DHL - rude, lazy and unwilling to assist.

I recently purchased some high end protective sporting goods equipment from a manufacturer in the United Kingdom, and was please to see they used a "premium" service provider for their express shipping - DHL. Except I was sorely mistaken!

I have for five days tried non stop using email and phone to contact DHL office in South Africa regarding the customs clearing and V.A.T and duty payment required to release my cargo. Every phone call has resulted in literally hours of being kept on hold, and every email has required at least three "Please respond" prompts before one of the useless, rude and arrogant staff members have eventually responded.

Following five frustrating days I am no closer to receiving my package, and the commercial invoice supp**** last week has not been actioned for customs clearance / entry and as such my cargo has not been released from customs. The latest excuse from DHL is that they are unable to process my payment through their online portal and that I must go the bank the to do the EFT payment ,because we cannot change the information on the Portal".

This is simply shocking! I will certainly NEVER be using DHL again, whether by default or by choice.