Shipping and Communication
 

Like others, based on what I read here, I decided to try uxcell for mp4 players for my wife and I.

I ordered both of them on January 9. January 11 I get the notice that one of them has been shipped. As of 5 minutes ago, the registered number shows that it left Hong Kong on January 12, but not registered with CanadaPost.

On January 17, after receiving NO communication regarding my second order and it simply saying "shipment processing", I emailed uxcell wondering about the 2nd order and how long shipping generally takes. This is the thread:

My original email:

Please let me know how much longer until you ship the Full Metal Platinum - MP4 Player 1.5 inch LCD 1GB - Red (inspired by iPod Nano 2G) x 1.

Your email message from a week ago said it would be shipped "shortly". I do not term 1 week as "shortly".

In addition, how long (in general) when an item leaves Hong Kong does it show up on the Canada Post tracker. I checked earlier today, and the number given by the postal service in Hong Kong is still not showing up. The tracking number issued by Hongkong Post Tracking service is **********

Their response (almost 24 hours later):

Dear customer,

We are sorry that the item has not been shipped because the stock
temporary ran out. Is it possible that we send (an alternative item / color /

similar item) as a replacement to you?
Sorry for the delay and keep you waiting.
Please accept our sincere apology.

Regards
Uxcell customer service

My response:

Do you have any Model Number mv0red1024mp048 in stock? (Full Metal Platinum 1.8 LCD 1GB - Red).

The current listed price is $42.99 and due to no communication (until I initiated it) that the original order was out of stock, I believe that the price difference can be made up on Uxcell's end.

Also, my other concern is that for the 1st item that got shipped, the tracking notice says it left Hong Kong on January 12. I have put in order ********* into the Canada Post system, but there is still nothing showing up after a week. Is this one of those times where the item gets stuck at Customs? If so, you may want to look into these types of problems, as I have ordered a product from Hong Kong before and it got here in less time then what has elapsed so far.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Their response:

Dear customer,

According to the stock level, your item will be back to stock soon, please
kindly wait and advise.

Regards
Uxcell

The next day, I rec'd shipping notice for the 2nd (original) item.

As you can see, twice I asked about shipping and twice no response. Also, it took action by me before I was advised that there was none in stock. This is poor customer service on two fronts. I pray that one of them isn't defective, as it will be spring before a replacement would arrive at this rate.

In my observation so far, the prices are definitely reasonable, but the lack of customer service and the extremely slow shipping has me thinking I won't be going this route again.

Just a heads up to anybody that is looking to order (from Canada anyways) and expecting to receive their purchase in a timely manner.

Re: Shipping and Communication
 

My God, what did you do to get that kind of service?? Are you like, Royalty or something? I've never seen such exemplary, personal service from a Chinese seller before. And responses that are both polite and in perfect English? Unheard of! You must have a gift or something. Because you've managed to elicit the best service anyone has ever seen from Chinese sellers. Consider yourself blessed. And don't worry about your MP4 players. Until at least one month and a week has passed.... (5 weeks to Canada is "Chinese FedEx", so if you receive it by then, that proves you are blessed).

Note that when you put the tracking order in from Canada's system, all it tells you is whether the package has left and whether it has arrived. Two things you already know. Its probably no different with Hong Kong Postal System. The tracking no. won't tell you if Customs is delaying your order, because Harry the customs inspector has taken a shine to your mp4 player and is busy showing it to all the workers there.

BTW, about your heads up: I'm in Canada, I've ordered several players from UXcell (you can see one of them in my Avatar, whch says "GLACIER by UXCell"), I've gotten them in what -I- consider a timely manner, at no point did I worry about not getting them, and on the whole, I'm pleased as punch with the purchases. (My main concern was hacked players, and none of mine are, thus far). My heads up is: If you want a sure thing and not something you have to wait on, you're better off buying an mp4 player in your local city and leave it at that!

Re: Shipping and Communication
 

I was posting the above to hopefully provide insight for future customers so that they are not caught off guard.

I have ordered other items from Hong Kong and they were shipped UPS. Granted, there was a bit more cost involved, but it was easier to track and more timely in receiving.

If anything, Uxcell should offer the choice of shipping. $5 or $10 shipping? Hey, that's great!! Except you have to wait over a month. $20 and I get it in two weeks (or less) and I can track the shipment properly? That's even better.

As it will stand, the above was my opinion and your reply was your opinion. We obviously have different expectations for customer service.

Being from Saskatchewan, all I wanted was to be listening to my spanky new Mp4 player while watching my dog run away for 7 days. :lol:

Re: Shipping and Communication
 

I would never let UPS come anywhere near my house if you paid me. I would rather they strap my damn MP4 to a pack mule, than to give it to a UPS driver. These people make a sport of your packages. I think they call it "packball". The goal is to see how many packages you can kick into the truck. Then after they go all Hannibal Lecter on your package, you get slapped with a MASSIVE pack of import fees for using UPS.

I don't think most people are expecting miracles when they order something directly from Hong Kong. At least they shouldn't be. I ordered several players from UXcell, I am in Canada, they came in under two weeks. From my very first order, I was expecting to wait a month before I even thought about inquiring about the order.

You're right, I don't see a problem with them offering fast ship for those who want to pay in full for it. BUt I have to say, after seeing the kind of ripoff prices that eBay sellers are charging to ship items even smaller than the Glacier, I rather like UXcells shipping scheme (how about $35 US to Canada for USPS shipping of a 2" mp3 player located in the US? how about $5 to ship the same player from another seller? its a MADHOUSE I tell ya!). The amazingly low shipping is why I would order from UXcell.

Get one for your dog! At these prices, how can you not? He'll be your best friend.

Better get a solar charger collar too or it'll be back before dark for a charge.

Ordered from uxcell the 20th, item sent 23th, received 27th. First 2 orders took 1 day less.
If you send a PM to moderator Uxcell you have a fat chance of a faster answer and action.