Posted by Steven J. Weller on 12/23/06 08:54

Steven J. Weller wrote:
> Martin Heffels wrote:
>
> > But the question is, how is this Indian knock-off blimp?
>
> I'll let you know as soon as it gets here.
(snip)
> If I ever _do_ get my grubby little mitts on it, though, I'll be sure
> to send along my report. According to the photos, it looks to be about
> the equivalent of a Rycote Windshield #4 kit, complete with the fur
> cover. Rycote's sells for about $700; this one was $140 (plus $38
> shipping).

An update, of sorts - The item in question arrived in the USA nearly a
WEEK AGO, but - as usual - it was UPS that managed to screw things up.
They got the address wrong, then brilliantly sent a postcard TO THAT
WRONG ADDRESS asking for more information, so they could try again to
make the delivery. I only found out about it because I e-mailed the
seller, who supplied me with a tracking number (they should have sent
that to me automatically, as soon as the order was shipped, but I
digress).

I called UPS and they were very gracious about re-routing the shipment
to my office address, and then promptly got THAT wrong as well.
Depending on which person's story I care to believe, they either a) got
the address wrong, b) put the package on the wrong truck, c) shipped
the package to the wrong shipping center, or d) the driver just
couldn't find a building that has a GIANT BANNER ON THE FRONT,
emblazoned with the NAME THAT'S BEEN WRITTEN ON THE SHIPPING LABLE.

After several go-rounds with several nice, friendly, and generally
brain-dead customer service reps, who were having a really really hard
time grasping that I was going to be out of town for the five business
days they'd hold the package at their central shipping facility, and
that mailing it back to the sender would entail shipping it back to
INDIA, I eventually convinced one of them to make the attempt to
re-deliver the package.

Got a call form the front desk at my office, while I was sitting on the
tarmac waiting to take off this morning. The knock-off blimp from
India made it to my office and will be waiting for me whan I get back
on the 3rd.

I'll file a report shortly thereafter, if anyone's still interested.

I have no idea how UPS remains in business, as this experience seems
about normal for them.

--
Life Continues, Despite
Evidence to the Contrary

Steven

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