Shopto.net isn't just some small business. Its one of the biggest online retailer in the UK. Do they also stop TakeTWo and BT games shipments??
This is not a no name brand business/website. There's no reason why they need to send it to SAFACT to be able to verify that its not pirate goods, if they need to do that they are incompetent imho.
a Quick inspection of the contents of the package and checking the source of the shipment would clear it up.
I disagree. I never heard of shopto.net before this. So, who are they again? Once again, perception is key, what is important for you and unacceptable for you, may not be for me. That's what opinion and to a degree, choice, is about.
There is something called processes and procedures, like sending it to SAFACT. I am sure BT and Take2 will also be scrutinized if there is a substantial increase in numbers that might kick off a red flag. Who are we to say it doesn't happen? Do you know for a fact? I don't know.
The only reason this is made so much HooHaa over is due to a HelloPeter post and the virtual mob latching on to it, simply believing everything at face value, without gathering the facts.
We already have so many grey and pirated items in South Africa, it must be governed by a stringent and strict process. Plus, they deal with international companies, so a quick, i.e. simple check, won't do. That's why the processes and procedures are there. To make sure everything is followed by the book, audited and recordable. If not, you'd hear people going up in arms about THAT again.
And yes, I have imported stuff myself too and have also had items held for 2 weeks+ at customs while waiting for it to clear. It just so happened there were other similar items imported by other parties, which made them look a bit deeper into my import too.
Standard OP imo.
