US Customs and OMG, what did they do to my cel??!?

Gonzai · Post by **Gonzai** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 5:29 pm

Well, I have been out of town for the last few weeks.
I came home today for the holiday, before I take off
again on Monday. Was surprised to see a package here
from Stephen. It was a couple of my Basilisk preorders.

I was totall yexcited, however, couldn't believe all the
US Customs tape that was all on the package. After
I got the initial packaging off, there was a ton more
of the customs tape. They must have cut right into
this package to inspect it and see what it was.

Well guess what, the assholes did cut right into it.
As a matter of fact, they cut right through one of
my cels.

I can't believe it. The cel is totally
destroyed. The worst part is that it was a matching
set with my Gennosuke cel.

I scanned the cel, so if you are interested in seeing
the damage:

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b26/p ... troyed.jpg

I have emailed Stephen from AM. I am sure he had it
insured, however, that doesn't replace this beautiful cel
that I have been waiting for and wanting. You know if you
preorder something, you probably want it pretty bad. Now
I have my Gennosuke cel, but no Oboro to go with it.

Amsterdam781 · Post by **Amsterdam781** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 5:42 pm

That is a beautiful cel. It is such a shame that they cut it. They really laid into that package

Hopefuly you can at least get your money back, but it is still awful that such an amazing piece was destroyed.

Keropi · Post by **Keropi** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 6:32 pm

Good grief. Why would they need to check your package like that?

Have you had any packages that you know of inspected by them before?

sletia · Post by **sletia** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 6:33 pm

I hate customs.. I really do. They have no respect.

RoboFlonne · Post by **RoboFlonne** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 6:48 pm

Do they inspect Express mail packages? I'm so sorry! /wah

sugarcels · Post by **sugarcels** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 6:57 pm

Oh wow O_o I'm so sorry!

Cordelia · Post by **Cordelia** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 7:04 pm

Oh man sorry to hear abt that. It really really sucks....shows that the customs ppl don't really care abt other ppl's packages or anyone with single shred of common sense wouldn't have done that.

sletia · Post by **sletia** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 7:27 pm

Did the package have the warnings: FRAGILE, ARTWORK on it?

kymaera · Post by **kymaera** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 7:31 pm

Ouch! That totally sucks!

So far, I've been lucky in that when I've gotten damaged packages, the damage hasn't affected the contents (like this one). But I know quite well the heart sinking feeling when you see a damaged package. And especially for something's that one of a kind.

Perhaps Stephen can arrange for a replacement to be created given the circumstances.

tex-chan · Post by **tex-chan** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 7:32 pm

I've been mostly lurking lately, but I had to post to send you some big HUGS. I am so sorry this happened! I hope you can get your money back, at least ... but you are so right that it won't replace this beautiful piece of artwork. Is there any way you can register a complaint with Customs? Or, would that even do any good? This makes me fear for the packages I get from overseas. *sigh*

GuyvarIII · Post by **GuyvarIII** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 7:35 pm

...That’s horrible.
I had a cel package that was inspected by customs (had a nice big U.S. Department of Homeland Security crest stamped on it) but they didn’t do anything like that to the contents.

Ronin · Post by **Ronin** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 7:50 pm

That is ridiculous!!!

I'm sorry to hear that happen to you...surely they're liable for damaging the cel? Grrr makes me angry!!

animeobsessed · Post by **animeobsessed** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 7:53 pm

That's awful! I hope that you can get it replaced or at least get reimbursed since it's destroyed.

Goldknight · Post by **Goldknight** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 9:05 pm

I'm in total shock. I've never heard of this happening before. I too wonder if there was anything written on the package as a warning about artwork. Was it EMS? I am just shocked.

I sure hope things work out and you get some money back. Wow....just.....OMG.

Gonzai · Post by **Gonzai** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 9:13 pm

Thanks for the well wishes guys. No Angela, there was
nothing on the outside of the package that said anything
about artwork. But, I am sure that Stephen had it insured.
I am hoping that they can replace the cel. I really did want
it pretty badly, and it just breaks my heart. I will keep ya'all
up-to-date with what happens.