Just a repost of Spec Fictions Shipping Woes from general:
Hey everyone,
Thank you so much for your ongoing support of Spec Fiction. As you may know, this year has proven quite difficult in regards to shipping and I just wanted to thank you for your patience and understanding. So, I wanted to take the time to sort of explain the situation so you can better understand how horrible this situation is. If you don’t want to read my rant and all the reasons for the delays then skip to the bottom where I summarize where your statues are!
Starting in April 2021, we had over 4 containers worth of goods in china ready for shipment, but there was a huge problem: there were no containers to ship them in. This was the beginning of what is essentially a global breakdown of sea transportation services. This in turn affects all other facets of shipping and receiving as well, which has led to extremely long wait times and a massive rise in transportation costs in general.
Starting in April, we waited each month to try and get a booking to bring over the goods in China and we literally couldn’t get one until July 2021. Meanwhile, things in china were getting released, so our 4 containers worth of goods was growing every month. By July we were around 6 containers full. To put that into perspective, a container can hold anywhere from 300 - 600 packages depending on size. So, finally, in July, we got a booking for 3 containers, and then in August, we were able to book the rest. Yay finally got them in transit! Our problems are over now, right? Wrong!
There is also a massive backlog of container ships at the Long Beach port in California. Once the goods arrive at said port, we have to do even more waiting! Woo! So, once they actually get unloaded we still aren’t technically out of the woods. The next step is customs clearance. Generally, the goods clear somewhat quickly but if there are any issues then the nightmare gets even worse. However, for the sake of time, I will spare you the customs nonsense for another email. OK, so customs clearance goes smooth. The container is now ready to be picked up! Yes! Home free! NO. Guess what, there is also a shortage of trucks and truckers to transport the goods from port to our warehouse because demand is so crazy high!
LONG STORY SHORT. We got 6 containers in a 2 week time period. Around 1800 Boxes. The warehouse is unloading and putting your statues away as fast as they can but needless to say they are SWAMPED. The good news is, your statues will be shipping soon! The bad news is that it's gonna require a bit more patience and waiting. We are almost there though, and again, I really do appreciate your understanding in regards to this crazy matter. Many of you have reached out and offered some very nice words, so thanks very much for that. As always, if you have any more questions, please feel free to reply directly to this email. Thanks!
newsletter@specfictionshop.com
-Todd
