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International Shipping Options

Hi Folks,
I'd like to get couple of new HTC devices but Sellers send them to US Only.
Is there any Shippings Forwarding Services available for individuals? Is it possible to ask Seller to send the item to DHL or UPS Pickup Center and then ask DHL or UPS to forward this item to me?
Or what are the other ways to get items from outside the country?
Cheers

Brokerage Services
Does anyone know any trusted broker that can forward me shipments within adequate brokerage fee?

::bump::

You might try MadMonkeyBoy -- he's very well-regarded over at Howard Forums. He just got a shipment of Wizards, so he seems to be well-connected.

3waygeek said:
You might try MadMonkeyBoy -- he's very well-regarded over at Howard Forums. He just got a shipment of Wizards, so he seems to be well-connected.
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Thanks!

touch pro for $450??? Is this REAL?

http://www.metrocellinc.com/htc-touch-pro.html
was the first listing on google.
Anyone know????

ekerbuddyeker said:
http://www.metrocellinc.com/htc-touch-pro.html
was the first listing on google.
Anyone know????
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Gotta be a crock tbh.
Cheapest ive seen it around and according to our vendors list is £490 (notice pounds).

mrvanx said:
Gotta be a crock tbh.
Cheapest ive seen it around and according to our vendors list is £490 (notice pounds).
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I'm gonna have to agree this seems like a crock. I paid £424.80 without VAT at hantech.co.uk

Umm stay clear is my advice......with a "business email that is a yahoo email address. In the uk i always check for a VAT number, not sure if its the same over there, but there seems to be very little info about them......

What the hell is VAT? I see that on all the Europian sites. What exactly is it.

Vampire2800 said:
What the hell is VAT? I see that on all the Europian sites. What exactly is it.
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Value Added Tax. see the wiki description here.

VAT
Value Added Tax,
It's the equivalent of the State Sales Tax, however for the UK it's a massive 17.5% - OUCH

All sites in the UK show their registered VAT number, which is unique to that business. I purchased cheep software (MS Office) from a site once, didnt have a vat number, and the software turned out to be hacked.

The Real Deal Or Not!
Anybody know about this website, is it the real or not? uhhh! I think I will do some research on this website tomorrow............!

I call BS. If you think it's too good to be true, it probably is.

total BS! think about it.

Kitchicus said:
It's the equivalent of the State Sales Tax, however for the UK it's a massive 17.5% - OUCH
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Duh
In the Netherlands the legal thieves (government) take a humungous 19%
And they were even considering to raise it to 20%, but that had so much economic consequences that they didn't dare to do so.
But on-topic now: It has to be fake.
I bought the Raphael (HTC Touch Pro) for €602.= , est. £400,= or $870,=
That was almost the cheappest price possible in the netherlands.
So $450,= is almost 50% off, can't be legit.

checking It Out Now
ronh said:
Duh
In the Netherlands the legal thieves (government) take a humungous 19%
And they were even considering to raise it to 20%, but that had so much economic consequences that they didn't dare to do so.
But on-topic now: It has to be fake.
I bought the Raphael (HTC Touch Pro) for €602.= , est. £400,= or $870,=
That was almost the cheappest price possible in the netherlands.
So $450,= is almost 50% off, can't be legit.
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I got my peolpe checking it out now!

Metrocellinc?
Well I was suprised too ...and I e-mailed them,so that's what I was told:
***************************************
ME: "I would like to buy Xperia X1, but before that I have a few questions:
First of all I would like to ask why are those cell phones so cheap and are they clones?Are they woking properly and can I use them to Europe?
Second how can you sell Xperia when the world premiere of that phone is in November?
How can I be sure that is secure? And what is the cost of delivery to Williamsburg VA? And how can I return it (if I'm not pleased) and have the full price back?"
Metrocellinc: "Thanks for your Inquiry.
We have the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 available in stock, Brand New, Unlocked, Factory Sealed and comes with a 1 year warranty.
You have been able to find phones at this price due to our Summer closeout sales (offer valid while stock last) We are Authorised sony dealers and we are currently on introductory sales into the market.
You will be getting a 3days return policy and a 1 year warranty. The X1 is compatible with any carrier anywhere in the world as it supports triband and quadband.
Delivery is $40
How many units do you intend to purchase?
We accept payments via Money Gram. Do you know where a Money Gram Agent is located?
Regards,
Jean."
Me: "Can I Pay with Visa?"
Metrocellinc: "At this time we are unable to accept payments via Credit Cards as we are currently facing problems with our credit card processor.
Money Gram is the only payment alternative."
*********************
Althought there's no note about that paying problem in their site!!!
Also...
do they look familiar?
http://www.cellconet.biz/htc-touch-pro.html
http://phonecot.com/index.html
http://weberstores.us/mobile-phones.html
http://market-actionsltd.com/electronics.html
http://www.electronikstore.com/mobile-phone.html
http://pacificproductsltd.com/ -the last one has Registered No.05990322

JOJIA said:
Metrocellinc: "At this time we are unable to accept payments via Credit Cards as we are currently facing problems with our credit card processor.
Money Gram is the only payment alternative."
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FYI wire transfers are bad ...
http://pages.ebay.com/securitycenter/mrkt_safety/instantcashtransfer.html#moneygram
even they tell you it can be bad
http://moneygram.com/MGI/EN/ConsumerProtection/index.htm?CC=US&LC=EN

now down to 484 inc vat at expansys

This is a scam...like jodia I emailed them for validity. Never heard back after I told them COD only!
MetroCellInc:"Hi, Thanks for your Inquiry. We have the Htc Touch Pro available in stock, Brand New, Unlocked, Factory Sealed and comes with a 1 year warranty. This is a worldwide unlocked version. 100% compatible with T-Mobile. How many units do you intend to purchase and where will you be shipping to?
For payments we can only accept Money Gram at this time as we are currently facing technical problems with our Credit Card processor.
Regards, Jean."
Me:"Hi Jean, Unfortunately, our Company is not authorized to use Moneygram. We can only use MC, Paypal, or Cash On Delivery (COD). Since your MC Card processor is broke, you can mail it COD to complete this sale."

...so the last reply is:
*************************
Metrocellinc:
"At this time we can only accept payments via Money Gram. Below are the details needed to send funds via Money Gram:
Receiver's First Name: Emma
Receiver's Last Name: Depoe
Address: 20330 Northeast 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida 33133
Amount: $440
Once payment is sent, you are to send the Reference Number, Sender's Name and Address as it appears on the payment receipt for confirmation.
Regards,
Jean."
**************************
I don't feel secure about this!!!Although the prices are fantastic....
....again too good to be true

Hmmm heavily underpriced, Payment exclusivly MoneyGram? Definite Scam. This kind of thing is often all over ebay. Has anyone actually gone through with a transaction with this crowd and got anything?
If yer looking for a cheap Raphael take a look at the Raphael Vendor Wiki
I keep that up to date weekly and at this time the top 3 cheapest sellers are Tiga Dua Cellular in Indonesia for €497.43 , 2Call from Netherlands for €576.00 and DigiTec of Switzerland for €585.60.
The most expensive I've seen is €739.00 in Portugal by Fnac.
Anyways Head to the Vendor Wiki at http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HTC_Raphael_Vendors
If you know any other retailers add them to the wiki

From http://www.fraudwatchers.org/forums/showthread.php?t=17890:
I was scammed by an electronics seller which offers iphone 3G, Nokia, and all phones of the moment. (they say they are located in the US but i´m not sure of this!)
DONT BUY ANYTHING FROM HIM !! THIS IS A BIG SCAM !!
the link :http://my-diversitydepotinc.com/
but also
http://www.cellphoneltd3g.com
and for sure other ones powered by e-yahoo which allows anyone to create a store on the internet. They also have a cart system...
Big scammer !!!
And of course, the money was send via Western Union to a certain :
Emma DEPOE
139 High Road
FL 32304 Tallahassee
My so called customer´s contact was: Patrick M. Peters.
Dont make the same mistake as i did and just be aware that companies which have an account by e-yahoo, even with a good looking site, may be a scam. Be sure not to pay with Western Union or unsecure ways.
SCAM SCAMMER :
cellphoneltd3g.com
solution-connection-mart.com
phonesuperstoreinc.com
phonecitytelecommunications.co
metrocellinc.com
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Well...Someone just 'stole' a Fuze!! WTF

Lets start from the beginning.
Earlier in the day, I received an e-mail from AT&T, and I checked it after I reached home. Here is the e-mail:
Cellular Telephone number: 340[edited]
Returns Authorization Number: RMA[edited]
AT&T - Order Status Update
Dear [edited],
On behalf of all AT&T employees, thank you for being a part of the largest
digital network in America. Your replacement order has been received. We
will inform you via email when your replacement order has been shipped.
We look forward to servicing your wireless needs for a long time to come.
Sincerely,
AT&T
NOTE: This is an automated email. Please do not reply to this email.
Replies will not be read.
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I didn't ask for an RMA, let alone even file for insurance. I quickly called up AT&T Business Care and the lady told me that I filed insurance claims for 3 phones on 3 out of the 4 lines on my account, but the RMA number was 'too fresh' to bring back any details. All she told me was that the claim was filed d January 26th, and it might take a few days to process and get the phones.
Still confused, I called up my sleeping dad (only other authorized user) to ask him if he did anything with insurance today. He quickly explained no, and that I was interrupting his sleep...
I logged into OLAM and started chatting with Tech Support, and the rep gave me all the details, saying that I claimed for a Fuze, A737, and A517 today through insurance. 'I' also requested overnight delivery, and he gave me the tracking number to go along with it. I would have the package delivered to an address in MARYLAND!! I live all the way in the Virgin Islands, and I never even been or even know anyone in Maryland. Freaky.
After a good 15 minutes trying to explain that I didn't authorize anything, he basically told me to call Asurion and the Fraud Dept. to solve all my troubles. Of course, Asurion and the fraud dept. are now closed, so I have to wait until morning...
Long story short, someone got a replacement Fuze for free. I hope they treat it well...
*EDIT*
I do have the person's physical address, as they are shipping it there...I already contacted several local and MD police departments, but they said to wait until Asurion gets a hold of FedEx and have it re-routed back. The offender would need my social, phone #, and first and last name get through...

Wouldn't they have to know your Social Security information to access all of that? Either they had this planned out relaly well or some huge erratum.

that's really messed up! I hope things get sorted out for you. if you want you can also file an identity theft report w/ FTC https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/FTC_Wizard.aspx?Lang=en

Update
I got through Asurion and the Fraud Dept. and they stopped and is returning the phones to AT&T...
Whoever filed the claim DID have my Name, phone number and social. My dad and I have the same names (I'm a junior ) but we'll both file a report with the local police department. Ironically, my dad has been and is currently a police for 20+ years.
Asurion WOULD NOT give out the name of who filed the claim in the first place, or any details without a court order, it seems.

Yea but if you have the shipping address and you use Google I'm sure you can find some juicy details on the person trying to ruin your life. (If the guy is a complete moron and used his actual address)

if you send me $100 through paypal i will leave a horse head in there bed for you

^^^LMAO!!!
@ bigb252 - Nice catch, good to see this creep is gonna get what he deserves.

seems that Sprint shared my security info....

Has anyone else encountered this problem? It seems that an employee at Sprint shared my password/security information. Received a notice from Asurion (handset insurance provider for Sprint) that someone had ordered a replacement handset through my account......WTF??????? and what to do.......

I suggest you call the handset insurance provider and tell them you did no such thing and would like to know (for security/curiosity reasons) where & to whom the replacement handset is being delivered. Most likely they will need some identifying information from you to make sure you're really you but they should be able to cough that information up if you explain the problem.
Then I'd be on the phone with Sprint trying to figure out who called them to get a replacement handset (I'm assuming you have to go through Sprint to get to the handset insurance company right?). Someone should get fired over that.

In Canada, that's a serious Privacy issue ... not sure how that's dealt with in your state. If you have a better business bureau (ombudsman), get them involved.
Call Sprint ... speak to management directly, not a regular service representative, indicate that you wish to know who effected this request/transaction and that you will be seeking legal consulation.
Call Asurion ... convey the same sentiments.
I both cases, make absolutely certain to deal with management and don't settle for anything less.
I'd also have them compensate you if they wish to have you as a continued customer.
Good luck

Thanks for your thoughts on this.....
I have contacted both Sprint and Asurion regarding this breach of my privacy. I appreciate your thoughts and your replies Hilaireg and l33tphreak. Hopefully they (Sprint and Asurion) will be able to verify that this handset replacement request was not authorized by me..... Mostly I just wanted to let people out there know that this is occurring. The scariest part of it all is that a password is needed to order a handset replacement through Sprint or Asurion, and here's the kicker: The only ones that know my password information are ME and SPRINT. I think I will be changing my password regularly from this point forward. Hope this doesn't happen to others.....

The scary thing is that Sprint often doesn't pay attention to the password. I had one placed upon my account with them because of my mother using my name and social to order crazy expensive stuff and had me footing the bill, I had to call a number of times to sort out where they neglected to verify it and let her order. Hell, there were even a few times I called and they didn't do more than verify my name and number in the first place, not even the last four of my social and password. Finally, in the end, I cancelled my account completely, paid to disconnect all lines while they all had active contracts, then they still let her do it again! I called them one last time, they wouldn't remove the charges, so I just let it go and they disconnected it for non-payment, I have medical bills up the backside now after having my daughter, so I'm not worried about it on my credit.

[Q] Has anyone purchased anything from htcdirect.co.uk?

As above has anyone purchased anything from htcdirect.co.uk?
Just I notice they don't have any contact information apart from online messaging.
No phone number, No address, No company VAT reg nothing.
I would be cautious with websites like that.

i had purchased a screen protector from them and received my goods in excellent condition!
however if you don't feel comfortable using them then go to other retailers

Hmm, I checked who owns the domain and it doesnt seem to be a company but a person:
Whois query for htcdirect.co.uk...
Results returned from whois.nic.uk:
Domain name:
htcdirect.co.uk
Registrant:
Paresh Chauhan
Registrant type:
UK Individual
Registrant's address:
1, Leas Gardens
Westcliff on Sea
Westcliff on Sea
SS0 8JL
United Kingdom
Registrar:
123connect Limited [Tag = 123CONNECT]
URL: http://www.123connect.co.uk
Relevant dates:
Registered on: 17-Apr-2007
Renewal date: 17-Apr-2011
Last updated: 08-Jun-2009
Registration status:
Registered until renewal date.
Name servers:
ns1.terrassl.net
ns2.terrassl.net

Thought so, thats actually worst than buying from an individual seller on somewhere like amazon or play as this one has no contactable phone number, address, and no VAT reg.
Definitely stick to reputable retailers.

ToneyEricsson said:
As above has anyone purchased anything from htcdirect.co.uk?
Just I notice they don't have any contact information apart from online messaging.
No phone number, No address, No company VAT reg nothing.
I would be cautious with websites like that.
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Please don't purchase from this website. I've purchase an Otterbox case for my phone when I was being told the item was posted out on 7th Jan. Up to today 18th Jan, I have yet to receive my item. Really regret purchasing from them

@jlws90
I would contact your bank to let them know and get your credit card number cancelled and issued with a new one so that person doesn't have it.
I thought it looked dodgy, no VAT reg showing that would be one to inform HM customs about with the information about the person as shown above as not being vat registered is obviously highly illegal as well and they will do him for it.
Good retailers I can recommend in the UK are such as the obvious play.com and amazon.co.uk and mobile specific being mobilefun.co.uk and expansys.co.uk which you will never have any problems with, best to stick with them.

Not being VAT registered is not illegal. You only need to be, if you turn over £70,000 a year.

Yeah your right a site like that wont be turning over much and hopefully not turning anyone over.
You would expect a decent reputable retailer to have all the basic contact and address info up already and not use use messaging as the only means of communication.

ToneyEricsson said:
@jlws90
I would contact your bank to let them know and get your credit card number cancelled and issued with a new one so that person doesn't have it.
I thought it looked dodgy, no VAT reg showing that would be one to inform HM customs about with the information about the person as shown above as not being vat registered is obviously highly illegal as well and they will do him for it.
Good retailers I can recommend in the UK are such as the obvious play.com and amazon.co.uk and mobile specific being mobilefun.co.uk and expansys.co.uk which you will never have any problems with, best to stick with them.
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But I purchase it using my debit card instead. Didn't really want to give out my credit card details.

With so many trusted sites - I would not risk it.

llcooljazz said:
With so many trusted sites - I would not risk it.
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Htcdirect are fine. They also have a shop in London called inkino.co.uk I purchased my old Htc hd from them with no issues.
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