COURIERS & DELIVERIES

Two weeks ago I bought an RMI (MGC) P08 Luger on our local NZ web auction site Trademe.
I'd bought a modelgun off the Trader before, and he seemed honest and reliable and a prompt communicator.
After a week waiting without seeing the package arrive, I emailed him to query what was happening. Three days later when no response was had, I was starting to become concerned - and not just about the modelgun: had his comptuer crashed? Had he had an unfortunate accident? The unusual lack of response was was verified by Trademe staff, who checked and said he hadn't logged onto the site for over 10 days; and that his site reputation was 100% reliable. They said they'd phone him and ask him to get in touch with me over the non-delivery.

Next day I managed to track down his cell phone number. He replied to my txt, saying he was away on a training course elsewhere in New Zealand and was most surprised to learn it hadn't been delivered. He said he would check once he had returned home. Two days later he sent this e-mail which forum members may find interesting:

"Hi- sorry about the delay, this will make you laugh !

Got the parcel away the Friday before left for Christchurch via Courier Post, should have used NZ Couriers but time was short and Courier Post picks up from our office.
Somehow they decided to take a closer look at the contents and got a shock, they thought it contained a real pistol, including a spare mag!!?? LOL !

Well it wasn't all that funny after a while and a little embarrassing since my place of work was involved.
My boss managed to mellow them out and talked them into waiting for my return, guess in the meantime someone with a little knowledge had a look at the P08 and identified it as a Toy.

Anyway I had to front up at the Dunedin office of Courier Post on Monday to explain, strangely enough after all they were prepared to deliver it once it was clear that it was not what they thought.
We stuffed it into a new bag and send it on it's way, hopefully it will arrive at your place tonight.
What a fuss for nothing !

Anyway hope it arrives well and on time finally, sorry again about the delay! W. B."

I checked the web site for the Courier company, and in their Terms & Conditions they insist on being able to open and inspect any package for any reason. They may even be x-raying all packages.

What I've decided to do from now on, is send anyone sending me a modelgun a copy of the Explanation Document elsewhere on this forum, to include inside the packaging. Not that that will guarantee no hassels - but at least it may defuse any anxiety from the ignorance of non-modelgun enthusiasts.

Here's a photo of the RMI P08:

Sadly with the lack of knowledge of these types of replicas and the hysteria in the world about guns these things do happen luckily your courier company seems very understanding

I still use couriers that prohibit the transport of replica guns but as of yet I haven't had any problems

8ace

Your account of the Couriers' actions certainly prove that Courier drivers WILL use their right to inspect parcels they pick up.
The Terms & Conditions of UK based couriers state that parcels to be picked up should either be left open for inspection or that the Courier may use his right to open and inspect any parcel before agreeing to pick it up.
Courier drivers have asked me to tell them what my parcels contain before now but no one has requested I open one for inspection so far. If they did, and found a replica gun they're within their rights to refuse to accept it.

Thankfully your parcel finally got to you