My Mail-Order Nightmare

...or, "Why I Hate the Deutsche Post."

So, three weeks ago, after seeing Alexander von Schlippenbach for the second time live, I get a bug up my butt and decide to place an order from Cadence for a shitload of CDs. Because, as great as the live music scene in Berlin is, the music stores range from average to sucky in terms of Jazz selection.

Besides, I haven't bought anything new in a while, and I figure a system of only buying CDs two times a year, but buying a big load, and based upon the recommendations here, might be a good system for me.

So like I said, three weeks ago, I mailed in a check to Cadence. And waited. And waited. And waited.

Now, estimated delivery time for a first-class letter from Berlin to the U.S. is supposed to be 4-7 days, and Cadence, being the best mail order firm I have ever dealt with, usually ships within 24 hours of receipt of payment.

So I e-mail Cadence, asking about the status of my order.

Cadence tells me, to my shock, that they never got my letter.

So now I'm panicking, figuring some asshole has stolen the check from the mail, or god knows what. I tell Cadence to let me know if they get the order, and if I don't hear from them in a couple of days, I'll stop payment on the check and send another one through a more reliable method.

Finally, yesterday, I stop payment on the check.

This morning, I get a letter from some shipping firm, notifying me of a two-pound package coming my way from Cadence.

My heart sinks. Now I have to call up Cadence, tell them not to cash the check I sent them, because it's not redeemable, and then assure them I will send them a replacement check soon. Meanwhile, I'm already charged 12 dollars by my bank for stopping payment on the first one.

I just hope the good folks at Cadence don't tear me a new asshole.

Moral of the story: neo-liberalized, privatized mail systems like the Deutsche Post (privatized in 2001) suck ass, and everyone has been telling me as much since I got here.

Dr. Dave, if I have to hear one more religious bromide from you about the mystical wonders of the free market, I'm gonna go Amok on your Economist-reading butt.

ARRRRRGGGGHHHHHH!!!!


Further update: looking again at the shipping notice I got this morning, it looks like Cadence shipped the package to the WRONG ADDRESS

Clarification: There are no apartment numbers in Germany; mail is delivered by street address and resident's name. Hence, all mail to me must be written in the form "Alex, c/o Resident's Name" otherwise I never receive it.

Although I specified this quite clearly on the form I sent in to Cadence, they neglected to do this (not to mention, they spelled my name wrong).

So in addition to the check that I stopped payment for, we have the issue of the package with a false address.

This is taking on Kafka-esque proportions.

[Gary Sisco]

'S what credit cards are for, Alex.

[Brian Olewnick]

Alex, you underestimate the subtleties that privatized systems are privy too. For example, all mail systems have a database of arch-leftists, compiled over the last 30-40 years. Further, they know all about these people's individual manias and obsessions. So when, say, one Alex suddenly orders a ton of his fetish, a red flag goes up, a slimy capitalist bureaucrat licks his bloodsoaked chops and chaos ensues.

I thought everyone knew this.

[Tom Storer]

The worst thing will be if you eventually get the records and hate them.

[Dennis Gonzalez]

Originally posted by Alex
...or, "Why I Hate the Deutsche Post."

Sounds like Deutsche Post had nothing to do with this fiasco.

Sounds like Cadence needs to refund your $12 charge.

Sounds like you need a credit card.

You might consider renting a Post Box.

I am sorry you are having to learn about the real world at this time, but we all have to at some point. When you called up Cadence, did you take down the person's (persons') name(s) that you talked to? Did you note the exact time? This should be on your word processor, documented step-by-step. And sent by Registered mail to Cadence and your bank. Cadence should make good by 1) refunding your service charge on the check or 2) sending you a CD of your choice.

[james harrigan]

this thread is hilarious.

obviously the problem is that neo-liberalized, privatized mail order systems like Cadence suck ass.

[Arranger-Transcriber]

Viva la PayPal!

[shrugs]

I have sent packages to Germany too many times to remember and have never had a problem.

[Martin]

Everything Cadence carries can be ordered from specialist stores directly in Germany. I only order from the U.S. if I absolutely can't get the items from German stores within a reasonable space of time.

[Martin]

unintentional double post

Martin,

What specialty stores do you use? I went with Cadence because I used to order from them all the time, and I've never been disappointed by them (current fiasco notwithstanding).

[Martin]

Alex,

in the first place, it's Open Door in Freudenstadt. If you need any additional info as to prices, delivery times, general service, label catalogue etc. ask me - I may answer by sending you a private message in German.