Aramex global shopper

[MagicDude4Eva]

Well yes, it is a case of "you get what you pay for".
You pay about $51 to get a 1.8 lb parcel from the USA to SA.
We pay R295. That's ZAR, not USD.
Sure, the customer service is crappy and it takes 2 weeks minimum to reach us and we complain on this forum... But it's safer than the post office and way, way cheaper than any other shipper.

You do get the point that AGS ships the same way as others (UPS / Fedex) - i.e. plane and then customs? I don't expect AGS to pre-clear parcels like Amazon. I also don't expect AGS to deliver like Amazon (i.e. Amazon order placed on 23/12 and arrived at my house on 28/12 via Amazon Global Priority shipping for a 6lb parcel at USD 80/R1100 shipping - Aramex would have charged R690).

My point however is that AGS could do much better as based on their own feedback, their processes are not efficient:

Please be advised that once your shipment arrives at our Depots overseas, it normally takes at least 2 days for it to be added to your account, and that is when you are then prompted to upload the invoice. Upon this been done, it generates a case which we update at our Offices in Johannesburg, and then the origin ensures that your shipment is on the next available flight to Johannesburg. Unfortunately I cannot give you a time frame on that, as we do not know their schedule for this.

In the interim, your shipment status will stay “On Hold – Need Invoice” until your shipment is in transit, and your Shipping Charges will be uploaded for you to make payment online. When it arrives in Johannesburg, it will undergo Customs Clearance, which normally takes 2-3 working days to clear, and if your invoice total is above R500.00, it will be considered High Value, and may take a little longer to clear. We cannot always advise when your shipment will be released as Customs work at their own discretion.

Once your shipment has been cleared, your Customs Charges are loaded as well, so you can make payment online, and it will also move to our Linbro Offices. Upon payment being received, we will then release the shipment for delivery.

People in the import business will know that custom clearance can work a lot faster. Why their depots take 2 or more days to load a shipment onto an account is beyond me - what takes so long to take receipt of a parcel, take a photo and then load it into the system? It is also my understanding that the local office only works 8-5pm and does not work weekends.

I personally don't want to accept your status quo of "it is what it is / you get what you pay for" - I do think that UPS/Fedex overcharge and I think that AGS could be a lot more efficient and profitable if the sort out their processes (hence I have raised all my issued with them and their execs and hope that this will be addressed in future).

 

[HApyM3al]

Well yes, it is a case of "you get what you pay for".
You pay about $51 to get a 1.8 lb parcel from the USA to SA.
We pay R295. That's ZAR, not USD.
Sure, the customer service is crappy and it takes 2 weeks minimum to reach us and we complain on this forum... But it's safer than the post office and way, way cheaper than any other shipper.

Yup this is true.

I'll keep also complaining but no other options at same price point. And for items don't get in RSA it's great.

 

[DeeinSouthAfrica]

Yup this is true.

I'll keep also complaining but no other options at same price point. And for items don't get in RSA it's great.

Agreed.
However MagicDude4Eva also has a point. We have become too complacent. Hopefully he can get AGS organised. Good luck to him.

 

[HApyM3al]

Agreed.
However MagicDude4Eva also has a point. We have become too complacent. Hopefully he can get AGS organised. Good luck to him.

Hopefully yes

Also if have an issue just need to call instead of emailing. Normally they will be able to assist then

 

[DeeinSouthAfrica]

Hopefully yes

Also if have an issue just need to call instead of emailing. Normally they will be able to assist then

Yes, phoning is also so much better than emailing. I think the switchboard is Aramex as well as AGS, so you have to hang on as it is quite busy. When the switchboard operator answers, clearly state you want Aramex Global Shopper.

I spoke to a helpful lady called Olivia.

 

[airborne]

Keep in mind this service is not priority, it's to fulfill Aramex's stop gap shipping needs, ie to ensure every airfreight container ships at capacity, Ags items are last in last out and you should expect them to be super fast sometimes and dog slow at others, par for the course and the reason the rates are so attractive.

 

[X-Gamer]

Keep in mind this service is not priority, it's to fulfill Aramex's stop gap shipping needs, ie to ensure every airfreight container ships at capacity, Ags items are last in last out and you should expect them to be super fast sometimes and dog slow at others, par for the course and the reason the rates are so attractive.

Nope, as MagicDude described, the hold up is with the admin and personnel processes. The actual shipping from NY to JHB happened within a few days.

I've got a package that arrived in JHB on 6 December, cleared customs on the 18th. But since then I get a new status every 4-5 days, "shipment receuived in vc cage", "in vc cage", "in vc cage with outstanding amount", "awaiting for payment" "awaiting for customs charges to be uploaded", "shipment in vxc cage shop and ship" AND finally "awaiting for payment".

 

[MagicDude4Eva]

Keep in mind this service is not priority, it's to fulfill Aramex's stop gap shipping needs, ie to ensure every airfreight container ships at capacity, Ags items are last in last out and you should expect them to be super fast sometimes and dog slow at others, par for the course and the reason the rates are so attractive.

Not quite the case - all 5 of my parcels (and another 6 of my SOs) are delivered very quickly. The delays are due to staff and process:
- It takes between 2-4 days for an invoice to be allocated - this is beyond me - the invoice is uploaded electronically and it still takes sometimes up to 5 days to acknowledge that the invoice has been received
- It takes several days for the shipping charges to be allocated. How difficult can this be? When the parcel is receipted at the depot, a picture is taken, the parcel is weighted and the details should all be captured once. To me it sounds this is not done in that sequence.
- I get the delay with customs in some instances. But since AGS already has the invoice by the time they ship from the depot, they could very well submit this to customs for pre-clearance.

 

[X-Gamer]

I emailed the JHB support address directly about the problem with my shipment, looks like its the way to go when things get "stuck". Will see tomorrow if any progress is made as promised.

 

[DeeinSouthAfrica]

I emailed the JHB support address directly about the problem with my shipment, looks like its the way to go when things get "stuck". Will see tomorrow if any progress is made as promised.

Mine finally says:
Johannesburg, South Africa 01/04/2017 19:09 PM Shipment Forwarded to Beyond/Remote Area Sorting Location

According to the Meisie in AGS JHB everything they get has to go to customs, no matter how small a value it is. If customs are slow, this also contributes to the slowness of the delivery.

 

[PhireSide]

Hi all,

Not sure if anyone is aware or if it's been posted but FNB is running a promo whereby you can waiver the initial 45USD joining fee and also get R75 off your shipped product by using your first six digits of your card number followed by the word SAVE and SHIP respectively. Details below, maybe a mod can add the info to the original post for easier reference?

https://www.fnb.co.za/promotions/PBCAramex/index.html

 

[DeeinSouthAfrica]

Hi all,

Not sure if anyone is aware or if it's been posted but FNB is running a promo whereby you can waiver the initial 45USD joining fee and also get R75 off your shipped product by using your first six digits of your card number followed by the word SAVE and SHIP respectively. Details below, maybe a mod can add the info to the original post for easier reference?

https://www.fnb.co.za/promotions/PBCAramex/index.html

View attachment 409520

The R75 off shipping has been mentioned a couple of times in this thread. I use it all the time.

 

[PhireSide]

Aaaah here I thought I was a prodigy, a revelation to this thread and maybe even be seen as a knight in shining armour...a true hero

As you were

 

[DeeinSouthAfrica]

Aaaah here I thought I was a prodigy, a revelation to this thread and maybe even be seen as a knight in shining armour...a true hero

As you were

No, no, It's always good to mention it again and again. There are loads of silent readers, most of which can easily open up an FNB savings account and avail themselves of the freebees you mention. Let us all promote free things all the time!!

 

[_kabal_]

signed up, it was free after all


looking to buy some Audio Technica ATH-M50x's, so might give this a go.

 

[MagicDude4Eva]

Has anyone gone through the hassle of applying for an importers code? Although I have only imported a single parcel last year December, AGS and customs clearance have now given be stick about an importer's code - I guess I should have not complained about them being slow (my parcel is stuck at customs since 29th December and when I phoned AGS today I was told "Oh yes, let me get customs to clear that parcel for you..." - wtf? - why can't this be done automatically without having to phone).

For a logistics company I don't think that I am expecting too much when the logistics process is supposed to be organised. Despite my AGS registration, they do not have my cell-number - really?

I have read through the SARS documentation regarding the importers code, but how will this speed up clearance? There is no way I can tell AGS to use my importer's code. There is not even a provision for my ID number (something for example Amazon uses to speed up the clearance process).

 

[X-Gamer]

Mine finally says:
Johannesburg, South Africa 01/04/2017 19:09 PM Shipment Forwarded to Beyond/Remote Area Sorting Location

According to the Meisie in AGS JHB everything they get has to go to customs, no matter how small a value it is. If customs are slow, this also contributes to the slowness of the delivery.

Not with my package, which actually cleared customs on the 18th December. They apologised for the problem they caused and I could finally make payment about 15min ago.

So yes, follow up with them directly.

 

[DeeinSouthAfrica]

Has anyone gone through the hassle of applying for an importers code? Although I have only imported a single parcel last year December, AGS and customs clearance have now given be stick about an importer's code - I guess I should have not complained about them being slow (my parcel is stuck at customs since 29th December and when I phoned AGS today I was told "Oh yes, let me get customs to clear that parcel for you..." - wtf? - why can't this be done automatically without having to phone).

For a logistics company I don't think that I am expecting too much when the logistics process is supposed to be organised. Despite my AGS registration, they do not have my cell-number - really?

I have read through the SARS documentation regarding the importers code, but how will this speed up clearance? There is no way I can tell AGS to use my importer's code. There is not even a provision for my ID number (something for example Amazon uses to speed up the clearance process).

I tried, believe me, I tried. I filled in all the papers and went to SARS in Cape Town and some grey man said they only accept 10 applications a day and that I had to queue at first light in order to get served. As first light is about 5.30am, and I bet SARS only opened at 8.30am I was not impressed. He then asked if I was a company. When I said I only imported for private use (and may sell one or two items) he looked at me as if I was mad.
I subsequently found out that if you are a private citizen and pay SARS duty you have no need of an importers license.

 

[X-Gamer]

Has anyone gone through the hassle of applying for an importers code? Although I have only imported a single parcel last year December, AGS and customs clearance have now given be stick about an importer's code - I guess I should have not complained about them being slow (my parcel is stuck at customs since 29th December and when I phoned AGS today I was told "Oh yes, let me get customs to clear that parcel for you..." - wtf? - why can't this be done automatically without having to phone).

For a logistics company I don't think that I am expecting too much when the logistics process is supposed to be organised. Despite my AGS registration, they do not have my cell-number - really?

I have read through the SARS documentation regarding the importers code, but how will this speed up clearance? There is no way I can tell AGS to use my importer's code. There is not even a provision for my ID number (something for example Amazon uses to speed up the clearance process).

You've pretty much highlighted all the issues with AGS. When they called for my ID number, the lady said she could not see it on my profile. So there should be a place where we can input this info, but clearly the local flavour of shop n ship does not have the form.

To be honest. The website could be simplified as it is very confusing at the moment.

 

[MagicDude4Eva]

I tried, believe me, I tried. I filled in all the papers and went to SARS in Cape Town and some grey man said they only accept 10 applications a day and that I had to queue at first light in order to get served. As first light is about 5.30am, and I bet SARS only opened at 8.30am I was not impressed. He then asked if I was a company. When I said I only imported for private use (and may sell one or two items) he looked at me as if I was mad.
I subsequently found out that if you are a private citizen and pay SARS duty you have no need of an importers license.

I have just gotten off the phone with SARS and the consultant at excise was puzzled why I want to register. When I then said "I think I need to because SARS requires it or doesn't it apply" - she then did not answer this question and just proceeded to list what is required. The SARS website is apparently not correct and in addition to the DA-185 and DA-185-4A1 you also require:
* proof of address (municipality statement AND preferably Eskom/Telkom statement)
* proof of banking details (bank statement not older than 3 months)
* proof of telephone number (if you are on pre-paid you are ****-out-of-luck and need to get to SAPS and have an affidavit done)
* proof of ID (also legalised/certified by SAPS or commissioner of oath)
* letter signed by you explaining why you are registering
* proof of tax-id

All of the above needs to be hand-delivered to one of the custom's offices or to Alberton head-office (if you are in Jozi). I have now pawned this off to my accountant as she frequently visits Alberton and will see how that goes.

I have separately asked AGS if the above actually speeds up clearance and how they would actually load my importer's code (or ID number) - would be pretty pointless jumping through all those hoops and then still having to manually supply it.