Hello… A ‘Yank’ here. I was hoping for some perspective on the strike happening in GB and how it affects ordering from there. My questions arise because I ordered from BYG (Gong’s Magick Brother lp) and a multiple delayed reissue was finally said to be delivered in mid December but not to expect it until late January (due to the strike ). I would have been understanding of this warning had I not also ordered from another British vender (it went in the mail a couple of days after my notification from BYG) and received it on NYE. Can someone help me understand what’s happening over there… I want to feel not jacked around for pre ordering something that was supposed to have been released in late October. thank you
They strike on set days and work on others. Mail is still being sent to the USA on the days they aren't striking. I had a package delivered in December, and had a slight delay before it left the UK. Once it leaves the UK, it should be unaffected.
Yep, have patience. I have a 12 inch that hit the UK post Nov 30'th. Just left the Chicago hub yesterday. Holiday glut and weather probably had a bit to play in it also.
Took over a month for my latest LP to arrive in the post after it had been dispatched. However I believe the issue isn't as bad now. There were videos flying about at the start of December of the huge backlogs in warehouses. I'd say expect a delay nonetheless.
In the UK it seems unpredictable. I ordered 2 LPs and a CD from eBay after Christmas and got them all as quickly as ever but I still haven't got a Christmas card that was sent well before.
Patience is the key - especially at this time of year. Everything I sent or expected to receive, arrived. Some parcels in the UK have come through next day. Others seem to be getting stuck in the backlogs created by the strikes and take a bit longer. Certain areas in the UK are affected more than others. Whatever you do be mindful that its not the retailers fault.
I ordered two separate CD's from the USA last year - both with identical postal service through USPS. One took 5 days to arrive to the UK, the other took 37 days. Unpredictability isn't restricted to Royal Mail at the moment
what's it like normally? here something from the US can take a month to show up, from the Pacific Rim it's here in 2 days (with a customs bill for $30 arriving a month later)
I had three albums from different UK sellers which each arrived in London within 3 days. On one the seller was told not to post before Xmas, but he shipped after and it arrived before the new year. So, yeah, a bit hit and miss (regional differences), be prepared to be patient, and as ever, just “keep calm and carry on”….. And yes, Iron Maiden have been honoured by having 12 Royal Mail stamps issued, available as collections. Only a few other artists have been similarly treated.
I'm a Postman & the policy generally is packets take priority over mail ( which is one of the big issues about the strikes.....but I won't go there !) . However every office is different in terms of backlogs etc. I would assume by now most backlogs will be cleared , however I can imagine another round of strikes can't be too far off i'm afraid.
Tough time to be a postman. I live in (forlorn) hope that the management - ultimately Rishi Rich, I assume - sees sense and starts to negotiate in a civilized manner.
I think my postie will have a great record collection. I was walking back from a charity shop a while ago and I'd got a very rare local pressing 70's 45 and I saw him and mentioned it and he said '"I've got that" and knew the B-side and it's history. It was an EP with one side by Discharge but not the far more famous among punk fans Discharge. Discharge / The Filth - Anytown / Freedom Bloody hell! Mine wasn't in great condition and I sold it for only £20!
I am aware of this but - I should imagine - just like with the railways -nothing positive will be allowed to happen without a nod from our beloved leaders.
Over the years & rounds I've covered I've met quite a few people with the vinyl collecting bug & had some good chats. Yeah it's not the best time to be a postie, but hey I think were all struggling to some degree. Personally with me it's not so much about the money ( although that would be nice ) it's about the terms & conditions , but as I said I aint going there as this is not the place .
I ordered the Peter Greens Fleetwood Mac Chalk Farm Roundhouse Vol I & II on 12.20.2022....was here to Virginia via London on 1.2.2022.....they sent email saying it might be delayed due to strike...I though that was really fast.....no issues at all!
Thanks for all the info.., I was getting frustrated with BYG… months delayed and then The email about a further delay. This helped me cool my hot head
Service likely to be worse if 'modernisation ' happens as planned. Support the service and posties by supporting the strike.
I'm having delays even getting stuff from Amazon. It's a little frustrating because I have to be more diligent tracking my deliveries.
