Saturday, September 8, 2012

The Return Of The Saudi Post Chocolate Monster

There is no wrath like the one of a pregnant Finnish woman whose long awaited Finnish mega chocolate bar has been stolen by the Saudi postal guy. AGAIN. 
Don't attempt to steal chocolate from a pregnant woman. Ever.

Speaking of theft, stealing, dishonesty and greed..Check out American Bedu's post about the plagiarism scandal Sumayah Mehtar has created in the blogosphere: http://americanbedu.com/2012/09/07/american-bedu-plagiarized/

So my long awaited package from the online Finnish food store called Suomikauppa arrived today. Husband picked it up from the P.O BOX, since Saudi-Arabia hasn't arranged actual addresses for its citizens yet. Oh well it's only 2012 and such an advancement can't be anticipated for another 20+ years. I mean they don't even let women drive yet so why would they be so advanced to have physical addresses? That's just pure vanity! Is it a coincidence that the Saudi Postal services are responsible for both driving licenses and addresses? Hmm..
Now let me tell you how many times I have ordered from this online store. About like 100 times. Ok. How many times do you think I received the entire order? 0. Don't get me wrong, the customer service in the Suomikauppa is excellent. They know what the word service means. Unlike in Saudi-Arabia where people think service means "sit on your ass all day tapping on your iPhone ignoring anyone who speaks to you and only answer back in a rude tone showing as little interest as possible while maintaining eye contact with the mobile device only." oh and "never, under any circumstances answer the land-line phone".

My package was very much anticipated this time because:
A) it contained a large Finnish chocolate bar which I have been craving for a long time now. This is like the best chocolate in the word, no joke people.
B) it contained my favorite Finnish coffee. I tend to get very grumpy sometimes if I haven't had my caffeine fix. Also I'm pretty darn bored of drinking instant coffee which to me tastes more like boiled old dish water and should rather be called instant diuretic.
C) It was supposed to contain a surprise on behalf of the store rewarding my returning customer-ship.
D) I'm pregnant and craving this specific chocolate.

I had also ordered baby foods (yes I have to order some baby food all the way from Finland because it's healthy and organic and babies love the taste and nothing like it is available here because healthy baby food in Saudi equals chips and nuggets). I also had some special rice and rye oatmeal in there.

I bet Mr. Saudi Post Office Guy aka Mr. Ruthless Thief already recognizes this package when it comes to the office. He probably has his fingers itching to take it into the back room for "inspection". One time he was so thorough doing his inspection that he had sacrificed his safety and taken a bite or two out of the chocolate bar. He dutifully placed it back into the package though.

And what about that time when Mr. Chocolate Monster Maniac had to finish off the entire Fazer Blue chocolate bar, just to make sure no part of it contains liquor or, God forbid a hidden machine gun? His heartfelt dedication is admirable. I am still touched that he left the empty wrappers behind, like as a sign of his hard work and devotion.

This time some pretty committed guy had opened my package and as usual rummaged through it. As I went through the contents it became evident that both my chocolate AND coffee were missing. Un-friggin-believable. Worse yet, it looked like the "surprise" has been taken too since there is nothing extra in the parcel. I am guessing they sent candy of some sort but it wasn't mentioned in the list of contents.
I. Was. Fuming.
Why does he always go for the largest chocolate bar? Can't he for once take the salmiakki, you know the ammonium chloride??
And the healthy foods are all there again. Of course. Why would he consume anything healthy?

WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE?

Does Saudi postal services employ starving people off the street who are forced to eat whatever edible they can find in the parcels? Are the employees told to actually taste stuff? Are employees indulging in expensive goods sent from around the world, perhaps taking small bits home to share with the wife? Do some of these employees have huge stashes of stolen goods at home? Is there anyone supervising this zoo? Are there surveillance cameras? Do they employ ex-convicts only? What is this place anyways?
Where is that machine gun!?

I wanted to storm into the post office right there and then to find the guilty parties. I would find him even if he was hiding under all the boxes munching on my delicious chocolate. Does he even know how to make filter coffee, huh? I bet not!! This was the last time I was going to just rant about it. Something needed to be done. My husband was not too keen on my idea, knowing that I might need to cool down a "bit" before entering the office. I insisted he take me there but it was already closed (lucky for them) so we have to wait until the next day.

In the meanwhile I went to their website in hopes of finding a way to make a complaint. Not a huge surprise this was not possible. I saw a customer service number, but ignored it, being so accustomed to government offices or any other businesses here who predominantly employ Saudis not picking up the phone. Then something must have clicked in my head (I'll blame it on the pregnancy brain which is lacking intelligent activity and possibly operating on two brain cells at the moment) because I changed my mind and called.

Lo and behold someone picked up after all the press this or that button stuff was over. They spoke English. That's not all folks. He actually tried to find out what happened.
He tracked the parcel and asked me did we sign when picking it up. I told him of course, isn't that the only way to receive it. Turns out if you already signed it, there's nothing they can do for you. Even if they go to the dude that mishandled your parcel, he can always say they took it, not me!

Ok this makes sense in a way. HOWEVER why is the customer not informed of this policy when he picks up the parcel? I have heard stories of everything under the sun (including Victoria's Secret panties) being stolen by Saudi Post officers. So why not have a system in place to try stop these violations? They should warn the customers to open it up at the office before signing just in case something has "disappeared into thin air". And then there should be a system where you can file a complaint of missing goods. And someone should actually follow that up. On top of that there should be consequences for the violators. But this is veeeeryyyyyy complicated and advanced. Can this kind of development be expected to happen in Saudi-Arabia any time soon?

This is what the chairman of the Saudi Post has to say:
"Over the ages of human civilization and history, civilization experts confirm that post has been an important component in attempting to identify the progress and prosperity of nations, as it is one of the engines of sustainable development of human societies in its different stages, and in the moral values of society, the postman is always one that we desire to come to our doors."

What does the Saudi Post tell us about the progress and prosperity of this nation? I don't need a civilization expert to figure that one out.

I would love to have the Saudi postman come to my door with my parcel next time. Oh ya I forgot we have no addresses. Until next time then when I personally open the parcel at the office..Watch out Mr. Chocolate Monster!

39 comments:

umorna od zivota said...

Wou i can't believe this XD this is really so rude and overall haram, wish someone chops his hands off :( ... i don't even try to send packages to Egypt cos it never arrives :( ... i sent something to my friend in Qatar tho, and elhamdulillah it arrived so i was so happy for that <3 how is he even able to open it up and still without leaving traces?

umorna od zivota said...

ahh sorry i posted from my sister's nickname, it's me :D Neli Saracen :))

noonis said...

OMG! That's just unbelievable! Someone from Finland should mail you some Salmiakki-Chocolate just as a punishment for the Choc Monster... I thought AusPost was bad, but all of a sudden, I am very happy with their services. Hang in there!

Noor said...

Oh man I am so sorry I know before we moved here we sent my in laws gifts and they got only like 2 things and all the rest was gone I was so upset. Now thank God if it was not for dhs work we would never get anything. We get mail there (you know the drill) and alhumdullah I always have got everything. I am so scared that one day when hes not there I know we will deal with this same issue. Haram, haram, haram.

Now I did not know you were having a baby sis mashAllah and mabrook <3
I am sorry you did not get YOUR stuff I know how it is to want something no matter what it is its YOURS and you should be able to get it especially with child. ( I watch to many Tudors did I just say with child hahaha)

I would LOVE to try coffee from Finland. I HATE instant as well yuck it taste like chemicals even the smell makes me sick. I get my coffee ground fresh and Starbucks or Dunkin Doughnut and I use a french press to make it, you should try that.

Munawar said...

Nice article and actually a but shocked to learn this, I've managed a retail food store, for 3.5 years and in the last 2 years used to receive around 4-5 parcels monthly mostly of food samples from various suppliers. All the packages used to be opened for inspection but they would never touch anything inside. I've actually even received some contraband foodstuff as samples, but no one ever noticed. All of this of course used to come via Saudi Post (as DHL, UPS packages would be routed there for inspection). Quite sorry to hear your story but hope that u find ur chocolate eater.

Munawar said...

Just to point out one huge defect in ur article regarding physical addresses, the Saudi Post already made a new addressing system back in 2008 and went on to install boxes outside all buildings and houses, and then ran various campaigns to educate ppl on benefits of physical address system, but still ppl prefer to use the POBoxes. I had registered there couple of years ago and it works absolutely fine for me.

Jenny said...

Congratulations on your pregnancy! And I hope that the positive conversation you had with the employee is a sign of an upward trend, one that may even include physical addresses and door-step deliveries. :) In the mean time shame on the chocolate monster and may he be haunted for his greed and thoughtlessness.

Jenny said...

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I hope that the positive conversation you had with the post employee indicates an upward trend that might eventually lead to physical addresses. In the mean time, shame on the chocolate monster and may he be haunted for his greed and lack of decency.

Unknown said...

Omg how frustrating this must be, especially when you want it so much..I know what its like to be pregnant..my husband also told me not to send anything valuable with mail, it will not arrive..

Anonymous said...

Maybe you could get your relatives (or even the Chocolate company themselves:P) to somehow disguise the package so that the postal guys would not even be interested in looking in it ...

For example, you could put your goods at the bottom of the box and then a piece of cardboard on top (so they think thats the bottom of the box but it really isnt) and then fill the rest of the box with tampons or cotton balls(or something else lol) so like something that would not intrigue the postal guys ..

Just thought of this when i was reading the post :)

RuBear said...

I really sympathize you, and i passed thought this too.
I never use their "services" anymore .. send/receive via other companies who respect themselves and responsible for liabilities and obligations.
wish you all the best.

Lizzie said...

Those Frazer Blue chocolates look heavenly. What are some of the other good ones that we ought to try out? And how expensive is the shipping?

Chx_ya7 said...

wow you are pregnant ;) mabrok sister :)

Coffee Drinker said...

Frankly, one one relying on Saudi Post to deliver goodies should suffer the consequences. Get DHL to deliver at your husbands office address. Works faster and there is usually an address. And no coffee when pregnant. Bad for mother and baby. Advance apologies.

American Bedu said...

Is there an alternative option that you can use instead of the Saudi post? Is there anyone from the Finnish embassy or perhaps one of your expat friends that can take delivery? I can feel and hear your pain. I mean...come on...chocolate!

Is there any chance of getting the products through Danube?

I think you should also write about this to Arab News.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your pregnancy Layla and may it be a strong and healthy baby!
Your post has scared the hell out of me to be honest because I was relying on this service to make my life easier once I am there :(.
Doest anyone know of a postal service that doest shame themselves?

A said...

watch out, these saudi guys would probably eat the tampons for breakfast and stuff the cotton-balls inside their head because i's so empty.

راوية said...

Did you try FEDEX or DHL? They might expensive, but at least they are trustworthy.

Layla said...

Good suggestions Bedu, this company does not use the other services so I'm stuck with Saudi Post with them.
I can get some Finnish licorice and rye crackers from time to time from Danube and then of course we have IKEA food store for emergencies :)

I will look into the Arab NEws article as well!

Layla said...

With this company I can't but if I needed something really important or valuable it would be the way to go.

Layla said...

I have considered that noona ;)

Layla said...

Noor-ya I used to get almost everything when it was delivered to the work mail, although they still go through customs and sometimes there was parts missing, and they ripped pages off some magazines my dad sent.

Layla said...

Munawar I haven't seen any boxes outside where I live now or the previous two places either..I heard they started some campaign but obviously it's not working very well or at all.

Layla said...

LOl that's hilarious I like the idea

Layla said...

I would go for the Wiener Nougat and of course you would have to order some famous salmiakki candies too! The licorice is really good too.
Depends on the weight, I think last time it cost about 60 euros..

Layla said...

thanks Lady Carrot!

Layla said...

lol OK :) but I only have one or two cups a day, it should be fine..

islam_4_life said...

This is not good in Islam to steal and take, but I do think we have these problems in every country. Personally, I lie overseas all the time and most women still don't drive and there are no real addresses for the mail man but that does not mean any of us are uncivilized or not with 2012 yet. Just because you have freedoms or advancements does not make a place more superior or better or the people any better. Personally, I grew up in the USA and drive and have problems with the mail and still have to remember addresses and get lost. Yet overseas, people don't have addresses but know where everyone lives and works, have problems with the mail, most don't drive, and still get around faster and better than we do. Just because you have a problem or cannot adapt to not getting your way, does not give you the right to blast an entire country. Saudi Arabia has its issues, but it did not start with women not driving; it started with colonization and groups like the British. Just learn from mistakes; try a different company even if it costs more; if you wonder why women don't drive, ask more than two or three of them. Most Saudis, like New Yorkers, do not need to drive and have adapted to not doing so. Overall, this is simply a blog and rant, and people on here should stop taking your opinions and judgments as hardcore facts. But mabrook and congrats for the pregnancy, inshallah Allah (swt) make it easy for you and help you to do better.

Yunnan said...

As punishment, disguise the chocolate wrapper that your chocolate thief is probably so used to recognising and looking forward to by and wrap it around a CAROB BAR. that should teach him a lesson.

{Life of Dee} said...

woow..just found out that there's no mail adresses in Saudi. And shame for Saudi postman for such doing none other than stealing. In Indonesia, the government postal service is good, but we usually send/receive packages via private delivery companies :) I hope your post will make some better improvement, read by someone works in Saudi post office.

Affinity for Modesty said...

The Saudi postal service sucks. Take a look at this video from the Victorian era and I bet their service is much better than the Saudi postal service now :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHPl2RGSLFM

Unknown said...

As-salamu`alaykum, Layla

I've been following your blog for awhile and had read a lot of your amazing and fabulous posts! But this is the first commenting here :)

It really is very irritating, especially since it has been done more than once. The jerk needs to be taught a lesson.

Have you ever heard of a rich woman who always has her wallet stolen every time she goes out? One day, she brought with her a new wallet - it was stolen as usual. But this time she just laughed it off... cause inside the wallet was nothing except a piece of paper saying, "Congratulations on winning this wallet for free!" Just imagining the thief's disappointed face, she felt her heart at ease.

I think you should do something similar, ha-ha. How about ordering a poisonous chocolate? Something really nasty in a delicious form that will give him bellyache for days! That'll teach him a lesson! And I'm sure you'll feel a lot better.

But really, the service sucks... thanks for telling us this! Now I'm aware of this horrible monster, and will be extra careful if I ever get to live in Saudi. ;)

W'salaam~

Best regards, Khawla

Coolred38 said...

How about order chocolate laxitives a couple of times....I think they will learn real quick to stop tasting your chocolates. LOL

Layla said...

Lol that's not a bad idea at all Coolred!

Anonymous said...

I second salmiakki chocklate. Laxative in the coffee.

Anonymous said...

Dear Layla, I can assure you the Indian Post is not much better. I lost 12 sets of underwear (bra+undies)... And purchasing fitting underwear of my size and liking is simply impossible in rural areas where I worked. I do not know if there is DHL or similar servis in the KSA; usually it is more reliable than the regular, local, governmental servis (more expensive but you will get your items intact). When I was living in Asia, my sister used to shop for me, repack all items and send them by international parcel service. No direct shopping and sending to my Asian destinations! Use the language and actions the post servicemen would understand = ask your sister to pump some laxatives or inedible stuff into your parcel candies. I did ask MY sister... Claire

Geoff said...

I wanted to just type "idiot"...then decided that was childish and uncalled for. However, justifying a nations problems and issues by downplaying them and highlighting other another country's issues instead is foolish. It appears you wish Saudi had never found oil, and never gotten rich, which is a fair enough point, but hardly appropriate here, and by the way Saudi Arabia was never colonized! Again, I want to say "idiot" but I'll refrain. It also appears you still want women not only not driving, but forbidden from choosing. How strange, it works well in every other country...including other Islamic cultures. I lived in the states for 34 years and during that time have had my mail opened or stolen a total of 1 time. And people here don't know where everybody lives and works, just ask a paramedic. getting directions here is like pure guess work. People die while trying to find them. "Go to the building behind the McDonalds" Which McDonalds? "The one on the highway", which highway? "Turn right at the Mosque!!!!" OK. Think I'm kidding? I wish I were. The guys I work with have tried as many as a hundred times to get better addressing systems, and it always ends in nothing... OK, this time I will say it, you don't know what you're talking about...Idiot!

Unknown said...

I have ordered T-Shirts from USA (TOMMY HILFIGHER)from E-Bay and as per their records its delivred and till date (3 months from Order) not yet recieved. I have checked with Saudi Post but in no result. If you can guide whom to complain i will be thankful to you

With Regards
Mohammed Irfan

Anthony Castro said...

Saudi post does open the package and never even bother to seal it back. And I do symphatize with the author, everything she said is true judging from personal experience. I always order from dx.com, obostore and other stores who send parcels via hongkong post. I always receive the package already opened. I guess it is just a matter of time before something gets stolen.