MO
Milene O
Active since Mar 2021
2
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0
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Reviews
2 reviews1 month ago
R1,035 to release my hydration pack from customs captivity
Dear MEILI and SpeedAF, I ordered a simple hydration pack worth about R1,600. Nothing fancy. Just something to carry water while I attempt to stay alive during exercise. What I did not order was a R1,035 “processing fee” to retrieve it from customs. At this point, my parcel appears to have entered a luxury spa retreat somewhere between China and my doorstep, because “processing” does not usually cost more than half the value of the actual item. For R1,035, I can only assume the service includes: First-class emotional support for my parcel A guided tour of customs facilities Possibly a small graduation ceremony upon clearance What makes this even more impressive is the transparency: No clear warning at checkout No upfront disclosure of these fees Just a surprise invoice delivered like a financial jump scare And if you try contact support? The official email address does not “go unanswered” — it simply does not exist. Gmail returns it like it is rejecting a fictional character. Now for the important part: Under the South African Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008, consumers are entitled to fair value, transparency, and full disclosure of costs before purchase. Charges must be reasonable and not misleading or hidden in post-purchase “surprises.” A fee structure that effectively doubles the cost of an item after purchase — without prior disclosure — does not align with those principles. At this point, I am not convinced I ordered a product. I think I accidentally entered a logistics-based escape room where the final boss is “unexpected import fees.” For clarity: I will not be paying this amount. If a courier fee can materially alter the total cost of a purchase after the fact, then something is fundamentally wrong with the transparency of the process — not the customer. Regards, A person who just wanted water bottles, not a legal case with a tracking number
0 replies
1 month ago
Hydration Pack Came with a Side of Financial Dehydration
Dear AliExpress (and brave souls still shopping there), Terminating a gym contract may be a universal struggle, but allow me to introduce a new contender: *receiving your parcel without being financially ambushed by the courier.* I recently ordered a hydration pack for about R1,600. Nothing extravagant. Just a humble attempt at hydration. Enter MEILI and SpeedAF — the dynamic duo of “customs processing.” They are now requesting **R1,035** in fees. R1,035. For “processing.” At this point, I can only assume someone is personally escorting my water bottles through customs, offering them emotional support, and perhaps a light massage before delivery. Let’s be clear: This is not customs. This is not VAT. This is a *creative writing exercise disguised as a bill.* What makes this even better: * There was **no warning** at checkout that this courier circus would be involved * There was **no indication** that my total cost might casually double after purchase * And the AliExpress “support email”? Not “unresponsive” — it **literally does not exist**. Gmail sends it back like, “absolutely not.” In terms of the Consumer Protection Act (68 of 2008), charges must be transparent and reasonable. Doubling the price of an item *after* payment through vague “processing fees” is neither. I’ve ordered through AliExpress before without issues, which is why this feels less like bad luck and more like a *plot twist.* So here’s a friendly warning: If your parcel is handled by MEILI / SpeedAF, don’t track your package — track your blood pressure. I will not be paying this fee, and I strongly recommend reconsidering before ordering under these conditions. Regards, A customer who only wanted water bottles, not a financial crisis.
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