Australian opal competition winners list

[kjsspot]

Prayers appreciated. I paid extra to have my parcel shipped global express for the Opal Carving competition. It was slotted to arrive by the 15th with the 24th being the deadline. Now it's stuck in customs... AU is a day later than the US so I just have 3 days to get this there...

[PinkDiamond]

You have got to be kidding! Were you able to reach them by phone? This really sucks big wind and I sure hope you can get them to deliver it tomorrow. Unbelievable!

[KKHK]

Thats how the dice rolls at times. I completely under-declared the value and was anything but sure if they would allow the shell through, plus the area code missing, yet mine arrived without problems it seems.

In the end, one can only hope that things work out.

Did you inform Lynn, to get a few more days for the cut-off?

[kjsspot]

Lyn is the one that let me know about the problem. The letter went to her. And yes, she'll wait until the day before judging for me so we'll see. I called but the lady on the phone state that I had to send an email. She did get me the corrected email address though as the one Lyn gave me was missing a letter.

I insured them at $1000 for cost of rough and labor, and they want proof that they're worth $1000 or less. They won't be worth more than that until I mark them for sale and these were marked as commercial samples, clearly stated that they aren't for sale. AND they won't really be worth more than that until someone is actually willing to pay me for them.

Anyway, I don't think there will be a problem getting them cleared but I'm just praying it'll be in time.

[Brightlights]

And you had multiple pieces? Bummer

I only had one, declared it 500 max but the postal lady forgot the insurance. At the end of it, after I payed and all was sealed and stickered, she said "oops, I forgot to put insurance on that. We can void it and do it all over... " to which I replied,"Na, don't bother... It's just a pretty rock!"

I was surprised how fast it got there.

I used the global express mail I think... It was the best she has since the special global package you mentioned wasn't standard use in out little bitty post office. I also would have to driven to a big hub post office for that package type. Not worth the extra gas.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you too!

[mick]

Oh dear, I wish you had told me KJ. I have dealt with Customs here several times no problems.

You need to tell them its Opal for a competition, how you labelled it was the best you could do, its coming back to you, they must know this, tell them I said its a Boomerang and they will understand.

There should have been no delay, but labelliing it as commercial, it goes into another pile you see. It helps a lot if the recipient rings up and complains, trust me on that one.

[mick]

Ah also I have found, insurance is a curse in disguise. Anythng insured takes longer because its flagged as valuable. Goes into another pile.
I prefer anonymous gift shipping, or merchandise at a low value. Ive always thought like a crook when it comes to shipping. What you going to steal, an envelope that might contain a sock or one thats marked Opal $1000 bucks?

There is a free trade agreement beween the USA and AUS, remind Customs if you have to. http://dfat.gov.au/trade/agreements/aus ... s-fta.aspx

I just hope you get it sorted out.

[kjsspot]

Thanks Mick. It was marked Commercial Sample and I stated clearly that it was for the IOJDAA Bi-Annual competition and that it was not for sale. They've released it for dispatch. Now it has to travel to LR. Lyn told me as along as it arrived by the day before the judging they'll still take it.

[SwordfishMining]

Hope it goes well. I've had trouble before out where we live (When I worked for the power company) with people raiding mail boxes and there was the contracted carrier from Reno tho the East a few years ago that was a criminal stealing and identity theft. I insure for what I can't stand to take less than for it, haha, Thats what was paid as a rule rounded down. Its more but when you don't have a perfectly foolproof mail system, at least it got sold not stolled.

[PinkDiamond]

I'm so glad it was released and is on its way, KJ. Hope it gets there in time, and I've got my fingers crossed for you.