In the last 12 years, I have bought 3 cars from Papera.com and in each case the transaction was smooth and efficient. The last such deal was about three years ago.

So when a relative asked me to help him import a car this year, I went to Papera....and gosh they have become bad.

First it took like a whole month to actually get the car in a ship. And to think that they had asked me to pay the full amount at one go in order to enjoy a special discount.... normally they ask 50% and balance to be paid after shipping.

All this time they replied to my emails simply saying that the car is, sijui, where and they will update me me as soon as it is in their workshop. And when I called, my account manager would not take my calls... He would ask the operator to tell me that he'll call back but never did!

His name is Jun Ehara - useless fellow, if you ask me!

Any way; finally they put the car in the ship but they don't tell me about it...until I asked for an up date that's when they say oh, we shipped it three days ago, the ship is expected in Mombasa in 20 days!

That sounded too fast for a ship - my experience is around 30 days...

So I assume they will send the B/L copy.... they don't so ask for it and in three minutes flat I get a reply with the damn thing! What were they waiting for.... They ask me to clear my balance so that the can send the original docs...

So I remind them that I paid the full amount upfront. "Oh, yes you did. We'll dispatch the docs in a couple of days"

That was two weeks ago, I still don't have a tracking number meaning they haven't sent the docs yet. Many emails in between asking for the docs have gone unanswered.

Now I'm seeing a situation where the car gets here before the docs!

I used to recommend this company but I will not do so any more.

@Mukiha. A sad one and I truly hope that you do not "receive air".

My fear is if they have actually shipped, leave alone Prepare the BL.

Anyway, Let us assume that they have shipped. .

At this Point, You need not await the Original BL. You need to ask for a Draft or Copy of the BL, Which they can send by email scan use same to track the Shipment. The BL shows the Carrier (Shipping Company) and you can track shipment as soon as you have it.Mostly, the BL will also show the Delivery agent in Kenya and with their Contacts, you are able to get all details that you require.

Your Clearing agent should assist with all.

All the best.

@Mukiha. I have not dealt with them lately, but I know that they can be a pain! I do not think that your Situation is too dire Though, At least you have the BL and you are sure the BL and you are sure the car is there, Miracles never cease with Asia.

You are right, The car cannot be cleared without the Originals unless you were Processed a "Telex Release BL" In which case Copies are acceptable. You may ask for that next time.

You have a bit of days for them to Courier but you can Contact the Shipping line that Issued the BL and they can help. Again I hope it is not those small Asian shipping lines. If it is Safmarine, MAERSK, MSC Lines etc utasaidika PAP.

Thanks @Prime. I have sent him a message but I doubt that he will agree to meet me...

Meanwhile: the idiots dispatched the original docs last week but never sent me the tracking number. I only found out this morning when I called to enquire about it...and they didn't even care to mention that Jun is in Kenya!

Then during the conversation, I find out that the ref number of my car is different from the one I was buying! Even the mileage on JEVIC cert is 6,000km higher.

I tell you the truth: I doubt if I will ever buy a car from Papera again! Neither will I ever recommend Papera to anyone again. There you are Wazuans, please be very careful when buying from papera.