Receiving Parcels at Marinas

[CaptTom]

I wonder if part of the problem here is expecting this to be a (free!) service.

Anytime I'm going to do something like this, I've asked in advance, in the same respectful tone I'd use asking anyone a favor they are well within their rights to decline. And, if they said they weren't able to help me out, for whatever reason, I'd be OK with that, and leave on good terms.

In my experience almost every marina (or other business) I've approached this way will do what they can to help out. Marinas especially tend to go out of their way. I can't count the times I've been offered the dockmaster's personal vehicle to run an errand. I'd only accept an offer like that if there were no other way, but that's the sort of thing most will do.

But demanding customers with an attitude of entitlement get a very different reception. I'm NOT saying Charlie is one of those. It could be there are just enough of that type there that the marina has to take a hard line with everyone.

[Rjt]

I’ve stayed I over a dozen Marinas and had parcels delivered. Biggest was solar panels. They have all been happy enough to do it. As a liveaboard I believe it’s not a favour, it’s often why I’m paying marina fees. If I wasn’t receiving parts for a repair, I wouldn’t be there.
Pallets are different. Freight companies often want a forklift to unload the pallet. Not all marinas have one. But when deliveries have been lost, misplaced or taken by another, the marinas don’t accept responsibility. I can live with that.

[01kiwijohn]

Originally Posted by charliepsycho

I just had a Marina in the UK refuse to accept parcels for me. This struck me as odd, I had assumed it was part of the service (and it has never been a problem at past marinas!) There are quite a few liveaboards in this marina.

What has your experience been with this kind of thing?

Many thanks...
...(c)

Did you think to ask them about this shipment ahead of time?

[Simi 60]

In Australia we have this and its free
Just change addresses as you move around the coastline.
I've had many large, heavy bulky items delivered, very rarely an issue.

https://auspost.com.au/receiving/alt...for-deliveries

[Fore and Aft]

Everyones missed that the OP is Charliepsycho. I am imagining a short red headed bloke that has gone full postal in the marina office and is now going above the marina managers head to try and make them provide a service that can be hassle for them.
I bet the marina manager is marking his calendar until April 1st and then goodbye Charliepsycho.
Hell imagine if they stop all marina mail, it won't just be the marina manager untying your lines on April 1st!
Cheers

[JPA Cate]

Some marinas are more obliging than others, but if you ask nicely, and let them know what is coming, so they know what to look for, we've never been refused.

On the other hand, if the OP were known for abusing the staff in any way, I could understand how they might make life difficult for him.

Ann

[charliepsycho]

Ah, people must think I'm the mad bloke that goes postal!

Given the current coronavirus situation this marina has essentially gone into lock down, so parcels are the least of the problem! Rest assured though I have always called ahead to the marina for anything larger than a jiffy bag, this though is not apparently good enough, parcels will no longer be accepted at Quay Marinas in Portishead (UK)

The head office has gone very quiet, so I shall take the traditional English approach, reinforce my stiff upper lip and not use the post at the marina ever again (and look for a new Marina after the lock-down, probably in Plymouth)

[Fore and Aft]

PsychoCharlie there is another thing Poms are famous for down under.
https://www.urbandictionary.com/defi...Whinging%20Pom
Cheers