Parcelforce = Parceltheft?

BountyHunter338

So my H's parents sent him a brand-new laptop (unopened box) from the States (the model is not yet available in the UK). They packaged it appropriately inside another box & sent it via US priority mail. And thank heaven they insured it.

US priority mail gets turned over to Parcelforce upon entering the UK. The package was posted by H's parents March 4 & passed UK customs on March 9. It then sat in the Parcelforce depot until finally the parcel was delivered to our flat today (March 18). When we opened the box, we found... an empty laptop box & an arrogant letter from Parcelforce stating that:
"this packaging was found in the Parcelforce depot"
"somehow the contents were separated from the packaging"
"after a thorough investigation, we were unable to determine how this happened, nor were we able to locate the contents."

Sorry, but it's painfully obvious that someone (probably at Parcelforce) NICKED the computer, as the laptop, its power cord, and the instruction booklet were all missing, but the manufacturer's box & protective foam padding were unharmed. Evidently H's parents have to start the claim process in the US - let's hope that's not as much of a headache as I suspect it will be, especially as Parcelforce so carefully refuses to accept any liability for what happened (despite the fact that the opened, empty packaging was apparently "found" in their depot).

I know this is a silly rant, but the tone of the letter we received was rather arrogant & did nothing to help alleviate the anger one feels at being mugged through the post. I think we would have felt better had they sent a letter saying, "Your computer was nicked [probably by one of our employees]. Sorry about that. Life's rough, yes?" At least it would have been more honest than the letter full of rhetoric we received.

custardy

probably specifically worded so as not to hint or admit to any liability

Ivory_Tinkler

It may not have been a parcelforce employee that did this. If the parcel came into the UK via Heathrow (or Thiefrow) then it could have been nicked by one of the airport staff. I hope that the claim goes through OK - at least you have a letter to prove that you didn't get the contents of the box.

RobertoMoir

BountyHunter338 wrote: »

Sorry, but it's painfully obvious that someone (probably at Parcelforce) NICKED the computer, as the laptop, its power cord, and the instruction booklet were all missing, but the manufacturer's box & protective foam padding were unharmed. Evidently H's parents have to start the claim process in the US - let's hope that's not as much of a headache as I suspect it will be, especially as Parcelforce so carefully refuses to accept any liability for what happened (despite the fact that the opened, empty packaging was apparently "found" in their depot).

I know this is a silly rant, but the tone of the letter we received was rather arrogant & did nothing to help alleviate the anger one feels at being mugged through the post. I think we would have felt better had they sent a letter saying, "Your computer was nicked [probably by one of our employees]. Sorry about that. Life's rough, yes?" At least it would have been more honest than the letter full of rhetoric we received.

I'm sorry to hear that the laptop was stolen, but without some kind of indication beyond it being "painfully obvious" to you that parcelforce themselves were responsible, I'm not sure what you would expect them to say. As has been pointed out already, their letter should serve as proof that the laptop was stolen somewhere in its journey, which will hopefully help expedite the insurance claim.

isplumm

Hi,

As this came in from the States, it would have entered the Customs holding area of t Parcelforce (or whoever their customs agents are) & then I think it would have been opened to check contents before being cleared (not sure on that last point?)

If that was the case, then it could have gone missing at any point from when it cleared customs, to when it was found in the depot by Parcelforce - which is a lot of places.

When I worked for one of these companies, we did get stuff stolen - it is not easy to stop - we put new security in place, but if someone is determined, then I suspect they could nick stuff - IPODs being a favourite!

What kind of service did H's parents select when they opted to send the laptop to the UK? US priority mail doesn't sound that secure?

Mark

so2006

If i was sending a laptop i would use UPS. The letter should be able to help in the insurance claim

spencermarley

BountyHunter338 wrote: »

Parcelforce = Parceltheft?

it's close but it's not the one.

the correct answer is Parcelforce = Parcelfarce

dacouch

A bloke up my local worked at a main sorting office and they all used to "Aquire" lots and lots of things. They would know the sending addresses of voucher distributers and "Acquire" them as well as lots of other goodies. From what they said it was quite common place...

so2006

dacouch wrote: »

A bloke up my local worked at a main sorting office and they all used to "Aquire" lots and lots of things. They would know the sending addresses of voucher distributers and "Acquire" them as well as lots of other goodies. From what they said it was quite common place...

Seriously :rotfl:They must not of got paid enough,

Jokes apart. It is quite horrible to know you cant trust parcel force with a simple parcel. Well it is a part of royal mail :rotfl::rotfl:

dacouch

They normally targeted companies so it was the companies that lost out, they used to love Brittania for DVDS and CDs!

sarah_elton

dacouch wrote: »

They normally targeted companies so it was the companies that lost out, they used to love Brittania for DVDS and CDs!

:mad:

Just not cool. Even though it's companies that pay the costs to replace goods:

1) The more they spend on this the more it pushes prices up for consumers

2) What about people who order stuff online for presents then they end up not having the goods in time?

3) The hassle for the consumer who then has to get the company to send another item. Play.com won't ship a replacement till three weeks has passed in case it's just been held up.