While out shoveling snow following a recent snowstorm, the postman pulled up to the house and hopped out of his truck. In his hand was the bright orange package shown above. Fumbling with his handheld device to scan the package as delivered, we briefly discussed the present condition of the package as I put shovel aside and removed my gloves. Seeing that one end was badly crushed and the box warped, the postman wanted to make clear that this particular package was a "last mile" delivery. That is, another shipper is responsible for shipping to the "last mile" at which time the USPS takes over for final delivery to the address. Not recalling the contents of this package, I remarked that I hoped the contents fared better than the packing container. He smiled and said, "yeah, me too."
Imagine my disappointment when I opened the box to reveal the contents. Inside was a badly mauled boardgame. There was no protective packing material and the shipping box, itself, was rather flimsy without rigidity. The game box showed a broken spine with severe bending or warping. This game had a rough journey. Given Manassas is a relatively rare commodity, I was crestfallen at my loss.
Since the purchase was from eBay and I felt the care in packing was insufficient to protect the shipment of goods, I requested a return. Photos and explanation of the shipping damage were sent and the seller promptly replied. After apologizing for the damage, he offered to accept a return. A shipping label was sent. Within an hour of receiving the shipping label, another email from the seller arrived into my Inbox. Rather than refund my total purchase price and pay for return shipping, he suggested I keep the game in its current state while refunding my purchase. I accepted!
While the game box was badly damaged in transit, the game's components were still in undamaged condition. I applaud the seller for his quick and satisfactory resolution.
Worked out well in the end!
ReplyDeleteDespite a badly damaged box, yes!
DeleteUnfortunate experience but a good recovery from the seller!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Very accommodating seller.
DeleteWow what an exceptionally honest and fair minded seller - if that had been a company they would have doubtless told you they had to investigate it with their courier company and then tried to lodge a claim, whereupon, after a period of days investigating the query and the subsequent claim, the courier company would have rejected the claim as the goods were insufficiently packaged - by now three of four weeks (at least) would have elapsed.....can you tell I work in the courier industry?? :)
ReplyDeleteYes, a good resolution from the seller. Had I filed a claim with eBay, my purchase would have been refunded nonetheless without much hassle.
DeleteSort of improvised happy ending, but well done. Considering the weather, it's surprising the game inside wasn't soaked through. It's sad when we have to console ourselves with how much worse things might have been - another reminder to me to continue to run down my eBay involvement!
ReplyDeleteIndeed! An improvised happy ending, for sure. While I would have preferred the box to arrive in its stated mint condition, I am ok with the end result.
DeleteNow that my state levies State/City Sales Tax (almost 9%) against internet purchases (only one of three states to do so), my eBay purchases may be reduced too.
Ouch!! But nice ending....
ReplyDeleteIndeed!
DeleteAlways discouraging to turn that rush of opening a just-arrived hobby parcel into a negative. Still, a good result in the end. I have to say that if items in my game collection reflected the vintage of their owner, Dorian-Gray like, most of my boxes would be this battered :)
ReplyDeleteDiscouraging, for sure, but a result I am at peace with.
DeleteWell done by the seller in the end. Never nice to see something in that kind of condition though!
ReplyDeleteRight on both counts, Aaron!
DeleteShame about the damage but worked out fine at the end. That seller deserves a medal!
ReplyDeleteGood response from the seller, for sure but more care in packing may have prevented this entire episode.
DeleteDespite of the bad packaging the responce of the seller was a 5star rating!
ReplyDeleteI agree! The resolution was admirable.
DeleteI have had similar issues with less desirable outcomes. I think my favorite was getting just the shipping label in an envelope from the USPS indicating they had lost the rest of the package...
ReplyDeleteThat is a classic! I am sure it was not so funny to receive the label only but I am laughing...
DeleteA wrongful outcome Jonathan. Nice to know there are still some honourable traders out there.
ReplyDeleteHonorable traders still exist! I really should mention that this sort of result is a rarity. Most packages come through unscathed. I am reporting by exception only.
DeleteThat's actually a real shame, avoidable and a real shame.
ReplyDeleteAs an aside - Fox's Gap has just hit the table, will do some opening moves tomorrow.
A shame to see such damage, for sure. At least the components are intact.
DeleteI look forward to seeing Fox Gap on your table. Are you playing on the 6x5 grid and solo?
I am going 6x6 because my tiles are fixed at 3 hexes deep. I am putting the extra row on the Confederate baseline, so behind the ridge. It is being played solo.
ReplyDeleteThat will provide the Rebels with a bit of breathing room behind their lines.
DeleteAs others have said, it was good that the supplier stepped up. The standard of courier services seems to be slipping here in Australia, especially with Australia Post who seem determined to go with the cheapest sub-contractor no matter the consequences. They started down this path ten years ago and ended up replacing my regular delivery guy, who was excellent, with another contractor for a saving of only a few dollars a month. They new guy realised he would still get paid for not actually delivering the parcel but for placing a collection slip in the post box. They must have had a new contractor every six months or so since then. Very frustrating!
ReplyDeleteIt was very good that the seller took responsibility for the mishap. He gets kudos for that.
DeleteIn general, service does not seem to be what it once was. Perhaps we are just getting old?
Those pics are almost physically painful...
ReplyDeleteYep!
DeleteA tale that supports the good nature of the people in the gaming world. 😀
ReplyDeleteSo true, Stew!
DeleteThat was one sorry looking package Jon, fortunately at least partially redeemed by the sterling conduct of the seller!
ReplyDeleteSorry looking, indeed! At least the contents are still in good shape.
DeleteThat's a pity! though you can still use undamaged game components. (small consolation)
ReplyDeleteThe seller acts responsive, that is always great.
A pity, for sure. At least the resolution to this mishap was satisfactory.
DeleteWhile unfortunate in the beginning I think it worked out to your advantage in the end so a good result.
ReplyDeleteChristopher
I agree but the box is still a bloody mess.
Delete