Ordered something from China on Saturday.

I wish they did make billiard balls in the U. K. somewhere, Mr M. It would be a great day out for me, sir. :)

These were made in Xiamen, one of mainland China’s industrial port cities.

Really last thing I ordered was a weighted vest took around 6 weeks originally ordered from a sports company in Leeds apparently took time to clear customs,at first I thought they'd jipped me until they told me the gear was coming from China.

Hello, Denzil. :)

Indeed, sir. I’ve ordered several things from this same company in the past and it normally takes a few weeks for anything to arrive. I reckon on this occasion it was just a case of serendipitous good timing.

Import duty and handling fees are charged on anything over £18 but the Chinese are very flexible and will mark package value under £18 and as a gift if you ask them nicely.

Hard to believe it came from China. Did you order it from aliexpress?

You can of course get fast delivery from China but usually that has a massive price tag.

Is it possible the same product is available with other sellers for 10 pounds and the shop that sold you actually charged you 53 for shipping by including it in the product price?

Hello, Mr D. :)

Not from Aliexpress, sir, but they did originate from China. And the balls are worth every penny of £63 (much more in my view) so it genuinely was free postage.

As mentioned, I’ve ordered lots of stuff from the same company in the past and delivery usually takes several weeks. I think this time it was simply a case of extremely fortunate timing.

Best wishes.

I believe you. But to be very honest I don't.

The last three items I ordered from China haven't arrived yet. Already over a year has passed.

For you it would be interesting to see if they continue to do this in the future. Its possible they just started a warehouse in UK or Europe.

Thank you, Mr M. :)

It’s probably the most extensive and valuable billiard ball grouping in the United Kingdom, sir, but I know a few folks in America who have amassed truly fabulous collections which are two or three times the size!

Absolutely, sir. These recent finds from German manufacturer, Raschig, are worth at least four figures per set to us collectors. Crazy when one thinks about it.

Do you mean the Roman Numeral set pictured below, sir? Since we last chatted I have found two of these rare and desirable sets but, alas, both owners refused to sell at any price.

My initial valuation was about £300, but I might need to re-evaluate that figure sharply upwards given my recent experiences.

Folks who pay relatively big money for pool balls are few and far between, but I would certainly bite your hand off at £300 for this particular set.

Some Chinese manufacturers have tried to copy those Raschigs pictured above by the way. To be fair they did a damned good job, but not good enough to fool dedicated collectors. Once in my hand I would know within seconds if they were counterfeit. The trouble is, of course, is it can be rather tough to tell with an online listing.

Thank you so much for the link, dear fellow. Taking the time and trouble really is sincerely appreciated.

Alas, that particular set sold some time ago, sir. Those were called Romanique II from Hyatt and, although far more common than the Romanique I set of my picture, are still rare and desirable. Even in used condition, $175 was indeed a bargain.

Best wishes. :)

Good night, sir.