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Looked for a proper notebook power bank yesterday, found 2, both "does not ship to sa".... oh well.
 
rambo919 said:
Looked for a proper notebook power bank yesterday, found 2, both "does not ship to sa".... oh well.
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There are certain items that have issues shipping to South Africa. I am currently working with GearBest to try find a shipping method that will support battery and electronic cigarette as both have issues coming to South Africa. Hope to have feedback on that soon.

KavZ
 
OnePlus 5 came from Gearbest today. Order placed on 23 August. Had to pay Aramex just R306 in customs (VAT). A good experience and worth the money saved!
 
Not happy with my OnePlus 5 order. Dash charger broke on first use (see pic). They only offered to send me a new charger (that wasn't a Dash charger). I've had to complain to PayPal as the Dash charger is a key reason for my purchase.
 
Jeruanamo said:
Not happy with my OnePlus 5 order. Dash charger broke on first use (see pic). They only offered to send me a new charger (that wasn't a Dash charger). I've had to complain to PayPal as the Dash charger is a key reason for my purchase.
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Good day,

Please message me the order number and I will see what I can do. It does seem like the Dash Charger has a factory fault as there seems to be a common issue with them now working correctly with the devices and randomly breaking.

If they do not wish to replace it, I will order one for you free of charge and send it to you. It is unfortunate that it does not work correctly. Maybe there are after market alternatives that work better.

KavZ
 
I ordered a Xiaomi Mi6, and received it yesterday. My experience with Gearbest was good, but the DHL clearance department was a pain to work with.

The phone was USD 419.29 (didn't have the discount code at the time), plus USD 16.51 for shipping + insurance. Shipping was via DHL.

For some reason my postal code was deemed a "remote area" by DHL, which would've incurred a USD 35 surcharge. Gearbest let me know shortly after placing the order, gave me the option of changing the address or shipping method. Not sure if it was a mistake or not, but I just changed the postal code to a neighbouring one (same town).

So Gearbest marked the item as USD 100 on the Commercial Invoice packaged with the item, instead of the actual value of USD 419. I got the correct CI from Gearbest soon after placing the order, but getting DHL to update the details was a pain. After they sent me the first customs invoice with the wrong amount, it took about 5 phone calls and a couple of emails over 3 days to get them to correct it. While their standard support line is quick on the phone, their clearance (customs) department have a waiting time of 6-10 minutes for every call, and they don't respond to any emails.

Once they corrected the customs details, I had to pay R 1520 for customs. This is R 921 in VAT, R 449 for code "12B", and R 150 for DHL "Disbursement Fee". I have no idea what the code 12B is, but at this point I couldn't handling dealing with DHL anymore, and just paid the full amount.

Next time I'm just going to assume that the CI supplied with the package is correct, and not try to update it - way too much hassle.

Overall it took 2 weeks (14 days) from placing the order to receiving it. This includes a 1 day delay for changing the address, and 3 days for the clearance issues, so overall it's pretty quick for something coming from China.

Although I haven't had the time to test it properly yet, the Mi6 itself looks great so far. The only issue so far is that the US -> EU adapter for the charger that Gearbest included doesn't really fit into most sockets, so I'll probably have to get a different one.
 
falcrum said:
I ordered a Xiaomi Mi6, and received it yesterday. My experience with Gearbest was good, but the DHL clearance department was a pain to work with.

The phone was USD 419.29 (didn't have the discount code at the time), plus USD 16.51 for shipping + insurance. Shipping was via DHL.

For some reason my postal code was deemed a "remote area" by DHL, which would've incurred a USD 35 surcharge. Gearbest let me know shortly after placing the order, gave me the option of changing the address or shipping method. Not sure if it was a mistake or not, but I just changed the postal code to a neighbouring one (same town).

So Gearbest marked the item as USD 100 on the Commercial Invoice packaged with the item, instead of the actual value of USD 419. I got the correct CI from Gearbest soon after placing the order, but getting DHL to update the details was a pain. After they sent me the first customs invoice with the wrong amount, it took about 5 phone calls and a couple of emails over 3 days to get them to correct it. While their standard support line is quick on the phone, their clearance (customs) department have a waiting time of 6-10 minutes for every call, and they don't respond to any emails.

Once they corrected the customs details, I had to pay R 1520 for customs. This is R 921 in VAT, R 449 for code "12B", and R 150 for DHL "Disbursement Fee". I have no idea what the code 12B is, but at this point I couldn't handling dealing with DHL anymore, and just paid the full amount.

Next time I'm just going to assume that the CI supplied with the package is correct, and not try to update it - way too much hassle.

Overall it took 2 weeks (14 days) from placing the order to receiving it. This includes a 1 day delay for changing the address, and 3 days for the clearance issues, so overall it's pretty quick for something coming from China.

Although I haven't had the time to test it properly yet, the Mi6 itself looks great so far. The only issue so far is that the US -> EU adapter for the charger that Gearbest included doesn't really fit into most sockets, so I'll probably have to get a different one.
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Good day,

Thank you for the detail review on the process and situation you have faced. Majority of the time, changing the value of the invoice is not really worth the time and effort and you rather process the parcel with the value assigned by them overseas. Some people do not like this but they just trying to ensure you do not pay excessive fees on items. This is unfortunately a standard now days and they seem to always use a lower value.

Regarding the process with DHL, it seems like Aramex is easier to work with mainly since I do know somebody working there and if you are nice to the right person, it is amazing how well they can assist. Really goes a long way. Think I need to find somebody like that at DHL so I can try assist with that.

I will be updating my shipping guide to state and advise about the remote area postal code issue. I normally suggest to use the most central postal code for orders. Due to their forwarding company overseas having issues sometimes, it better and does work to use the closest central post code.

For example, in Rosebank the code is 2196, but I use 2000/2001 and they ship out no issues and still comes to the correct place. If DHL or Aramex do not know where to deliver, they will update the tracking to state unknown address and then you can call them to update it. Rather do that then the item taking forever to be shipped out which does seem to be an issue right now. I will update the shipping guide and add that and do hope that everybody who does order goes through it first. Due to orders going directly and trying to track down all orders is very hard, there is no long term solution yet.

Regarding the charger, it is unfortunate that it only comes with US option but think this is the manufacturer. Since with have the EU style charger, the only real option is the adapter. I will try and see if there are better quality options locally for the adapter as the original charger is the best and think with a strong adapter, it can work correctly. @Jeruanamo did not confirm yet whether the issue is with the adapter or charger. Don't expect charger's to give issues in a hurry. Hope that OnePlus comes out with chargers for the different countries though.

I will ask GearBest to see if they can send me all orders on confirmation to my email with the client's order number and address only (Excluding name, and contact number for safety purposes) so I can google and see if the postal code can be updated. Think it might mean more overhead but quicker dispatch times.

I am not sure if the above is a good idea so if anybody thinks I should not do it, please advise. I rather have happier clients with the orders instead of wasting a few days due to their postal code verification being bad.

KavZ
 
Has anybody had problems with Gearbest deliveries lately? My packages used to arrive a tad late, but now my second package hasn't arrived after a 3 month wait.
 
Crossing_Swords said:
Has anybody had problems with Gearbest deliveries lately? My packages used to arrive a tad late, but now my second package hasn't arrived after a 3 month wait.
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It does depend on the shipping service used. Another client also ordered via Airmail and it seems to be stuck for customs clearance for the past 1 month. It is unfortunately slow using this shipping service. Aramex also seems to be taking around 3-5 days before the package starts moving. Not much can be done but once it does start moving, it is quick to get here using that service.

KavZ
 
GearBestZA said:
It does depend on the shipping service used. Another client also ordered via Airmail and it seems to be stuck for customs clearance for the past 1 month. It is unfortunately slow using this shipping service. Aramex also seems to be taking around 3-5 days before the package starts moving. Not much can be done but once it does start moving, it is quick to get here using that service.

KavZ
Click to expand...

I used regular airmail on both occasions, and both were in transit for a while, but around 10-15 August, they just stopped. Is it possible that it's just stuck somewhere, or should I assume that it's lost?

Thank you for the response, much appreciated.
 
Crossing_Swords said:
I used regular airmail on both occasions, and both were in transit for a while, but around 10-15 August, they just stopped. Is it possible that it's just stuck somewhere, or should I assume that it's lost?

Thank you for the response, much appreciated.
Click to expand...

Do PM me with both tracking numbers and I will check up. The international Airmail numbers cannot be tracked within SA so I will call the Post office and if it has cleared customs, then it should have a local tracking number for tracking locally. That can then be used till the item reaches the post office.

I will await the PM and proceed from there.

KavZ
 
falcrum said:
I ordered a Xiaomi Mi6, and received it yesterday. My experience with Gearbest was good, but the DHL clearance department was a pain to work with.

The phone was USD 419.29 (didn't have the discount code at the time), plus USD 16.51 for shipping + insurance. Shipping was via DHL.

For some reason my postal code was deemed a "remote area" by DHL, which would've incurred a USD 35 surcharge. Gearbest let me know shortly after placing the order, gave me the option of changing the address or shipping method. Not sure if it was a mistake or not, but I just changed the postal code to a neighbouring one (same town).

So Gearbest marked the item as USD 100 on the Commercial Invoice packaged with the item, instead of the actual value of USD 419. I got the correct CI from Gearbest soon after placing the order, but getting DHL to update the details was a pain. After they sent me the first customs invoice with the wrong amount, it took about 5 phone calls and a couple of emails over 3 days to get them to correct it. While their standard support line is quick on the phone, their clearance (customs) department have a waiting time of 6-10 minutes for every call, and they don't respond to any emails.

Once they corrected the customs details, I had to pay R 1520 for customs. This is R 921 in VAT, R 449 for code "12B", and R 150 for DHL "Disbursement Fee". I have no idea what the code 12B is, but at this point I couldn't handling dealing with DHL anymore, and just paid the full amount.

Next time I'm just going to assume that the CI supplied with the package is correct, and not try to update it - way too much hassle.

Overall it took 2 weeks (14 days) from placing the order to receiving it. This includes a 1 day delay for changing the address, and 3 days for the clearance issues, so overall it's pretty quick for something coming from China.

Although I haven't had the time to test it properly yet, the Mi6 itself looks great so far. The only issue so far is that the US -> EU adapter for the charger that Gearbest included doesn't really fit into most sockets, so I'll probably have to get a different one.
Click to expand...
I also have a pain with DHL with a parcel from Amazon USA. Custom fees are included in the purchase price but for some unknown reason the parcel is stuck at customs. Still waiting for email from them but nothing is forthcoming.

Never had a problem when Aramex was used as carrier but is seems as if DHL is going to give me more than my fair share if hicups.
 
GAD said:
I also have a pain with DHL with a parcel from Amazon USA. Custom fees are included in the purchase price but for some unknown reason the parcel is stuck at customs. Still waiting for email from them but nothing is forthcoming.

Never had a problem when Aramex was used as carrier but is seems as if DHL is going to give me more than my fair share if hicups.
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If you do get stuck, message me and we see what we can do. I can assist with any package so we can see what they need and how to approach them to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

KavZ
 
Hi, I often order from gearbest and always used the Flat Rate Shipping, i am thinking of using priority Aramex Express, but worried about taxes....i have been nailed in the past .....
 
bar1 said:
Hi, I often order from gearbest and always used the Flat Rate Shipping, i am thinking of using priority Aramex Express, but worried about taxes....i have been nailed in the past .....
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Good day,

Anything under R500 does come in customs free with Aramex/DHL/express shipping (Maybe 5 out of 100 might have issues). And if it is over R500, they can charge Vat, customs fees and the clearing fee (R100-R200 by the shipping company) as they do pay upfront. Most of the time, Aramex & DHL get the declaration type correct and thus clear it correctly.

If you are worried, contact me and I will see what needs to be done to correctly clear the package and advise what is needed.

Regards
KavZ
 
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GearBestZA said:
Good day,

Anything under R500 does come in customs free with Aramex/DHL/express shipping. And if it is over R500, they generally charge Vat only and the clearing fee (R100-R200) as they do pay upfront. Majority of the time for small items or single items, there will be no customs charges.

Regards
KavZ
Click to expand...

Please stop giving incorrect advice.

This:

"Majority of the time for small items or single items, there will be no customs charges."

Is simply not true.

The R500 "duty free" limit is not guaranteed, you can be charged customs fees on any items. Whether duties are charged depends on the type item, most electronics don't have duties however cellphones have a 7% Schedule 2b duty for example. It makes no difference if the item is "small" or "single", it depends entirely on the value and type of item.

Gearbest, like many Chinese sellers, also have a nasty habit of under declaring the value on the parcel to avoid customs fees for the client, this can result in a R2500 fine and confiscation of the shipment if found out. This can and does happen, albeit rarely.
 
Last edited:
so the reason i use normal shipping is to avoid the high clearing fees, tax/vat can't be avoided.
 
Hi,

Nice to see some people have luck,
I ordered a redmi 4x and some covers on Aug 14, all was good, got a request to change my shipping details on Aug 15 and did so and at this point I was like this much actually work out YEEEYYYY!!!:), then got another request on Aug 20 2017 to check shipping details cause DHL didn't like the format or whatever, changed it again with some advice from GearBestZA and was again I was like omg it's actually coming...
Then i waited 3-5 business days for the tracking information to appear on DHL, i then checked the DHL site on Aug 27 and nothing, thought ok China is kinda far don't be impatient:whistle: but then i realised this is Express Shipping and i paid for it what happened to 5-7days, this is where i started to lose hope.
So i created a ticket on Aug 28 to ask about my order and got told that "We have contacted the shipping agency to check it. And the shipping agency need 3-5 business days to trace your package from their end. We will take further action for you when we have the result." , so YEEYY more business day things BS :mad:,
I waited my 5 "business days" and asked again on Sep 06 and got this reply "We are sorry to inform you that we have not received feedback from the shipping agency. We have urged the shipping agency to clear it and update. Please kindly wait a little longer for the result."
So i contact them again today again not knowing what to expect (probably some shipping agency story again)
I'm mostly pissed cause some people order and get it in the following week and my order is sitting by this "shipping agency".
I guess this online overseas is some luck of the draw "Lotto Tata Ma Chance" thing.
Anyone had a similar problem or am i just impatient?.
I will update if they reply.
 
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