I have a customer in India. They needed a part quickly so I jumped on FedEx's highest level of service for just about next day delivery. That was 2/9. The package was sent with commercial invoice enclosed.

A mere 13 days later (9 after scheduled delivery), they requested additional customs documentation. By then I had called several times. I sent it immediately. Their email system spat back a four out of office notifications asking me to send it to the exact address I had sent it to instead of four addresses I had not sent to. Brilliant configuring there guys. I call to verify it was received. They apparently aren't open at the same time as their India office so they send a notice and assure me it was.

Time passes. After 10 calls, each asking about the status of the package and four promising a return call from a representative they tell me that "The tracking number was never activated so the documents were not received. You'll have to send them again." It is now 17 days past the delivery date or 325% overdue with many promises and no deliveries.

So: 1) Does anyone have a better option than FedEx to India? (DHL a possibility but they were slower)

2) Similar experiences?

3) Any tips for getting my package actually delivered?

4) What the hell can you do about customer service like this? Is this just a "suck it up entrepreneurboy, you know it's a tough world" situation?

The invoice is due in 8 days and they refuse to even allow a shipping claim (which I expect they will try to deny) until the package is delivered.