Robert Johnson's post on problems got me thinking. After my trip to Namibia and the aura of Africa wore off I noticed a few things that really didn't set well.
The taxidermy details are a real PITA to say the least. This is an area that your PH sure could help out more with.
Any others?

The worst thig for me was that the packaging costs and shipping costs could not be given in advance. All I heard was that it wouldn't be much and that kind of stuff. Then taxes my end were added and the list goes on.

I suppose what I'm getting at is that the costs of the shipping came to the same amount as the original day fees and trophy fees.

Rgds,
FB

A way to get a good idea is to find out what taxidermist your guy uses and send an email for a quote. This is never to the dollar but it will give you a semi-good idea. Our guys in SA that my clients go to have this service and it works out great so the final bill is not a shocker.

This is the least pleasant aspect of a safari.

I always try to get my clients to make plans for their taxidermy before they leave. Pick a taxidermist, explore price options for mounts and consider the length of time it will take to get items. Prepare for permits and always expect delays.

The dip, pack and particularly the shipping portion is always a problem, it closely costs typically what R/T airfare for a person will cost. So one needs to plan for that expense.

If you have a freight broker handle your crate once in the States your costs can rise another $600 or so for their services.

It is definitly not a cheap trip, ever. Most people will experience some sort of problem the more often you travel and decide to bring trophies home.

I have had horns stolen, two year shipping delays, slipped hides and freight hijacked by brokers looking to make a buck. In 2005 KZN decided baboons were endangered after the conclusion of my trip so the baboon I arrowed never made it back here yet I paid for the animal.

I've also had taxidermists let me down too.

Someday I won't bring anything back!

I have had a lot more trouble with taxidermists and tanneries than with the shippers. My shipping experience (2 large shipments to date) went off without a hitch other than the expense.

My experience with taxidermists (one in particular that I will never deal with again under any conditions) has been less than stellar. Tanneries are just as bad. I learned not to handle this myself as I had no relationship with the tannery. I finally relied on a great taxidermist for this and all has gone well.

Overall, there are "too many cooks in the kitchen" when it comes to shipping, tanneries and taxidermists. My next trip will be horns only and will attempt to get capes in the US via my taxidermist. Also, I discovered that several of the taxidermy supply companies offer a reproduction skull on which you can set your horns or antlers. I have swithed totally to this for European mounts as you can take your measurements of spread and configuration and leave the skull (which would need to be treated and bleached) behind. Saves on shipping. I have done this with antelope and mule deer and the reproduction skulls look great (and are cheaper and are easier to hang and are easier to dust).

My experience,
Two years ago I left from Italy with the suggestion of the owner of the shipping company about the taxidermist that he understood was the best and the most punctual and precise, Reiser Taxidermy in Breakwater near Windhoek, and the best correspondent shipping company, IFN, in Windhoek.
This year I used the same companies.
Two years ago I recived the shipment on the first days of January, I left Namibia at the mid of July.
this year I left Namibia on 18th of July, and I received a call by phone by Caggiano, the owner of the Italian shipping company, on last Friday. The trophy are already arrived.

Very important thing in Italy is the shipper that manage all the importation documents, cites included, as I think it is also in the other countries.

Conclusions: IMHO, choose a shipper very skilled in trophy management, speak with him and ask him which are the companies of the African country where you have choosed to hunt that work well with him, not only the shippers but also the taxidermist. He probably has reports about the taxidermist skill and the quality of his works.

Then, when possible, meet the managers of the companies, taxidermist and shipment, take agreement with them. For me it has functioned well.