Been ripped by a Freight Agent. Where do I stand?

[melbzetec]

Have blown some rings in the Focus, and long story short, I bought a brand new short motor from the UK at a great price.

Paid more for the freight than the short motor itself, but still a good deal. About $1300 landed.

Placed the order early December and waited. Opted to have it delivered straight to the workshop (Rob Herrod) who is doing the work because they're close to Tullamarine and it just made sense.

So I get a call today from some freight agent (I'll leave the name out) who I've never had anything to do with before , who says I owe $125 for custom clearance ( fair call), $55 for courier (fair enough)..................and $600 for storage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Their argument: It arrived on Christmas Eve, rang the workshop and no one there (duuurrr), and they have had it stored for 11 days. $55 per day plus GST!!! Thanks very much Fu.k u.

What the fu.k...!!!!

I can't see on what legal basis they can do this. Where is the contract? Offer, acceptance, consideration.

Anyone know how they can do this? They don't have a contract with me...never heard of them, was never informed of , or agreed to, a storage fee.
Sounds like blackmail, not contractural obligation.

I'm stuffed though as I need the car. So I had to pay the bastards (3% surcharge on the credit cards thanks very much!!!!)

I caouldn't see anyway around it, but it is a f...kn racket

[Kryton]

now that you've paid them, theres nothing you can do.
They arent giving your money back.

You could report your credit card stolen and try and get the money refunded but you most probably will get done for fraud.

You shouldnt have paid them and sought advice first.

[GHO57]

Unfortunatly these days if nothing is on paper in writing it is hard to hard to have an argument. I guess they knew that already and didnt really mind as they knew you would have to pay for it regardless. I feel for ya mate, bastards everywhere, i got ripped once for $8000. I wasnt very happy, had nothing to take him to court with:(. They would proabably win at court as they only played their part as you wanted that part to be delivered once arrived, they probs made the call, noone answered and they just kept it in their storage. Bad Luck mate, make sure anything that is worth $ to have it written on paper EVERY specific order and make them sign it. That way you cover yourself, i make my own contracts and get it signed by and & the person im dealing with no matter what purchases i make.

[XR Martin]

I would have probably tried to make a deal with them and try negotiate the storage fee. $55/day is a bit rich for storage for one pallet. Hell a Motel is nearly that price.

Also, next time get the shipper to put your mobile number on it.

[IH8HSV]

Did you get any paper work with the moter before or after delivery?

They should of made you sign some sort of contract.

[nstg8a]

why did they wait 11 days to contact you?