bagpipes alone. When I purchased reeds (from spain), the idiots at Fed Ex who called for a description decided to list the contents as “music boxes” and decided the value of the box was something like $1837, and therefore my duty was a hundred and something dollars. Which they demanded I pay, even while my complaint/correction was being handled.
What it all comes down to is: Beware of idiots. Especially idiots with power.
I honestly wish I could offer a solution to make customs easier, but I think that pretty much means hiring a customs broker, which means more money out the door that shouldn’t be going that way.
What does help is well written, carefully phrased letters of complaint written directly to important people at the companies you are dealing with. Forget Email. Written letters still command more attention. Especially with fluffed letterhead.
Dionys
Well, it’s Wednesday now. any news, Anima? Man, you must be goin’ nuts!
Sorry folks, forgot to update Y’all,
They are here, and they are lovely, and I am in heaven.
What a difference, like learning a different instrument.
I got a new bag which is bigger than my old one. You don’t realize you need a bigger bag till you get one. the chanter almost plays itself now. That being said, the drones are a huge air hog and I’m flapping my wings like crazy. I put two little wood plugs in the baritone and bass drones and am just working with the tenor till I get used to the increased air requirements. I’ll add in the ohter two later when I feel better about it. Nothing like the drones to hilight poor bellows technique. 
Jeff
So who made these pipes Anima? The drones shouldn’t take much more air whether you have one, two or three on. Is there an experienced piper living near you whose pipes sound well in tune and they arn’t killing themselves to play them? If so… go and see them and you might be playing all three drones next week.
Patrick.
Congratulations, Jeff! Glad to hear you finally got yer drones. I’m still waiting on my full set. 2& a half years and counting. I can’t wait to play them with the drones. Reading your description of the experience has got me thinking about it again.
-Paul
The drones are by Davy Stephenson.
After playing a practice set, 3 more “holes” in the bag are a new experience, I think I tended to play the bag down pretty far before pumping with the practice set.
It’s getting easier, it’s just a new adjustment.
Jeff
Animia , congrats , and to dither on the dhroones ,
TOM . .
Hi Jeff,
Good news, glad to hear you got your drones. I know you’ll probably be to busy with them but any chance you could post a few pic’s?
Cheers, Mac