I gave you wrong information in my previous status update here. That’s because the third-party importer/broker that my manufacturer hired to oversee delivery gave me wrong information. (And that’s also what I really want to go nuts telling all of you all about! What an… ARGH! You’ve got to hear this whole story. Like. Ugh.)
Only after I turned into an all-out full-on Karen did I finally get the name of the warehouse. And still, no contact info was provided to me for that warehouse, so I had to go search for it myself.
I called the warehouse directly this morning (the info wasn’t given to me until last Friday; my status update to you was on Saturday; today is Monday) and spoke with a very kind, pleasant fellow at the warehouse.
It turns out my packages are not at the warehouse yet, as I was told by the broker/importer guy. Thank goodness I took the initiative to look up the warehouse contact and called on my own.
So here’s the real deal. There are 15 containers ahead of mine in line for unloading at the warehouse. Until those 15 containers of goods are unloaded into the warehouse and one by one shipped out by truck to where they need to go, no one is even going to get to me.
While he doesn’t know exactly how long it’s going to take, by his best estimate, it is going to be another 2 weeks before they unload the container that my packages are in and my boxes are delivered to me.
One more ARGH! moment: The guy at the warehouse and I took a long time figuring out what reference number info I had to give him for him to track my package BECAUSE… get this… because the importer/broker guy filled out my forms wrong. ARGHHHH!!
Oh– and (!!!)– I was given the wrong # of boxes in my total shipment. I was told 36 boxes, and kinda thinking in my head, oh wow, each box is gonna be huge (because, math, which means there would be about 100 decks in each box, which means each box is going to require at least 2 people to lift). When I finally talked to that warehouse guy this morning, he said, “Uh, no, ma’am… it’s 63 boxes. You’ve got 63 boxes incoming.” The exact # of boxes matters because that’s how you do your initial headcount, to make sure you’ve got everything before you start opening the boxes up.
Breathe…breathe… okay. I’m calm. Promise. I’m very calm. Everything is fine. Nothing to see here. Happy Monday.
::adds whiskey to my next cup of coffee…it’s not even 9 am…::
benebell wen 
OMG, I am so sorry you’re going through this, Benebell. You don’t deserve to have this happening. I realise Covid has hurt a lot of companies, but there are supposed to be enough people who know their job to prevent this crap from happening. No, you can’t do a thing regarding the warehouse. It happens. Considering that book sellers are telling people to order their books early due to shortages and shipping concerns- I’m not surprised.
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Don’t stress–it’s out of your control. Things happen when they happen. Cute photo, though.
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Oh man! The broker guy is being completely useless. Worse than useless. Actively causing problems. And you’ve already noted several times that you probably never needed him in the first place 🤦♀️
It sounds like the ship is here, but that the warehouse is smaller than the total number of items on the ship, so they have to unload a little bit at a time and wait for people to pick up their shipments before they have room to unload more off the ship and into the warehouse. The warehouse itself, it seems, is just a sheltered location to separate everyone’s stuff and give space for truckers to come and pick it up.
It makes sense this is how it works. Those cargo ships are GIGANTIC. Leviathan, even. The containers we see sticking out the top is literally the tip of the iceberg of containers being transported.
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Damn! Not a good way to start the day. Sending Irish coffee energy.
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It has been my experience that when things like this happen, things so outlandish and so discombobulated, that you are being saved from something. Too many times has this been the truth. In example, I wasn’t able to move into my new apartment because the fax machine all of a sudden didn’t work. Only to discover that 1 day later, that particular apartment burned to the ground. I realize you may want to reach through the computer and choke someone, because the last thing you want to hear is ‘ya, your gonna have to wait even longer’!. But this just reeks of ‘you are being saved from something’. I am truly sorry for the anguish and frustration. I only speak for myself, but I am willing to patiently wait until the cards arrive regardless of how long it takes. Because in my mind, by allowing things to unfold as they are patiently, the cards will arrive intact and they are definitely worth waiting for.
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It’s evening in my time zone! But… It sucks, like really truly 😦 so much time spent waiting and replanning is frustrating at the best of times
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Oy, sounds like your importer/broker is a real knucklehead. More like an imposter/broken. You have my utmost gratitude for holding up so well – I’d have probably had back-to-back panic attacks after hearing what you’ve endured with these unfunny clowns. But it seems that many others beside myself are more than happy to wait till the ship comes in (both metaphorically and literally). It will certainly be worth it.
And yes, that photo really is adorable!
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I have these thorns that you could ship to that ^%}}*!!!
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Just grateful that you are being so thorough and so conscientious–and transparent, too, as the political folk say.
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Oh Benebell…..so sorry you’re going through this!! As someone who had a very precise and fast paced career where you really had to be ON IT all the time (dental hygienist) I don’t understand people who aren’t good at what they do. That don’t pay attention to details or don’t care to do their best. Drives me batty. Hey…I’m perfectly fine for getting my deck any time that works for you. Zero impatience here!!! Much excitement, though! I still have a ginormous book to read!! Thank you for your updates and rant away when you get the decks. We will be here listening to the stories!! XOXOXO
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So stressful for you!! Thankyou for keeping us in the loop. And, as others have said, I’m excited but patient – everything will arrive as it should at this end I’m sure 💕
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Benebell you do not deserve this but as already said everything happens for a reason and also as much as we all want to receive your latest creation when the time is right it will arrive. What I do want to say is hats off to you as you keep us fully updated and there are many who would not. I think it’s fair to say we all share your pain and frustration. Just stay calm and positive as we are all supporting you. Lots of love xxx
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Sorry forgot to put my name.
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Well, all you can do is just breathe! Thanks for the update!
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I’m sorry it’s been so crazy for you! I’m sorry but I’m still a bit confused…is it that there is no shipping estimation right now? Or is it behind a certain amount? I’m trying to ask without sounding impatient…I understand it’s out of your hands right now…I’m just confused on the estimated time.
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When I called the warehouse, what I was told was that there are 15 containers that need to be unloaded and stored at the warehouse awaiting trucks to take them off to where they need to be delivered. That’s all before the container that my shipment is in. They are a short staffed. So he can’t give me an accurate estimate of how long it’s going to take for them to unload and process those 15 containers and get to mine. Based on his experience though, he said it would probably be about 2 weeks. That’s what brings us to about the first or second week of October.
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Thanks for the updates! It definitely helps to know what’s going on, and I totally understand your frustration. I’m sure it’s super stressful, so lots of deep breaths. I have a feeling that most of the people who have found their way here understand international shipping presents a lot of factors that are beyond your control. Keeping the excitement and anticipation in check is definitely challenging. Just have to channel that energy into being patient and knowing my SKT will finally arrive at exactly the right time, when it’s most relevant. 🙂
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It’s a Mercury RX moment with how many other planets RX? Five or so?
All in the divine flow. FOB shipping is always exciting, inaccurate, at the mercy of others. Hopefully, adults purchased your decks. I’ve been waiting two years! Missing other releases. I will be so excited whenever they arrive.
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