In article , James Royall <james@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> writes
You could try www.mx2.com. I've just put in my first order with them so
can't comment on their efficiency, etc, but they have a pretty good
range and prices.
Both mx2 and 7dayshop are based in the Channel Islands (either Guernsey
or Jersey, I can't remember which) and may even be the same outfit.
Being Channel Islands based, the products they sell are zero VAT rated
unless they exceed the import limit of around 18UKP - hence they
specialise in low priced products at lower than UK resident prices. If
the total order price exceeds these limits they will package separately
to ensure that each pack is below the VAT exempt limit.
That's the good part.
The bad part, as far as Bill is concerned, is that since all of their
product is despatched from the Channel Islands it is x-rayed at least
twice: once on import and once on export. :-(
By the way, I thought it was against the business principles of
Mastercard, VISA and AMEX to operate such regional rules. My advice to
Bill would be to report 7dayshop to his credit card operator (not the
issuing bank) so that they can appraise 7dayshop of the international
nature of their credit card business - and withdraw facilities if they
do not comply. Its one thing refusing to deliver to a temporary
address, such as an hotel (as B&H do), but quite another to refuse to
deal with an international customer.
Also, those X-ray bags - stick them in the lead recycler where they
belong! They cause *more* X-ray damage than they prevent these days.
When the machine operator sees the white blob on the screen all they do
is increase the exposure from the normally safe level for medium speed
film to something that will fry an image onto your shirt until they can
see what is inside. Only if they cannot see inside will they request an
inspection.
The problem is that you have two layers of lead sheet and the film sits
in the middle - so they have to double the exposure at the film in order
to be able to see what is inside the lead bag! In short - you are
better off without them and the only reason you don't get fogged film
when using them is because the level of exposure in modern airport hand
luggage machines is so low. Not so in the checked baggage machines -
NEVER put film in checked baggage - they *WILL* fog the film.
Most places, even Heathrow where I have heard others complain that they
always insist on x-rays, will accept a visual examination of high speed
film or even low speed film if you can prove that you have to pass
through many machines on your trip (a multistage ticket is usually
enough). I have never had a problem at Heathrow or Gatwick, just talk
nicely to the operator and cringe when they tell you it is safe. :-) On
the other hand, I have put film through x-ray machines without problems
when there has been a serious language difficulty.
--
Kennedy
Yes, Socrates himself is particularly missed;
A lovely little thinker, but a bugger when he's pissed.
Python Philosophers
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