Interparcel rant / warning

ProdigalScouser

I sold an old Amiga on eBay a few weeks ago. I was advised by someone on another forum that Interparcel is the way to go when it comes to sending heavy stuff within the UK.

When the Amiga arrived, it was damaged. Not destroyed, but the front was a bit broken. Since the purchaser wants a partial refund, I decided to claim on the "up to £20" cover I had free with the service.

When I rang them, I was told the the T&Cs say computers aren't covered. I had a look on the T&Cs and found this:

“Restricted Items” (Including, but not limited to - glass items, laptops and mirrored goods) are items which we strongly recommend that you do not send using our service

Clicking on Restricted items, then reveals:

Restricted Items

The following items are deemed unsuitable for shipment by our services, and are therefore restricted. Any of these items being sent may result in surcharges, delays or confiscation by authorities where appropriate. No transit cover or guarantees whatsoever will apply to these items. THESE ITEMS ARE SENT AT YOUR OWN RISK.

• Computers / Monitors / Laptops

So it looks like I'm going to be out of pocket.

While this is, realistically, my own fault, it's annoying that I'm losing out because the delivery person has damaged the parcel.

So a bit of a warning: if you are couriering computers, don't use Interparcel.

Though the lass I spoke to seemed genuinely sorry, which was nice.

fwor

If you're going to be fair to Interparcel, would it not be fair to point out that you cannot place an online booking order on their website without ticking the box that says "I have read the Restricted Items list", and which has a hyperlink next to it that takes you to the list?

If you ticked that box, you must surely have been aware - before completing the booking - that computers are in that list.

k0nstantine

I used this company a little while back and found them absolutely rubbish.
They agreed to collect a parcel on a certain date, but failed, and didn't even notify me as to why.
I contacted them again to arrange a pick up the next day, and confirmed the pick up address. Next day arrives, and once again no sign of them.
Phoned them up the day after, querying why they hadn't picked up the parcel, but they couldn't tell me why, but guaranteed that the parcel would be picked up the following day. Once again didn't show up.
I managed to get a full refund, but would never use these again!

DebtHater

I too have had problems with Interparcel.

I always use DHL (or Yodel as they are now known) Much better service.

fwor

DebtHater wrote: »

I too have had problems with Interparcel.

I always use DHL (or Yodel as they are now known) Much better service.

You do realise that Interparcel are just resellers? They don't have their own delivery infrastructure - they simply act as a front end for Hermes/Yodel/UPS/etc.

I've got an "Interparcel Economy" collection scheduled for this Friday, and I already know (because Interparcel's documentation tells me) that the carrier will be UPS.

ProdigalScouser

fwor wrote: »

If you ticked that box, you must surely have been aware - before completing the booking - that computers are in that list.

Yeah, hence I said "... this is, realistically, my own fault". I really should read the T&C's with these things, but I mistakenly assumed 1) it wouldn't get dropped in transit and 2) something like a computer would be covered by the insurance.

Live and learn...