Some great advice featured in the trade press for antique dealers. Another reason to do your research when choosing a courier.
ANTIQUES dealers are being warned against using unfamiliar courier companies that they find through web directories.
ATG have learned of the problems encountered when dealers send items overseas through companies who use the addresses of other couriers in order to gain a free listing on the online directories.
Islington-based costumes and textiles dealer Meg Andrews came across one such company when trying to send a package to the USA containing a valuable pair of cotton trousers from c.1815.
The company in question, The Courier Company, who also trade as International Express Couriers, appeared from their online listing to be based in North London.
They collected the package on October 11 and took a cheque for £38 for three-day express delivery, plus insurance of £40, which was cashed shortly afterwards.
When the parcel failed to arrive over a week later, Meg Andrews made an enquiry and was told by John Porter of The Courier Company that it was being held in US customs and the consignee office had been informed. When she checked, however, this did not appear to be the case.
Over the next five weeks, Meg Andrews made further attempts to contact the company but was repeatedly unsuccessful. At the time of going to press, the trousers had still not arrived at their intended destination.
Antiques Trade Gazette – Beware of unknown courier companies says dealer.
Sarah
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