Taxidermy Progress Reports

[BRICKBURN]

Being eight hours or so behind in time zones makes business interesting. Everyone gets to wake up to new emails.

Todays explanation, after the initial stiff reaction of "you are free to get other quotes" and "I am aware of the regulations..", etc., was two apologies from one owner and an apology and correction of the error from another.



They explained they were not in the business of "trapping" clients.
Upon reflection and review of the situation that is exactly how it feels. You are baited then trapped, with little influence to influence the outcome.

I did not audit the quote provided three weeks ago. Their typo error was pointed out to me and I confirmed it. The line items in the quote did not add up to the total. Only an $800 difference.

The third apology and acceptance of responsibility.
"I agree 100% with you this has not been handled very well at all and considering your previous shipping experience I can understand your caution. Please do accept my sincerest apologies. Small mistakes can cause a lot of damage as proven."

As to the regulation, who knows. We will make that a moot point by shipping an alternate route.

New "quotes" provided, taxidermist informed, request for copies of insurance documents (proof that it actually exists) and now awaiting a competitors "quote" for comparison or switching purposes.

 

[enysse]

Pictures are worth thousands of dollars.....and a lot less headaches. Reading all your problems, reminds me why I should mount less. This whole shipping and taxidermy business, just isn't run efficient. There are just too many things that can go wrong.

 

[BRICKBURN]

I keep posting to this thread so people can learn and try and get educated and avoid any issues themselves.

Like I said, sometimes I wonder about packing those Euro mounts in my luggage.

 

[saeng101]

I do it 5 times a year, never an issue.

I keep posting to this thread so people can learn and try and get educated and avoid any issues themselves.

Like I said, sometimes I wonder about packing those Euro mounts in my luggage.

 

[BRICKBURN]

You've learned the lessons.

 

[Baydog]

Lesson: Next time take Euro mounts home in my luggage.

Is this possible? If so, I'd consider doing it as well. Has anyone brought euro mounts home in their luggage?

 

[Diamondhitch]

Is this possible? If so, I'd consider doing it as well. Has anyone brought euro mounts home in their luggage?

I cant see it, not with all the red tape on both sides that must be ironed out before they will be allowed into the country. My luggage isnt big enough for an eland skull anyway!

 

[RickB]

I cant see it, not with all the red tape on both sides that must be ironed out before they will be allowed into the country. My luggage isnt big enough for an eland skull anyway!

Heck leave your clothes in Africa!!

 

[Diamondhitch]

Heck leave your clothes in Africa!!

Or wear them all at once on the way home!

 

[AfricaHunting.com]

Is this possible? If so, I'd consider doing it as well. Has anyone brought euro mounts home in their luggage?

Back in the 80's and 90's, it was not a uncommon scene than to see European hunters at Windhoek International returning home with their bundle up, dried up and dismantled trophies...

 

[BRICKBURN]

That would be hilarious.
I can imagine if you stayed long enough you could get your work done and get the permits and pack it along with you.
I agree, it might be interesting to pack an Eland skull and horns along. A few extra bags and away you go.
Wonder about cost savings on this one.

 

[RickB]

I could just imagine the baggage fees for a full bag safari!

 

[sestoppelman]

I could just imagine the baggage fees for a full bag safari!

Now thats funny!!!

 

[saeng101]

The permits are a snap and never have issues with Customs. As an aside have brought several eland home in my suitcase Was a little bit of a size issue when I brought a shoulder mount kudu back as luggage, in a box.

Bruin had 5 capes and skulls came home in a suitcase in Feb.

I cant see it, not with all the red tape on both sides that must be ironed out before they will be allowed into the country. My luggage isnt big enough for an eland skull anyway!

 

[BRICKBURN]

Yesterday I asked another shipper to provide a quote. You know, to keep it honest given the number issues.

I awoke today to see a copied email that the new company, that I requested a quote from, has paid money into the original companies account and scheduled pick up without even providing me a shipping quote or made an agreement with me.

Now that is insane, over confident or cut throat. I am not sure which.

I put a stop to all that.

Tomorrow the crate will be weighed and information provided for the quote. (staff are out of town crating trophies so they can not weigh it until tomorrow.)

Diamond, you may be on our trip long before these trophies get here.

 

[BRICKBURN]

The permits are a snap and never have issues with Customs. As an aside have brought several eland home in my suitcase Was a little bit of a size issue when I brought a shoulder mount kudu back as luggage, in a box.

Bruin had 5 capes and skulls came home in a suitcase in Feb.

Of course you have done this. Sure enough, if you stay long enough or go often enough you can carry your stuff home yourself.

 

[enysse]

I think all the paperwork stuff is very straight forward. Whether it's permits or shipping something from A to B. .Ah, you have a huge human element that seems to the problem. One person gets the bright idea to save a little money and then everything else gets screwed up. Been through it a few times. If everyone had a contract, that the taxidermy had to be done at this price, at this date...with this kind of quality expected and it had to be shipped by this date to your house or there was 25 Percent discount....refunded from agency that was holding all the money for the taxidermy, shipping, etc. And if the original contract couldn't be met, there would be a 10 percent discount every further month it was late. Boy, would business practices change. Alas, the human element would probably want you to buy insurance to cover all the mistakes on the human side of things.

Some shipments go perfect and the next one you are scratching your head.

 

[BRICKBURN]

I started to ask some more questions and apparently the behaviour illustrated in this instance is common in the shipping business and can be explained with one word: CUT THROAT!

Make sure all your dots and crosses are in place for sure.

 

[RickB]

Yeah....I just got an email this morning on my trophies. They got all the permits! ....but the there was only one permit for our impala. We have two impala! So now he has to get one for my dads impala. This process is fun! I think my next trip I am only taking pics of my trophies!

 

[BRICKBURN]

Yeah....I just got an email this morning on my trophies. They got all the permits! ....but the there was only one permit for our impala. We have two impala! So now he has to get one for my dads impala. This process is fun! I think my next trip I am only taking pics of my trophies!

That will sure put a twist on "Trophy" hunting.