Worst case you didn't read all the fineprint and are indeed supposed to pay for disconnecting the UPS. I'd be careful with threatening with legal action. You simply can't rely on what someone has told you over the phone. Before doing anything else get a written statement with a signature from Pickles that you are not supposed to pay to disconnect the device you have bought.
Don't worry, that's not the case. The written statement is a good idea though. I'll ask the Pickles rep tomorrow.
Anyway, Pickles are being very helpful and friendly, dealing with the holding company above Benson, on my behalf.
There are further leverage efforts against Benson ready to go if Pickles' efforts don't bear fruit. Stuff that has to be done before taking it to small claims court. I've not 'threatened' Benson with that, I'll just proceed as soon as all else has obviously failed.
One worry is that apparently Benson have only a few more weeks onsite work, shipping out the big machines. What happens to the UPS after that if they've continued to stall? I've asked, hope to find out soon.
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Edit to add something unrelated...
Dammit, I seem to be a SNAFU-magnet at the moment. How's this for ridiculous?
Trying to buy a tube of silicone-based high vacuum grease, from a US ebay seller. They ship worldwide, no problems, but I had it sent to my US reshipper since I thought I'd combine it with other packages. But ended up needing to resend it as is. Then this happened...
What is the problem with sending this package?
03/20/2018
Hi, I have twice requested mailout of this package DY. Everything seems fine, but then it goes back to awaiting shipment, I get an email that I have a shipito notification, I log on to your site, can't find any notification. Just the item DY sitting there.
Can you tell me what is wrong, please? According to the shipping page, it is OK to go via airmail, which I selected. I have sufficient funds in my account.
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Shipito Support
What is the problem with sending this package?
03/20/2018
Hello Guy
Please always remember to check your notifications on the upper right hand corner of your account. You were notified by the warehouse of the following:
This notification is to inform you that your mailout for package(s) DY has been cancelled by our admin for the following reason: (Vacuum Grease) We regret to inform you that we have just learned that the parcel you requested be shipped contains flammable liquid or essential oil which cannot be shipped with any carrier. Your mail out request has been cancelled. Therefore, you must decide between the following two options how you would like Shipito, LLC to dispose of the items in question: 1. Place a special request to have the specified items/parcel disposed. 2. Have the restricted item(s) returned to the merchant. To do this please submit a special request with a prepaid return shipping label and we will return the parcel on your behalf. The special request fee will be $5 USD and there will also be a processing fee of $2 USD applied. If you have any questions or concerns about shipping items in the future, please refer to our website for a listing of restricted and prohibited items or contact our team for additional assistance In an effort to uphold our customs compliance standards, Shipito’s prohibited and restricted items list may be more expansive than individual country or carrier laws.
Best regards
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Mailout of my package DY
03/21/2018
"contains flammable liquid or essential oil"
No it does not. It's a very thick, silicone high vacuum grease, which is specifically designed to be NOT flammable, NOT an oil, and NOT produce any gasses under reduced pressure. It's very very inert.
The material safety data sheet is here:
https://carleton.ca/mae/wp-content/uploads/Dowcorn-High-Vacuum-Grease.pdfIt's far less flammable than the box it's in. I think you must be mislead by the word 'grease'. The only similarity to normal greases is that it's in a tube, and sticky.
Do you ban silicone glue and sealants? It's the same kind of stuff as those.
Please let me know whether this sorts out the issue, or not.
Best regards,
Guy
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Mailout of my parcel DY
03/21/2018
OK, I found the 'notifications'. Couldn't see it before.
Further to this, I checked your prohibited goods lists. The material is an inert silicone jell-like compound. It is not a liquid, not an oil, is not flammable, combustible or hazardous, and not perishable. It does not flow if spilled. It has the consistency of cold butter. It will not out-gas under low pressure. (That's the whole point of it - it does not contaminate vacuum equipment with any volatiles under vacuum.)
It is not an ITAR regulated item.
It's literally as inert as a material can be, while still acting as a flexible sealant.
The ebay seller ships worldwide, including to Australia. I had just expected to be combining it with other items. Till realizing my shipito paid subscription has expired, so had to send individually.
Bought here:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/DOW-CORNING-Silicone-High-Vacuum-Grease-976V-Stopcock/271160260617See attached material safety sheet. ( Dowcorn-High-Vacuum-Grease.pdf )
It's also quite expensive and hard to find.
I've altered the customs declaration to remove the word 'grease' that maybe triggers your ban.
Please let me know your conclusion.
Regards,
Guy
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Shipito Support
Safety Data Sheet for package DY
03/21/2018
Hello Guy,
Your inquiry has been submitted to the warehouse for review.
Thank you
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Ha ha ha! Because silicone high vacuum grease is ... a fire risk?
After this I tried to burn some. (I have an old tube of it.) It _barely_ can be made to burn in a direct flame. Self-extinguishes. Even burning it does not flow, just converts to an ashy remnant.
OK, shipito have to be careful. Fine. Urrgh.