Alright users, so by now I believe you have packed your goods and the ship has most likely sailed from the US or probably is as the port awaiting its clearance. Anyways, I just wanna summarize some Customs related issues, assuming that your goods have now arrived at the port.
In my case, I had selected Chennai (big mistake), cause I was Delhi based. I’ll tell you why later in another write-up.
The Indian Customs is a NIGHTMARE to deal with. So please be ready in all respects. Make sure all your documents are in place. Make sure you have that extra couple thousand that they your agent will squeeze out of you. You will most likely deal with an Indian Agent locally appointed by your US agent. They will contact you and discuss details of your shipment. Please for god sake DO NOT fall into the trap of these sweet-talkers. Demand service and make sure you make it time bound. Also, if you have ‘CONNECTIONS’, term commonly used in India, then exercise them. Use all contacts to put pressue on the agent and the Indian Customs to get your file moving immediately. The more you delay, the greater your loss!! Unfortunately, there are still a ‘very few’ honest folks out there. Most of these guys are hell bent on extorting cash out of you! If you are working with these companies, BAD LUCK FOR YOU, see below:
The poorly managed Vendor which I hired in the US (I will be publishing my communication records with these guys as well):
Lisa Setton
Trans Global Moving
1-800-840-0716 x 18
1-954-797-6371
www.transglobalmoving.com
This was the forwarding agent, the one I had to deal with in India. A dishonest sweet talker.
Romii Oberoi
Email: roberoi@falconforwarders.com
Phone: 09811019264, 09312506092
Please make sure your goods are out of the Customs at its earliest. Press your agent to get the job done. They will probably end up asking for money claiming all sorts of charges and working in your favor and if you disagree and ‘try’ and follow ethical practices, be ready to get screwed. HALF my shipment was stolen at Chennai itself, just cause I tried to follow the ethical system. No one will talk to you and everyone will basically give you a run-around.
If you can, be there when your shipment arrives and have the inventory done in your presence.
Do’s and don’ts Summary:
- CONTACTS. Know people. I mean KEY people in the Government who have power. It’s all about who is talking to these guys. Put pressure on the agent and BE THERE to get the job done. Do not DEPEND on these guys to do your job. Forget that you paid for their services, consider that a part donation.
- Have some extra ‘cash’ in your budget. Trust me, you’ll end up ‘donating’.
- All your documents completed. I’ll try and outline that in a separate topic.
(Anyone has any comments or wants to add more, please do so!)