Expect delays and rejections due to more stringent security measures in Hong Kong, Singapore

[minimalsaint]

Imagine how miffed you would be if you ordered something non e-cig related from FT in the last month. Vapers have singlehandedly forced HK Post to rethink their whole game.
In related news, the upgraded speed post "expedited" shipping I paid for is basically doing me zero good, since my package has yet to even enter the tracking system 3 days after shipping. Lesson learned. If I ever order again, free shipping it is.

 

[szot]

Guess U didn't read the very first post in this thread....

HK Post: Delay In Outbound Air Mail Services (10 September 2013)
10 September 2013
Delay In Outbound Air Mail Services

To safeguard aviation security, Hongkong Post does not accept the sending of air mail items (including Speedpost) that contain dangerous articles such as perfumery products, lighters and lithium batteries. Hence, all mail items entering the Air Mail Centre are subject to x-ray screening. Recently, there is an increasing number of air mail items detected to contain suspected dangerous articles, in particular, lithium batteries, which lengthens the screening process. In this connection, air mail registration service, iMail service and Bulk Air Mail service may be subject to delay. Any inconvenience caused is much regretted.

 

[minimalsaint]

Yes, but typically expedited packages are kept separate from general air mail due to their "time sensitive" nature.
It was less of a gripe and more of a warning for anyone considering skirting the long delay by upgrading shipping.

 

[blondeambition3]

This is what Geek, moderator, has posted as a sticky over on the FT forums.

It may explain why our packages are being held up in Hong Kong and will be held up in Singapore, too. This is not FT's fault. It is postal service-wide.



Apparently it is a regulation from 2009 being enforced now.




The words "primarily" and "only" are important, in connection with what's in your packages. If you have 12 items in your order and only one is a battery or a bottle of eliquid, your package is NOT primarily batteries or liquid, but may be returned to FT anyway. I suspect that someone ordering ONLY liquid or ONLY batteries would most likely have his package sent back to FT.

It is not known yet how long the crackdown and enforcement of the 2009 security regs will last. What is certain is that there are going to be a lot of delays, and that these delays are not FT's fault. Everyone shipping via airmail is affected.

Keep this is in mind and pass on the information.

Thanks for the heads up

 

[KatyTheCleaningLady]

I was careful to order only clearos and coil heads.

 

[szot]

U can order batts and liquids, just expect there may be delays if using HK Post, or customs MAY reject them no matter what shipping ya use...paying extra for shipping from FastTech doesn't influence customs 1 bit, at any country...

I have had no problems receiving ego or 18650 batteries with HK Post this past month , and I see many have received batts and eliquids through Singapore Post shipping (who I highly recommend now)

 

[flowerpots]

How long does it take for FT to ship via Singapore for the tracking to show up? My last order shipped on the 27th and it's still not showing as received on SP.

 

[obodaour]

Still no movement on my FT order so I broke down and bought some stuff on ebay from reputable dealers all located in the US that offered all new authentic items. I got the following...

iTaste SVD VV Express Kit Telescopic Tube From Innokin Ships Same Day
Paid on Oct-01-13 $49.95 Free 1 $49.95
Estimated delivery: Sat. Oct. 5

NITECORE Intellicharger i2 Li-ion/Ni-MH/Ni-Cd Universal Battery Charger 2 slot
Paid on Oct-01-13 $17.00 Free 1 $17.00
Standard Shipping
Estimated delivery: Mon. Oct. 7

Efest IMR 18650 3.7V 2250mah Rechargeable Battery Flat Top , SVD , Itaste
Paid on Oct-01-13 $9.99 Free 1 $9.99
USPS First Class Package
Estimated delivery: Sat. Oct. 5

KANGER PROTANK 2 - NEW! JUST RELEASED! KANGERTECH ATOMIZER PROTANK II
Paid on Oct-01-13 $14.99 $0.99 1 $14.99
USPS First Class Package
Estimated delivery: Fri. Oct. 4 - Tue. Oct. 8

Subtotal $91.93
Shipping and handling $0.99
Total $92.92

Just couldn't wait anymore, and it only cost $13 more than FT would have, and when/if my FT order does arrive then my partner and I will both have APV's/backups. Here I go waiting again but this time hopefully less than a week for everything lol!

 

[szot]

How long does it take for FT to ship via Singapore for the tracking to show up? My last order shipped on the 27th and it's still not showing as received on SP.

Flowers read this... http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ost-1-charge-now-waived-us-all-customers.html

Once FT emails you and says says its shipped, then that means Singapore Post (SG Post) has received it, even though SG Post doesn't acknowledge it.....they state usually 10-14 days "in transit", but I hear more like 3 weeks from date of order to mailbox delivery at your door.. I placed an order on 26 Sept via SG Post, was shipped by FT to SG Post on 28 Sept (received an email from FT) but it showed "not found" in all tracking sites BUT on 29 Sept it appeared in the tracking system, and now "in transit" (in transport) and I follow the tracking using 17track.net ...but remember SG Post isn't the best tracking system and detailed like USPS..but at least U will know its being moved and when it reaches your country....and its avoiding any backlog and issues at HK customs and HK Post...

 

[flowerpots]

Flowers read this... http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ost-1-charge-now-waived-us-all-customers.html

Once FT emails you and says says its shipped, then that means Singapore Post (SG Post) has received it, even though SG Post doesn't acknowledge it.....they state usually 10-14 days "in transit", but I hear more like 3 weeks from date of order to mailbox delivery at your door.. I placed an order on 26 Sept via SG Post, was shipped by FT to SG Post on 28 Sept (received an email from FT) but it showed "not found" in all tracking sites BUT on 29 Sept it appeared in the tracking system, and now "in transit" (in transport) and I follow the tracking using 17track.net ...but remember SG Post isn't the best tracking system and detailed like USPS..but at least U will know its being moved and when it reaches your country....and its avoiding any backlog and issues at HK customs and HK Post...

Thanks for the information. I did not realize SP was not going to show up in USPS tracking. I'll read the link.

 

[Ref Minor]

Thanks for the information. I did not realize SP was not going to show up in USPS tracking. I'll read the link.

SG Post tracking is fairly unreliable, I use an iOS app to track and it won't show any updates, but it gives me a link to the SG post website that shows some updates, my current order went from information received straight to dispatched to overseas.

 

[KatyTheCleaningLady]

So... if I order this here Innokin iTaste MVP, it will arrive in 3-6 weeks?

$45.16 INNOKIN iTaste MVP 5-in-1 Voltage Adjustable Rechargeable 2600mAh Mechanical LCD Electronic Cigarettes Set - blue / with iClear 16 atomizers at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping

Or should I not risk it?

 

[Ref Minor]

So... if I order this here Innokin iTaste MVP, it will arrive in 3-6 weeks?

$45.16 INNOKIN iTaste MVP 5-in-1 Voltage Adjustable Rechargeable 2600mAh Mechanical LCD Electronic Cigarettes Set - blue / with iClear 16 atomizers at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping

Or should I not risk it?

I would say 10 days to 3 weeks would be a better current estimate. However this week is a national holiday which might slow things down by a few days.

It's up to you to decide if you are happy balancing the cost saving (£15-£20) against the shipping times. Nothing is guaranteed with imports, there is a small chance it will take the 6 weeks you mentioned and you should be aware of that.

Other than that, I have had about 20 orders into the UK from FT and have been happy with the savings. Check out the prices of their Liqua, Dekang and Hangsen liquids, they are about £3-£4 for 30mls.

 

[flowerpots]

So... if I order this here Innokin iTaste MVP, it will arrive in 3-6 weeks?

$45.16 INNOKIN iTaste MVP 5-in-1 Voltage Adjustable Rechargeable 2600mAh Mechanical LCD Electronic Cigarettes Set - blue / with iClear 16 atomizers at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping

Or should I not risk it?

It's a risk, like ref minor said, but I keep reading FT stuff and the threads here and those seem to be doing okay for the most part, it's the lithium batteries and some liquids that are getting held up. I have 2 packages in limbo right now, 1 shipping out of HK and 1 out of SP. Both contain batteries, 1 contains the iTaste. I'm already looking at 4 weeks with one pkg. Just know your risks.

 

[Jonathan Tittle]

SG Post tracking is fairly unreliable, I use an iOS app to track and it won't show any updates, but it gives me a link to the SG post website that shows some updates, my current order went from information received straight to dispatched to overseas.

SG Post is horribly unreliable . I ordered 2 18650 batteries from DX.com (Deal Extreme) and the only update they gave was that it was handed over to the US. About a month later (yesterday), the batteries come packed nicely in a little dual-battery clear case via registered mail. They had to make sure I signed for it since it was coming from out of the country.

Slapped them in my SVD and they work perfectly. It was $9.49 for 2 18650's (TrustFire), so not a terrible deal. They run $14 a piece here locally for the (I think) Samsung green 18650's.

 

[szot]

I really don't care about any tracking updates, who cares!...real simple...as long as I get the order within 3-4 weeks I'm happy...I know that ahead of time before I order..I do my homework!....who cares about tracking updates, the bottom line is at your mailbox!...I've had 2 orders in the past month..1 was 18 days..the other was 16 days...

so do whatever ya want, but just know China is far far away and not next door in Mayberry..and even USPS takes 5 days from Cali to the East coast...if ya want to save money, ya buy from FT BUT don't complain about it taking too long for shipping..if money is not an issue then buy from your local vape shop..if shipping time is an issue buy from a USA site..its real simple..not rocket science..

and FT have warranties and a USA Miami Fl address for returns , if any problems..

I just love these ppl who complain about shipping and then complain about they waited a long time and then only saved $5,,,......then why did ya order from them to begin with?,,,some ppls children....its either fast shipping and 4x the Chinese cost, and buying in USA or your own country...or ya expect a possible long wait, but maybe only 2 weeks also, and pay only 25% of USA prices, by cutting out the middle man and buying direct from China where all this stuff comes from....simple decision.....but ya don't always have your cake and eat it too....so decide whats important for you, the cost or the faster shipping time..

 

[minimalsaint]

Some people's kids, indeed.

 

[obodaour]

No movement on my FT order but I received everything from Ebay today woot!!! Just waiting on my 18650 battery to charge so I can fire up this Itaste SVD for a test drive.... oooh the anticipation!!!

 

[obodaour]

Battery all charged, loaded, and WOW I'm in love with my Itaste SVD it's rocking my socks off with a Kanger Protank II and TV Atomic Cinnacide and 3.9V!!! YAY, now if my FT order would just leave HK I'd be all set!!!

 

[JRudey]

Here's another example of a package getting to it's destination without a scan being reported along the way:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...9-fasttech-thread-all-fasttech-posts-901.html

Obviously, the package wasn't teleported from Hong Kong to Grand Forks. USPS seems to be able to efficiently move FastTech shipments without having scanning information uploaded to the USPS Tracking website. I've seen these examples too often for them to be an anomaly.