Reiser Taxidermy is making me very nervous

TheWhitetailNut

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It has been 8 months since the conclusion of my Safari with Phillip Hennings and Khomas Highland Safaris. I ordered a dip and pack only and received notice of completion at the very end of September. Sven Baard of Reiser Taxidermy notified me my items were crated and ready to be shipped, as soon as I make payment they will be dispatched to the Hosea Kutako airport.

I paid the bill by wire 10 weeks ago and not only have I not received the items, but now I and Mike L. from Coppersmith have been unable to reach Sven for an update on the items. I know Africa is different, but this is killing me.
 
One thing that you learn when dealing with folks in Africa is patience, they are usually on their own time table. That along with dealing with government permits and permissions which can take some time you just need to sit back and relax. Also I from what I have read the latter part of the year is the worst of times to get things shipped out of the country. Coppersmith has dealt with enough shipments that they should have it down pat as far as how long it takes to get things moving.
 
Phillip Brockhorst did an amazing job with mine. I finished my hunt in July and they arrived in Houston last week. About the same time as my shipment from Mozambique and that hunt in October of 2017. Sigh, Africa. ;)
 
We forget it's summer over there, vacation time.
 
Africa time....plus summer holidays....be patient....
 
Nothing like turning over money and then have the recipient go silent and disappear.
 
I paid the bill by wire 10 weeks ago and not only have I not received the items, but now I and Mike L. from Coppersmith have been unable to reach Sven for an update on the items.

I agree with others that African can and will test our patience. However, 10 weeks since payment was sent and no comms would bother me too. A couple questions:

1) Did the taxidermist ever confirm receiving payment?
2) Is your outfitter close enough to the taxidermist that he could drop by to check things out?
 
I agree with others that African can and will test our patience. However, 10 weeks since payment was sent and no comms would bother me too. A couple questions:

1) Did the taxidermist ever confirm receiving payment?
2) Is your outfitter close enough to the taxidermist that he could drop by to check things out?

1A) Looking back at our email string, he never did confirm receipt of payment.
2A) He's about 90 min from Windhoek if I remember correctly. I just messaged him about it.

I have stamped and signed export permits, so it isn't that.
 
1A) Looking back at our email string, he never did confirm receipt of payment.
2A) He's about 90 min from Windhoek if I remember correctly. I just messaged him about it.

I have stamped and signed export permits, so it isn't that.

I would think the signed export permits is a good sign. Unfortunately I think you'll be on hold until after the new year starts. I would contact your outfitter and see if he can't contact the taxidermist and get you a status update.
 
It has been 8 months since the conclusion of my Safari with Phillip Hennings and Khomas Highland Safaris. I ordered a dip and pack only and received notice of completion at the very end of September. Sven Baard of Reiser Taxidermy notified me my items were crated and ready to be shipped, as soon as I make payment they will be dispatched to the Hosea Kutako airport.

I paid the bill by wire 10 weeks ago and not only have I not received the items, but now I and Mike L. from Coppersmith have been unable to reach Sven for an update on the items. I know Africa is different, but this is killing me.
I hunted Namibia in October of 2017 and used Reiser taxidermy to do euro mounts for my trophies. I received them in July of 2018. During that time, Sven was usually quick to respond to my emails. The only stumbling point was similar to what you are experiencing. After being told my trophies were crated and ready to ship, it took a while until they actually shipped. I was given several reasons for this including back ups in freight shipments at the airport. Upon contacting my outfitter, they were on a plane less than a week later. I would suggest contacting your outfitter and having them put a little pressure on Reiser to get your trophies shipped. Just my two cents. Also, I think they did a good job with my trophies.
 
As mentioned in a previous thread I had multiple problems with Reiser. My shipment arrived quite damaged and didn’t even include the right trophies. I know 2 major Namibian outfitters that no longer will do business with them. After well over a year trying to resolve this with the owner an ethical employee stuck her neck out and solved the problem, now from what I understand she is no longer there. I hope it works out better for you than it did for me.
 
Hi Pete, I've contacted Sven. He will update you today, he said!
P.S all taxidermy and shipping companies in Namibia close their offices now Friday for summer holidays and will open their businesses second week of January.
 
Current holiday schedules do not provide an explanation for the last ten weeks......


Merry Christmas.
 
There are so many things that can drive a person crazy about Africa not the least of which is getting your trophies home. We have all heard the term “Africa Time”. What does it mean......(Translation) when we are ready to talk we will talk or do what you want done (Maybe). I call it bad business practice any way you look at it to make a client wait for a reasonable response. Not responding after this much time simply says “we got your money and who cares if you wait”.
And as others have said this time of year everything in Africa is shut down except the bank that acceptes your wire transfer or processes your credit card payment. Can’t be bothered to answer your emails we are on vacation.

But you know what......
Even experiencing this kind of stuff I am still ready to go back!
 
............
But you know what......
Even experiencing this kind of stuff I am still ready to go back!

...... and skip the taxidermy, d&p, shipping and PIA and just go hunting.
 
...... and skip the taxidermy, d&p, shipping and PIA and just go hunting.

Na, you can have both the taxidermy and D&P along with the shipping.

You just have to realize that it will get done and just kick back and drink another glass of whisky or your favorite drink. It also helps if you have someone like SSI watching everything for you.

The big thing is don't sweat it. It will happen sooner or later with most of it being done later. It isn't like they are next door or just the next state over.
 
Just a quick question. Has Sven at Reiser taxidermy contacted you, and if so, what was the cause for the delay
 
Ok Guys, Tom from Trophy Shippers reached out immediately after seeing my post and asked if he could intervene. Tom was able to track down Sven via Whatsapp, and I got a response saying my crate would ship in early January. I certainly hope that is true.

We had planned to return in 2020 as a family but we will see how this works out. I understand "Africa time" is a real thing, but I wont be held hostage by anything. Too many places to go, too many things to do.
 

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