Choose another Courier - DO NOT USE FEDEX

I am writing in review based on the service I received from Fedex regarding my last delivery. Without getting into too much detail, the only issue I want to highlight is the lack of transparency regarding my shipment from China.

Fedex (or SARS) took it on their own to declare a FOB value of R2,884 which was unsubstantiated and more than the true value of the order. I have no issues paying customs, but the declared value MUST be accurate and when the customer asks for further information or basis of calculation, this needs to be provided in a timely manner to ensure transparency in the customs process.

30 Oct - I received customs invoice for FOB value of R2,884 from Fedex and request for payment. On the same day I requested additional information and was informed that my request was sent through to the Imports Team for feedback

3 Nov - I followed up again and Customer Service Rep sent another email to the Imports Team

8 Nov - received an email from Vanessa stating "Your shipment was cleared using the commercial invoice that was supp**** by your shipper. Therefore this was cleared correctly according to the documents received by your shipper. Customs won’t accept a second entry and you will have to take this up with your shipper."

I am not sure what invoice she was referring to as I provided copy of the invoice and proof of payment and it was NOT R2,884. The invoice included in the package was also NOT R2,884

8 Nov - Asked for feedback on the invoice she was referring to. No response from Fedex

9 Nov - Asked for feedback on the invoice she was referring to. No response from Fedex

10 Nov - I had no choice but to pay the customs charge (which was more than the value of the goods) to get the package released.

What I have learnt: - Fedex is the most expensive service service provider as they charged R290 for disbur*****t and processing fees vs Aramex who charged R50 for the same order delivered by them - It is in Fedex and SARS best interest to charge you the maximum for customs and threaten to return goods to the customs warehouse or the shipper. So you are bul**** into paying the invoiced amount - I have subsequently informed the supplier in China NOT to use Fedex going forward for all orders coming to South Africa - I will not be using FEDEX on any overseas order to due their lack of transparency, high costs and bad customer service!