Buyer beware if you're ordering DJI drones

I ordered a DJI Mini 4 Pro on December 14, 2024, and it was supposed to arrive by Christmas Eve. When it didn’t show up, I checked UPS tracking, and it was stuck in Hong Kong.

I called UPS, and they told me I needed to provide a Social Security Number and a harmonized tax code to clear customs. I gave them the info, but a week later, nothing changed. I called again, and UPS suggested filing a “lost/damaged” claim to speed things up. I did that on January 1, 2025, but still no movement.

In the meantime, I contacted DJI support multiple times. They just kept showing me screenshots of the UPS tracking page and saying it was on the way. After pushing for more answers, I was told I’d get a callback within 24 hours. That never happened.

Today, I finally got answers after contacting UPS and DJI for the fourth time. UPS said customs wouldn’t clear the package due to concerns about “forced labor.” DJI then informed me I wouldn’t be getting the package and offered a refund. They mentioned some customers tried reshipping their drones, but those were also seized.

Honestly, I don’t know who’s more to blame—UPS, DJI, or customs. What I do know is that the customer service from both UPS and DJI was terrible.

I’m sharing this to hopefully save someone else from going through this mess.

This is so frustrating. I canceled my DJI order after seeing posts like this and went through Adorama instead. Got my Air 3s and Avata 2 without any problems.

Dane said:
This is so frustrating. I canceled my DJI order after seeing posts like this and went through Adorama instead. Got my Air 3s and Avata 2 without any problems.

Adorama seems like the way to go right now. Most of these issues seem to happen when people order directly from DJI.

@Marlowe
Same here. When the Mavic 3 launched, I ordered directly from DJI, thinking I’d get it faster. Big mistake—people who ordered from Adorama and B&H got theirs weeks before mine even shipped.

@Marlowe
Amazon works too.

This sounds like a customs issue. DJI will likely make it right for you.

I sent my Mini 4 Pro for repairs without knowing about these issues. DJI quoted me $180 to fix it and shipped it back. Now it’s stuck in Illinois.

Azar said:
I sent my Mini 4 Pro for repairs without knowing about these issues. DJI quoted me $180 to fix it and shipped it back. Now it’s stuck in Illinois.

I’ve been debating whether to send mine in for repairs. Thanks for sharing this. My Mini 4 Pro has been acting weird lately, but now I’m thinking of just buying a backup instead of risking delays.

Weird. I ordered mine during the Black Friday sale and got it within two weeks. I’m in Southern California.

This isn’t DJI’s fault. It’s a result of politics and customs enforcement.

Mai said:
This isn’t DJI’s fault. It’s a result of politics and customs enforcement.

Exactly. This is Congress’s way of restricting DJI drones without officially banning them outright.

Mai said:
This isn’t DJI’s fault. It’s a result of politics and customs enforcement.

To be fair, the customs employees are just doing their jobs. The policies they’re enforcing come from higher up. Let’s not put all the blame on them.

@Derry
That’s true. It’s just frustrating to deal with the fallout.

I ordered a Mini 4 Pro from DJI in November, and it came through Atlanta without any issues. Seems like some customs offices are stricter than others.

Bran said:
I ordered a Mini 4 Pro from DJI in November, and it came through Atlanta without any issues. Seems like some customs offices are stricter than others.

I’d recommend buying refurbished through Best Buy. No customs hassle, and mine arrived in perfect condition.

Funny how iPhones aren’t being seized for the same reasons.

My son broke my Mini 3, and I’m thinking of picking up the Mini 4 bundle from Costco. Do you think the government could disable DJI drones entirely at some point? If so, I might skip it.

I’m in the same boat. Ordered in December, and it’s been sitting in Kentucky for weeks. Hoping UPS clears it soon, but I might just request a refund.

Tate said:
I’m in the same boat. Ordered in December, and it’s been sitting in Kentucky for weeks. Hoping UPS clears it soon, but I might just request a refund.

Same here. Mine’s stuck in Louisville. I’m getting a refund—it’s just not worth the hassle.

This might be connected to the upcoming drone ban. Watch this video for more info.