Bad Packaging Jobs - Shipping issues - Why???

[firemonkey66]

I recently purchased a lot of 5 books off of ebay and when it arrived I was shocked at how shoddy the packaging was. The seller had half-assedly constructed his own box by cutting one box down and then taping it together with loose pieces of cardboard to make a smaller box. The first thing that jumped to my mind when I saw it was that it was a Franken-box. I half-expected an angry group of pitchfork-wielding villagers to come busting into my apartment to slay the monstrous package. There was a big tear down one edge of it that I could easily see the books through and inside of the Franken-box the books were tossed in loose and unprotected except for 2 blocks of coarse foam to take up the small amount of extra space. Did the seller really pack those books up, slap a shipping label on it, and think to himself 'yup, I've done a good job here?' Unbelievable.

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t641/firemonkey66/badpacking51_zpssa8bbeow.jpg
http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t641/firemonkey66/BadPackaging3_zpsd177afti.jpg

I also bought a 1st edition copy of IT off of ebay recently and it came loose in a box wrapped in a single layer of tissue paper. Oh ya, that's going to protect this book from damage when the mailman literally throws the package in the back of his truck and then drops a heavy-ass box full of steel plates or something on top of it. I think this seller should take my money and invest it into his brilliant 'single-sheet-tissue-paper-protection' idea. Maybe a tissue paper airbag system for cars? How about tissue paper football helmets?

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t641/firemonkey66/BadPackaging4_zpsu81gdu9y.jpg

Anybody else have any funny, but not funny at the same time bad packaging stories?

[webstar1000]

Ask anyone here that has gotten anything from me... I GO ABOVE the call... I make my packing so good it could literally fall out of the plane, be found, dropped back in the mail, and delivered the way I sent it. I can't stand lazy people and poor packing!

[Pasiuk57]

The biggest culprits I find are from Europe as they think the thin box they use will survive our postal people...nope...
The envelope, thin box may work in Europe but not here...

[Niels]

I've never seen a package delivered damaged inside the Netherlands!

All damaged packages are from abroad! Any reason why?

[WeDealInLead]

No specific seller but I've had some bad experiences with items I bought through eBay's Global Shipping Program. I'm not sure if the sellers were unaware of this, but GPS warehouse workers repack their books etc. they way they see fit. Often that means they'll throw in a few air pillows/packets in the box and remove your packing materials. Last two books I received arrived with three air packets on top of the book and nothing else. Last LP record I received was put back into its sleeve (proper way is on the outside of the DJ in its paper sleeve to avoid ring wear) and corner reinforcement removed.

In most cases the books are packed safely but I don't think I'd trust someone else to pack my books for me. I understand that international shipping is a hassle but the seller is still responsible if the book gets damaged.

[jsweet]

It is way too common,you're right. I'm very careful to pack everything I sell in order to protect it. Then to receive a total crap job on an expensive book. I have offered the feedback several times to eBay that I would love to see an individual rating for packing of the item -- it's probably the most important thing to me after "item as described"

[jsweet]

No specific seller but I've had some bad experiences with items I bought through eBay's Global Shipping Program. I'm not sure if the sellers were unaware of this, but GPS warehouse workers repack their books etc. they way they see fit. Often that means they'll throw in a few air pillows/packets in the box and remove your packing materials. Last two books I received arrived with three air packets on top of the book and nothing else. Last LP record I received was put back into its sleeve (proper way is on the outside of the DJ in its paper sleeve to avoid ring wear) and corner reinforcement removed.

In most cases the books are packed safely but I don't think I'd trust someone else to pack my books for me. I understand that international shipping is a hassle but the seller is still responsible if the book gets damaged.

And thanks for this info. I had no idea that was the case and have sold several items through the GSP. Will have to keep that in mind...

[Randall Flagg]

I received books that were very poorly packaged but somehow survived unharmed, but more often than not, lousy packaging results in damaged books.
This seller wrapped two books in a brown paper shopping bag. This is how it arrived at my door, and the resulting damage:

http://www.thedarktower.org/custom/images/1449866602-Bad%20packaging.JPG


http://www.thedarktower.org/custom/images/1449866612-Damaged%20books..JPG

[RC65]

firemonkey, you're lucky you got a box...there're far too many shortsighted and lazy sellers out there that'll be throw a book in a manila paper envelope -- or a slightly thicker Priority Mail one, if they're feeling ambitious -- without any further protection, and call it good. Fortunately, they tend to be more the exception than the rule, but I'm still surprised (and disappointed and frustrated and angered and...) when I receive one.

[Shannon]

Not books, but packaging related. Bought a Buzz Lightyear off of eBay for Rose for Christmas. In the box, not loose. The toy box is maybe a foot tall, six to eight inches wide, a few inches deep. A week or so later I get a package at my doorstep.

This box that came was a box that previously held a nightstand. It was fucking gigantic. I open the box ... and all that is in there ... is the toy.

Blew my mind.

[becca69]

I had a bookstore send me a signed book in one of those envelopes with the weird insulation looking stuff inside. When I received the package it was completely ripped open down one side with the insulation stuff hanging out and no book to be found. That was probably the worst.

Second worst was when I received a box from Spain with the Spanish ASOIAF books with very delicate translucent dust jackets. The seller (who owns a book store) just placed 4 books in a box that was exactly the size of the 4 books with no padding or wrapping what so ever. All of the dust jackets were badly damaged.

[firemonkey66]

I received books that were very poorly packaged but somehow survived unharmed, but more often than not, lousy packaging results in damaged books.
This seller wrapped two books in a brown paper shopping bag. This is how it arrived at my door, and the resulting damage:

http://www.thedarktower.org/custom/images/1449866602-Bad%20packaging.JPG

http://www.thedarktower.org/custom/images/1449866612-Damaged%20books..JPG

Holy shit, this one is baaad. Brown paper as a box? yikes.

[firemonkey66]

I had a bookstore send me a signed book in one of those envelopes with the weird insulation looking stuff inside. When I received the package it was completely ripped open down one side with the insulation stuff hanging out and no book to be found. That was probably the worst.

Second worst was when I received a box from Spain with the Spanish ASOIAF books with very delicate translucent dust jackets. The seller (who owns a book store) just placed 4 books in a box that was exactly the size of the 4 books with no padding or wrapping what so ever. All of the dust jackets were badly damaged.

The seller owned a bookstore and shipped them like that? Maybe his store specializes in damaged books...

[dnemec]

What pisses me off more than anything is when I tell them: "I will pay more if you package it well." I get the "not necessary" reply and the promise of good packing, and it arrives in a poorly packaged box. Why?

[Sovereign]

I prefer to weld a steel frame for all of my shipments. In all seriousness though, I've received lots of shipments in first class unpadded envelopes, and they arrived fine. That said, what I believe made the difference was the book itself being tightly bubble-wrapped. So in my experience the wrapping of the book itself, and not the box/envelope used is most important.

[herbertwest]

French publishers usually send me books in padded enveloppes. I once recieved a french proof of BLAZE whose envelopped had been damaged with a cutter blade or somehting similar. The book has that same problem, but to this day this is the only french proof of this book that I know of :-(

[becca69]

I had a bookstore send me a signed book in one of those envelopes with the weird insulation looking stuff inside. When I received the package it was completely ripped open down one side with the insulation stuff hanging out and no book to be found. That was probably the worst.

Second worst was when I received a box from Spain with the Spanish ASOIAF books with very delicate translucent dust jackets. The seller (who owns a book store) just placed 4 books in a box that was exactly the size of the 4 books with no padding or wrapping what so ever. All of the dust jackets were badly damaged.

The seller owned a bookstore and shipped them like that? Maybe his store specializes in damaged books...

Haha. Well they did end up shipping out a new one and in a box.

[Cook]

I received books that were very poorly packaged but somehow survived unharmed, but more often than not, lousy packaging results in damaged books.
This seller wrapped two books in a brown paper shopping bag. This is how it arrived at my door, and the resulting damage:

http://www.thedarktower.org/custom/images/1449866602-Bad%20packaging.JPG


http://www.thedarktower.org/custom/images/1449866612-Damaged%20books..JPG

One good thing.. at least they weren't signed limiteds :|

[skyofcrack]

There's nothing wrong with cutting down a box to make it smaller as long as you wrap it properly.

[WeDealInLead]

This is exactly what I was talking about re: GSP. I bought this Neil Gaiman book on December 5th: http://www.ebay.com/itm/252200233148?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT Book was $20, shipping was $15.23, import charges on a $20 book were $6.53. That is a whole different issues but it does reinforce my theory that these import charges are arbitrary/ridiculous etc.

Professionals at the GPS warehouse thought a bubble envelope was sufficient:
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h309/abouttosnap1/gsp%20001_zpsryydsgdk.jpg

Kick me while I'm down, will ya? No cardboard to protect the book:
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h309/abouttosnap1/gsp%20002_zpsnaa785nb.jpg

[Br!an]

I ordered two copies of The Bizarre of Bad Dreams from Amazon.co.uk.

They shipped the books side by side unprotected in a cardboard "box". The package arrived crushed. Both books are now reading copies.

I filed a claim and they sent me two more books packaged the same way!

Out of four books I now have one NF copy and three reading copies.

Why would anyone ship books that way? Especially the world largest bookseller!

I'm tempted to file a return for these two also. I really wanted two nice books not four crappy books.

[DanHocker]

I recently purchased a lot of 5 books off of ebay and when it arrived I was shocked at how shoddy the packaging was. The seller had half-assedly constructed his own box by cutting one box down and then taping it together with loose pieces of cardboard to make a smaller box. The first thing that jumped to my mind when I saw it was that it was a Franken-box. I half-expected an angry group of pitchfork-wielding villagers to come busting into my apartment to slay the monstrous package. There was a big tear down one edge of it that I could easily see the books through and inside of the Franken-box the books were tossed in loose and unprotected except for 2 blocks of coarse foam to take up the small amount of extra space. Did the seller really pack those books up, slap a shipping label on it, and think to himself 'yup, I've done a good job here?' Unbelievable.

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t641/firemonkey66/badpacking51_zpssa8bbeow.jpg
http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t641/firemonkey66/BadPackaging3_zpsd177afti.jpg

I also bought a 1st edition copy of IT off of ebay recently and it came loose in a box wrapped in a single layer of tissue paper. Oh ya, that's going to protect this book from damage when the mailman literally throws the package in the back of his truck and then drops a heavy-ass box full of steel plates or something on top of it. I think this seller should take my money and invest it into his brilliant 'single-sheet-tissue-paper-protection' idea. Maybe a tissue paper airbag system for cars? How about tissue paper football helmets?

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t641/firemonkey66/BadPackaging4_zpsu81gdu9y.jpg

Anybody else have any funny, but not funny at the same time bad packaging stories?

I think it's great that you called it a Fraken-box. I have a thing I do here where I make a new box out of two boxes and have called them Fraken-boxes for years. Granted the final result is nothing like that. Amazon and Ebay are the biggest culprits of shoddy packaging. Amazon because they are in love with those inflatable air bags, which if the box is over 5lbs will just pop leaving the books with no packaging. Ebay because most sellers don't see books as collectibles and have the mentality of "Who cares if it has a dinged corner, you can still read it"

[zelig]

I ordered two copies of The Bizarre of Bad Dreams from Amazon.co.uk.

They shipped the books side by side unprotected in a cardboard "box". The package arrived crushed. Both books are now reading copies.

I filed a claim and they sent me two more books packaged the same way!

Out of four books I now have one NF copy and three reading copies.

Why would anyone ship books that way? Especially the world largest bookseller!

I'm tempted to file a return for these two also. I really wanted two nice books not four crappy books.

Same thing happened to me. Replacement copy was also dinged. I'm not going to get new UK releases from them anymore. With Amazon's volume I would imagine they just package in a way that is most economical and fastest.

[Room 217 Caretaker]

I've had the same issue recently except my book was purchased from an Ebay auction and seller drop shipped from Amazon. A new fad on EBay. I wish EBay would make the seller announce if the item is drop shipped or in hand.

Mulleins

[dnemec]

I have decided that my local post office has mounted a conspiracy against me. I am forever getting damaged boxes, but I blamed it on just usual USPS crap. Today I got this envelope from Chris (CWalker). He did a great job of putting lots of extra cardboard inside to protect the contents (it was an FK broadside).

And still, I get this:

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg592/TacCommE21/priority20envelope.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/user/TacCommE21/media/priority20envelope.jpg.html)

I swear they are doing it on purpose! Don't bend, just mangle, run over, and beat it to hell. *sigh*

[firemonkey66]

I have decided that my local post office has mounted a conspiracy against me. I am forever getting damaged boxes, but I blamed it on just usual USPS crap. Today I got this envelope from Chris (CWalker). He did a great job of putting lots of extra cardboard inside to protect the contents (it was an FK broadside).

And still, I get this:

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg592/TacCommE21/priority20envelope.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/user/TacCommE21/media/priority20envelope.jpg.html)

I swear they are doing it on purpose! Don't bend, just mangle, run over, and beat it to hell. *sigh*

Shit, I don't even understand how a package could get that dirty in the hands of the USPS. I would start to suspect it was purposeful too.

[Br!an]

Is that a tire mark? :wtf:

[zelig]

Is that a tire mark? :wtf:

That's what I was thinking. Could be it dropped on the floor and a mail cart or something was pushed over it. Kinda looks like that.

[firemonkey66]

Is that a tire mark? :wtf:

That's what I was thinking. Could be it dropped on the floor and a mail cart or something was pushed over it. Kinda looks like that.

Haha, it does look like that! And the cart that was pushed over it had apparently just been pushed down a dirt road after some rain.

[jhanic]

I would take that to your local Post Office and ask to speak to the manager and file a complaint. I don't know if that would do much good, but it should be brought to their attention. There's no excuse for that.

John

[zelig]

Well, in fairness to the mail guys, it only says "Do Not Bend." I don't see anything on the package saying "Do Not Ride Over With Dirty Mail Cart."

[Priest]

..

[Priest]

I ordered two copies of The Bizarre of Bad Dreams from Amazon.co.uk.

They shipped the books side by side unprotected in a cardboard "box". The package arrived crushed. Both books are now reading copies.

I filed a claim and they sent me two more books packaged the same way!

Out of four books I now have one NF copy and three reading copies.

Why would anyone ship books that way? Especially the world largest bookseller!

I'm tempted to file a return for these two also. I really wanted two nice books not four crappy books.

Happens to me with Dr sleep ,

First was shrink wrapped with a second book so hard , the jacked was teared in three parts , loose in a box.

Seconds they send, just loose in a way to big box.

Third they send had black finger prints all over the spine.

Bought one at betts then - that was great



Well, in fairness to the mail guys, it only says "Do Not Bend." I don't see anything on the package saying "Do Not Ride Over With Dirty Mail Cart."

Had the same thought :)
Would be funny if it wouldn't be so sad

How does it look from the inside ?
Did it make it?

[Cwalker]

.
I have decided that my local post office has mounted a conspiracy against me. I am forever getting damaged boxes, but I blamed it on just usual USPS crap. Today I got this envelope from Chris (CWalker). He did a great job of putting lots of extra cardboard inside to protect the contents (it was an FK broadside).

And still, I get this:

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg592/TacCommE21/priority20envelope.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/user/TacCommE21/media/priority20envelope.jpg.html)

I swear they are doing it on purpose! Don't bend, just mangle, run over, and beat it to hell. *sigh*


So I stopped by the post office this morning, picture in hand. The guy agreed that this was not good. After some discussion, i took a Claim Report, just in case.
He was very helpful but did say one thing that caught my attention. He said "just because you write Do Not Bend on it dosen't mean it will receive special handeling". I half-joked back "so should I have written Do Not Run Over With A Friggin' Car?"
Silence...
Anyways...
Dez, if the broadside is "only" bent/curved and you want to try to flatten it, and you are okay with the results, then we will call it good. If it is "folded/creased" then I will really want to file a claim and get a fresh copy to you.

[Randall Flagg]

This is what the postal service delivered today:

http://www.thedarktower.org/custom/images/1452628335-COTW%20damaged%20box.jpg

[wolfehr]

This is my favorite personal experience with receiving items in less than perfect condition, courtesy of USPS. It started its journey has a small paperback magazine (Carnage #2 from Centipede Press).

http://i.imgur.com/Gr9kFE5m.jpg http://i.imgur.com/3wTHEOzm.jpg

[Sir_Boomme]

wanna talk about bad packaging jobs... I once put a G-string on backwards.

[neo_trinity]

wanna talk about bad packaging jobs... I once put a G-string on backwards.

Only once? I would of thought you liked Nick Fury from S.H.I.E.L.D.

[Sir_Boomme]

wanna talk about bad packaging jobs... I once put a G-string on backwards.

Only once? I would of thought you liked Nick Fury from S.H.I.E.L.D.

sad thing is... it actually fit better that way. :(

[Tommy]

The lady working at my local PO told me that with Media Mail, inspections (i.e. your package getting ripped open) happen fairly often mainly just to make sure it is only a book being shipped (because of the very specific rules for MM). I've had three or four show up with holes punched in the top and sides before as well. Luckily no real damage to any books so far. Anyone here that has bought from me knows that I compensate for this by always having bigger-than-necessary boxes and plenty of packing material inside. :)

[dnemec]

I don't think I've ever talked about it here, but I once received a very neatly cut off label from a box of audiobooks that I sent out with one of those "We Care" bags. Subsequently, I was told that my box was in limbo in Kentucky and there was no way to retrieve it. I was just like: no shit...I am holding the damn label! And it was obviously cut - perfectly straight lines directly through the middle of the tape. You have to wonder what the hell they are up to at USPS!

[jsmcmullen92]

I don't think I've ever talked about it here, but I once received a very neatly cut off label from a box of audiobooks that I sent out with one of those "We Care" bags. Subsequently, I was told that my box was in limbo in Kentucky and there was no way to retrieve it. I was just like: no shit...I am holding the damn label! And it was obviously cut - perfectly straight lines directly through the middle of the tape. You have to wonder what the hell they are up to at USPS!

Well they open and decide they like you item. Just send along the label to say thanks for your business.I have never heard of another business model like there's.
Here please pay me $10 to send this one book just up state, oh and if you want to make sure I do it, please pay $20 more to insure the package to make sure that I actually do what you paid me to do. Oops I dropped it off the truck and ran over it... but you cannot prove that it was me so I am not going to give you the $500 you insured it for. Thanks for $30 see you next week :)

[dnemec]

I don't think I've ever talked about it here, but I once received a very neatly cut off label from a box of audiobooks that I sent out with one of those "We Care" bags. Subsequently, I was told that my box was in limbo in Kentucky and there was no way to retrieve it. I was just like: no shit...I am holding the damn label! And it was obviously cut - perfectly straight lines directly through the middle of the tape. You have to wonder what the hell they are up to at USPS!

Well they open and decide they like you item. Just send along the label to say thanks for your business.I have never heard of another business model like there's.
Here please pay me $10 to send this one book just up state, oh and if you want to make sure I do it, please pay $20 more to insure the package to make sure that I actually do what you paid me to do. Oops I dropped it off the truck and ran over it... but you cannot prove that it was me so I am not going to give you the $500 you insured it for. Thanks for $30 see you next week :)

So true! :wtf:

[jsmcmullen92]

I am so confused... I live in Austin TX. :wtf:

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/775/medium/wtf.JPG

[zelig]

Like Joel Coen said, "It's a fool that looks for logic in the chambers of the heart." You can probably say the same thing for USPS media mail. BTW, not calling you a fool of course, I just thought that was appropriate for the trip that package has been on. :smile:

[firemonkey66]

I am so confused... I live in Austin TX. :wtf:

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/775/medium/wtf.JPG

Apparently USPS doesn't want to be early to the party. Arrives at the 'destination facility,' looks at watch and tells whoever's driving to circle the block to waste time, which turns into a detour through Albuquerque. It totally makes sense in a really really stupid friggen way.

[CurtSeattle]

Same issues!!!

1. Week before Xmas, I get my neighbors package so I walk over and drop it off on his doorstep and I see a package on his doorstep already, so I check (just in case) and....MY package on his doorstep. Later that day a neighbor from a block away walked up and HE also had a package that was mine??!?!?? I complained and Post Office said they would call/send survey and NOTHING.

2. I see the UPS trucks easily from window when they drive up and can see right inside open doors and I see them toss the boxes from the back to the front if there are more than one EVERY time.

3. Other weird thing is the "I will wrap it like it's a tissue baby" shippers. It does NOT help to wrap the book in paper and tape it and then plastic and tape it and then wrap it all in duct tape and then box it and duct tape that whole thing. It takes 10 minutes to just get the cutting going without risking damaging the book while opening the packaging. sheesh!!! :)

[AstroDad]

oh, we are complaining about USPS? Here is one...when I called (about two weeks in) they claimed it had a bad zip code on it and someone would look at it and verify the correct zip. Finally got it about 3 weeks after that phone call and a week after the last date on this picture...zip code was correct and perfectly legible.

http://i.imgur.com/I4zblvc.jpg

[jsmcmullen92]

HAHAHAHAH yours was stuck in the limbo of Houston. How did you call them? did you just use the 1-800 number or did you find the number for the specific plant?

My package is now in Boulder CO... Maybe I need to call the driver and tell him he has his compass pointed the wrong way.

[AstroDad]

I believe I just called the 800 number. My guess is that the person who originally inputted the data for the address in their system (or the optical recognition software if they use that) miskeyed the zip originally so when it was scanned it came up with a different zip than where it was and was automatically routed back. Still took way to long for someone with a brain to step in and fix it and the person I got when I called claimed to not be able to do anything about it, just had to let the system work it out.

[dnemec]

I believe I just called the 800 number. My guess is that the person who originally inputted the data for the address in their system (or the optical recognition software if they use that) miskeyed the zip originally so when it was scanned it came up with a different zip than where it was and was automatically routed back. Still took way to long for someone with a brain to step in and fix it and the person I got when I called claimed to not be able to do anything about it, just had to let the system work it out.

You're lucky there was someone with a brain around. I'm fairly certain that is a scarcity in the post office!

[jsmcmullen92]

I believe I just called the 800 number. My guess is that the person who originally inputted the data for the address in their system (or the optical recognition software if they use that) miskeyed the zip originally so when it was scanned it came up with a different zip than where it was and was automatically routed back. Still took way to long for someone with a brain to step in and fix it and the person I got when I called claimed to not be able to do anything about it, just had to let the system work it out.

You're lucky there was someone with a brain around. I'm fairly certain that is a scarcity in the post office!

Just one person with a brain is good enough for government work.

[jsweet]

Realize this is not quite on topic, but such a weird story I have to share:

Sold a book on eBay in December. Tracking showed it arrived, buyer said they never got it. It was only $20, so I just refunded rather than argue with them.
So, today it came back marked return to sender. Box had been opened and retaped. Still wrapped in my bubble wrap but probably resealed as Dust jacket was now on upside down and backwards. Instead of the peanuts I packed it in, the box was packed with newspaper -- from what seemed to be some sort of shopper in Washington. D.C. -- even though the package was sent to Texas (and supposedly delivered there).

So I wonder just where my little book went on its adventure ... :confused:

[firemonkey66]

Realize this is not quite on topic, but such a weird story I have to share:

Sold a book on eBay in December. Tracking showed it arrived, buyer said they never got it. It was only $20, so I just refunded rather than argue with them.
So, today it came back marked return to sender. Box had been opened and retaped. Still wrapped in my bubble wrap but probably resealed as Dust jacket was now on upside down and backwards. Instead of the peanuts I packed it in, the box was packed with newspaper -- from what seemed to be some sort of shopper in Washington. D.C. -- even though the package was sent to Texas (and supposedly delivered there).

So I wonder just where my little book went on its adventure ... :confused:

That's pretty awesome that you got it back! Packaged a bit different, dust jacket on wrong, but at least it didn't get committed to the USPS void.

[Patrick]

Now that is a strange story.

[jsweet]

Now that is a strange story.

Yeah, it just seemed so strange that somebody obviously took the time to open it, examine it and then repackage it. If it somehow got delivered to the wrong person -- which seemed to be what the postal clerk thought from what she could tell -- did they open it and decide it wasn't worth keeping? I guess I should be happy I got it back, but just weird

[Patrick]

Now that is a strange story.

Yeah, it just seemed so strange that somebody obviously took the time to open it, examine it and then repackage it. If it somehow got delivered to the wrong person -- which seemed to be what the postal clerk thought from what she could tell -- did they open it and decide it wasn't worth keeping? I guess I should be happy I got it back, but just weird
Perhaps the erroneous recipient chose to read the book prior to repackaging and returning it?

[dnemec]

Have a new low to share from my local post office. It was raining all day on Thursday. My mailbox lets in a little water, so when I saw the mailman, I immediately ran out to get the package. He was a few doors down, so the mail wasn't in my box for more than 5 minutes. Regardless, as the book was on it's side, no way this happened in my little mailbox:

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg592/TacCommE21/Dezs%20Other%20Stuff/HIA%20proof%201.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/user/TacCommE21/media/Dezs%20Other%20Stuff/HIA%20proof%201.jpg.html)


http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg592/TacCommE21/Dezs%20Other%20Stuff/HIA%20proof%203.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/user/TacCommE21/media/Dezs%20Other%20Stuff/HIA%20proof%203.jpg.html)

The idiot driver must have had it sitting in a tub of water. Luckily, the guy that sent it put several layers of bubble wrap around the proof, so it arrived as advertised. I was FURIOUS though. I am now keeping a file.

[Dan]

This is why I always ship books in taped bags. Not fool proof, but helps.

[Cwalker]

Have a new low to share from my local post office. It was raining all day on Thursday. My mailbox lets in a little water, so when I saw the mailman, I immediately ran out to get the package. He was a few doors down, so the mail wasn't in my box for more than 5 minutes. Regardless, as the book was on it's side, no way this happened in my little mailbox:

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg592/TacCommE21/Dezs%20Other%20Stuff/HIA%20proof%201.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/user/TacCommE21/media/Dezs%20Other%20Stuff/HIA%20proof%201.jpg.html)


http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg592/TacCommE21/Dezs%20Other%20Stuff/HIA%20proof%203.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/user/TacCommE21/media/Dezs%20Other%20Stuff/HIA%20proof%203.jpg.html)

The idiot driver must have had it sitting in a tub of water. Luckily, the guy that sent it put several layers of bubble wrap around the proof, so it arrived as advertised. I was FURIOUS though. I am now keeping a file.


With your history of bad USPS deliveries, I must ask, have you ever been part of an anti-government group? Radical left/right wing tendencies? Outspoken opponent of The Establishment? Ever attend any meetings of "like-minded" individules? (not here of course, we are all perfectly safe). Ever had repeated sightings of people wearing any light-gold shaded coats?

Of course....it could all just be a coincidence..........

:)

[Randall Flagg]

Have a new low to share from my local post office. It was raining all day on Thursday. My mailbox lets in a little water, so when I saw the mailman, I immediately ran out to get the package. He was a few doors down, so the mail wasn't in my box for more than 5 minutes. Regardless, as the book was on it's side, no way this happened in my little mailbox:

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg592/TacCommE21/Dezs%20Other%20Stuff/HIA%20proof%201.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/user/TacCommE21/media/Dezs%20Other%20Stuff/HIA%20proof%201.jpg.html)


http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg592/TacCommE21/Dezs%20Other%20Stuff/HIA%20proof%203.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/user/TacCommE21/media/Dezs%20Other%20Stuff/HIA%20proof%203.jpg.html)

The idiot driver must have had it sitting in a tub of water. Luckily, the guy that sent it put several layers of bubble wrap around the proof, so it arrived as advertised. I was FURIOUS though. I am now keeping a file.


With your history of bad USPS deliveries, I must ask, have you ever been part of an anti-government group? Radical left/right wing tendencies? Outspoken opponent of The Establishment? Ever attend any meetings of "like-minded" individules? (not here of course, we are all perfectly safe). Ever had repeated sightings of people wearing any light-gold shaded coats?

Of course....it could all just be a coincidence..........

:)


The "radical" giveaway (females) used to be no bra, and unshaven armpits.
Now it's owning a Prius and buying organic Kale seeds via the internet.
You'll be delayed at every airport...

[dnemec]

While I am pro "no bra" at home, I have never burned one (they are expensive!) and definitely prefer to shave. :P And while I firmly believe that somewhere in the depths of the FBI there is a file on me, it is not due to anti-government groups but rather my weird and varied interests. So no reason I can think of for them to destroy my boxes, save for the fact that I am what is referred to as a "package heavy" address (otherwise known as I buy a lot of stuff!). Oh well.

But thanks for the laugh, guys!

[zelig]

This is a first. At least for me it is. Got some books delivered in a cereal box... good for a laugh of two... Luckily the books weren't damaged.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c330/zelig7/IMG_6497_zpsbqsodhbh.jpg

[AstroDad]

do they smell like cereal?

[zelig]

Yeah, mixed berry! Naw, just your standard paperback smell.

[jsweet]

This is a first. At least for me it is. Got some books delivered in a cereal box... good for a laugh of two... Luckily the books weren't damaged.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c330/zelig7/IMG_6497_zpsbqsodhbh.jpg

Ha - I got some in a super-sized Cheez-It box a couple of weeks ago!

[wolfehr]

Shipped a package from NYC to Tennessee :orely:

http://i.imgur.com/oOGCKsw.png

[dnemec]

I once had someone open a case in eBay against me because USPS sent the package from SC, to NC, to Montana. He lived in NC, and wanted to know what I did!

Eventually, though, it made it back. I guess the post office wanted to take it on a little sightseeing across the country first!

[jsweet]

I have a package I am currently trying to track down that according to the USPS was delivered to my house on Feb. 16. I did not get it and have my doubts as the tracking shows it went from New York to New Jersey to Bell Gardens, CA, to Federal Way, WA, to St. Paul, MN, before finally arriving at my local post office outside Minneapolis Feb. 10. USPS then claims it sat at my post office for 6 days until being delivered on Feb. 16. Very weird.

And it was priority mail!

[carlosdetweiller]

And it was priority mail!

As they so often point out at the post office "Now it's not guaranteed to be there in 2 to 3 days."

[wolfehr]

Glad to hear I'm not alone! Have another package that's on it's way back to me now. It was delivered to the recipient's PO Box and then an hour later was marked return to sender. I contacted the buyer and he said that was not his doing, he wants the book, and was going to ask USPS why they sent it back after only being available to pick up for one hour.

Good luck everyone!

Edit: Well, I actually wish I was alone in having issues. When things go wrong it's somewhat reassuring to know others are in the same boat though.

[Randall Flagg]

Glad to hear I'm not alone! Have another package that's on it's way back to me now. It was delivered to the recipient's PO Box and then an hour later was marked return to sender. I contacted the buyer and he said that was not his doing, he wants the book, and was going to ask USPS why they sent it back after only being available to pick up for one hour.

Good luck everyone!

Edit: Well, I actually wish I was alone in having issues. When things go wrong it's somewhat reassuring to know others are in the same boat though.


The USPS is an Equal Opportunity Disappointing Carrier. They don't discriminate, they just screw up on a fair and impartial basis.

[wolfehr]

Well, my package was returned to sender because I used a USPS Priority Mail box and paid for USPS Media Mail postage. The wrote "Postage For Priority Required", "Priority supplies are free, but require priority postage." and "Must pay priority postage when using priority supplies" on the box. I've sent things Media Mail using priority supplies a number of times in the past and this is the first time I've encountered this issue. Of cause they sent it all the way to the destination before sending it back to me.

[firemonkey66]

Well, my package was returned to sender because I used a USPS Priority Mail box and paid for USPS Media Mail postage. The wrote "Postage For Priority Required", "Priority supplies are free, but require priority postage." and "Must pay priority postage when using priority supplies" on the box. I've sent things Media Mail using priority supplies a number of times in the past and this is the first time I've encountered this issue. Of cause they sent it all the way to the destination before sending it back to me.

Sending it all the way to the destination before sending it back with those notes sounds like a classic USPS maneuver. It was probably some hard-on at the destination post office that got his or her panties in a twist about a Priority box with media mail postage and sent it back just to be an asshole. On a somewhat related note, I've been told before at my post office that I can't use liquor store boxes to ship stuff, but just the other day I received some books through the same post office in a cut up Bacardi rum box. It all depends on whose behind the counter sometimes.

[Randall Flagg]

Well, my package was returned to sender because I used a USPS Priority Mail box and paid for USPS Media Mail postage. The wrote "Postage For Priority Required", "Priority supplies are free, but require priority postage." and "Must pay priority postage when using priority supplies" on the box. I've sent things Media Mail using priority supplies a number of times in the past and this is the first time I've encountered this issue. Of cause they sent it all the way to the destination before sending it back to me.
That really is a mistake on your part. Whether they should have caught it earlier is a matter for discussion.

[wolfehr]

Yup, definitely learned my lesson. Media Mail + buying a box is more expensive than Priority Mail + free box, so I'm just going to use Priorty Mail going forward. I save money and buyer gets 2nd day.

Edit: The frustrating part for me is that my post office accepted the package and didn't say anything. Would have been nice to have been told the box type has to match the shipping type so I'd have an opportunity to correct.

[Br!an]

Priority Mail is usually quite a bit faster than Media Mail. The amount of time spent being thrown about is reduced.

Priority Mail also provides $50 of insurance.

*

I've used Priority Mail boxes to ship Media Mail by wrapping the box in brown paper.

[dnemec]

Priority Mail is usually quite a bit faster than Media Mail. The amount of time spent being thrown about is reduced.

Priority Mail also provides $50 of insurance.

*

I've used Priority Mail boxes to ship Media Mail by wrapping the box in brown paper.

FWIW, I used a wrapped Priority Mail box to ship Media Mail once. USPS opened the box and charged the recipient for the difference between media mail and priority - and it took media time to get there! Damn post office.

[Randall Flagg]

Priority Mail is usually quite a bit faster than Media Mail. The amount of time spent being thrown about is reduced.

Priority Mail also provides $50 of insurance.

*

I've used Priority Mail boxes to ship Media Mail by wrapping the box in brown paper.

FWIW, I used a wrapped Priority Mail box to ship Media Mail once. USPS opened the box and charged the recipient for the difference between media mail and priority - and it took media time to get there! Damn post office.


The USPS reserves the right to open packages shipped via Media Mail to confirm that they meet the requirements*

Media Mail® service has special eligibility requirements for permissible contents. Media Mail rates are limited to the items listed below:


Books (at least 8 pages).
Sound recordings and video recordings, such as CDs and DVDs.
Playscripts and manuscripts for books, periodicals, and music.
Printed music.
Computer-readable media containing prerecorded information and guides or scripts prepared solely for use with such media.
Sixteen millimeter or narrower width films.
Printed objective test materials and their accessories.
Printed educational reference charts.
Loose-leaf pages and their binders consisting of medical information for distribution to doctors, hospitals, medical schools, and medical students.

Media Mail Packages may not contain advertising except that books may contain incidental announcements of other books and sound recordings may contain incidental announcements of other sound recordings. In accordance
with standards in the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM 300) 173.3.2, Media Mail Packages are subject to inspection by the Postal Service™. Upon such inspection, matter not eligible for the Media Mail rate may be assessed at the proper rate and sent to the recipient postage due, or the sender may be contacted for additional postage (DMM 604.8.1).
For more information about Media Mail service, please visit www.usps.com or call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777). Complete explanations of qualified items may be found in DMM 173.3.2.
Notice 121
July 2008
PSN 7610-07-000-4037

[tippy4]

Priority Mail is usually quite a bit faster than Media Mail. The amount of time spent being thrown about is reduced.

Priority Mail also provides $50 of insurance.

*

I've used Priority Mail boxes to ship Media Mail by wrapping the box in brown paper.

FWIW, I used a wrapped Priority Mail box to ship Media Mail once. USPS opened the box and charged the recipient for the difference between media mail and priority - and it took media time to get there! Damn post office.

Yeah...I dunno.....the boxes are free if you ship Priority and pay the premium. You took a chance and got caught.......you can't really blame them.

I once saw an eBay member who received negative feedback for this.....you never know what will push a person's buttons.

[tippy4]

Yup, definitely learned my lesson. Media Mail + buying a box is more expensive than Priority Mail + free box, so I'm just going to use Priorty Mail going forward. I save money and buyer gets 2nd day.

Edit: The frustrating part for me is that my post office accepted the package and didn't say anything. Would have been nice to have been told the box type has to match the shipping type so I'd have an opportunity to correct.

Why buy a box?......there are free boxes everywhere.

Every time I am at Trader Joe's or any grocery store for that matter, I am always on the look-out for a nice book-shaped box, and if I see one, I ask if I can have it.

Same thing at work....you just need need to keep your eyes open.

[Fsmdr]

Yup, definitely learned my lesson. Media Mail + buying a box is more expensive than Priority Mail + free box, so I'm just going to use Priorty Mail going forward. I save money and buyer gets 2nd day.

Edit: The frustrating part for me is that my post office accepted the package and didn't say anything. Would have been nice to have been told the box type has to match the shipping type so I'd have an opportunity to correct.

Why buy a box?......there are free boxes everywhere.

Every time I am at Trader Joe's or any grocery store for that matter, I am always on the look-out for a nice book-shaped box, and if I see one, I ask if I can have it.

Same thing at work....you just need need to keep your eyes open.

This is the boxes I buy for shipping:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E81MRNK?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00

I get the 9 X 12 X 3 for $12.75...it only comes out to 51 cents per box. Not bad at all. I hate not having the right sized box when I need it.

[Br!an]

The PO does have the right to open Media Mail. I've had to pay extra to receive a slipcase (no book) that was shipped Media Mail.

I now have no need to use USPS boxes for other than Priority. I purchase more books than I sell and simply keep the nice boxes I receive for reuse. I also keep good packing materials. The only thing I have to buy to ship a box is postage and tape.

[at_one]

So, yesterday I received my EotD S/L via FedEx, from L.A. I verified with the seller that they were going to wrap it in bubble wrap and surround it in peanuts in a nice sturdy box. They agreed. I opened the box to find some dirty laundry!!! They literally wrapped my book in an old Coca Cola shirt and tossed it in a used USPS box with USPS designations crossed out and FedEx written above. And just to make sure they played soccer with my box, the seller wrote, "please handle gently" all over the box. After sending them a message, they replied, "take it up with FedEx". Needless to say, a case has been filed with Paypal.

[carlosdetweiller]

So, yesterday I received my EotD S/L via FedEx, from L.A. I verified with the seller that they were going to wrap it in bubble wrap and surround it in peanuts in a nice sturdy box. They agreed. I opened the box to find some dirty laundry!!! They literally wrapped my book in an old Coca Cola shirt and tossed it in a used USPS box with USPS designations crossed out and FedEx written above. And just to make sure they played soccer with my box, the seller wrote, "please handle gently" all over the box. After sending them a message, they replied, "take it up with FedEx". Needless to say, a case has been filed with Paypal.

You don't say if the book suffered damage or not. How was the book itself?

[dnemec]

So, yesterday I received my EotD S/L via FedEx, from L.A. I verified with the seller that they were going to wrap it in bubble wrap and surround it in peanuts in a nice sturdy box. They agreed. I opened the box to find some dirty laundry!!! They literally wrapped my book in an old Coca Cola shirt and tossed it in a used USPS box with USPS designations crossed out and FedEx written above. And just to make sure they played soccer with my box, the seller wrote, "please handle gently" all over the box. After sending them a message, they replied, "take it up with FedEx". Needless to say, a case has been filed with Paypal.

Poor shipping pisses me off, but poor shipping AFTER I double-check to ensure that the packaging be solid and plentiful makes me homicidal. I hope you get it worked out.

[Br!an]

I bought a Cujo 1st/1st in NF+ condition for $25. I asked the seller to package it carefully. They put it in a padded envelope.

It arrived all beat up; crushed spine ends and all corners bumped. The seller apologized and issued a refund saying, "You even asked me to package it carefully.":doh:

[WeDealInLead]

I bought a Cujo 1st/1st in NF+ condition for $25. I asked the seller to package it carefully. They put it in a padded envelope.

It arrived all beat up; crushed spine ends and all corners bumped. The seller apologized and issued a refund saying, "You even asked me to package it carefully.":doh:

Funny. This seems more like ignorance than laziness/neglect.

I bet 99% of people on here would think they were doing a tremendous job their first time shipping a guitar or an amp. All those packing peanuts and reinforced corners won't save you from a negative feedback unless you loosen the strings and pull the tubes out first.

[Stockerlone]

A few years ago i bought Knowing Darkness, it arrived in a completely destroyed box, inside absolutely no packing material arround the book. But a big surprise..... only the slipcase had minimal damages....:panic:

[Randall Flagg]

I bought a Cujo 1st/1st in NF+ condition for $25. I asked the seller to package it carefully. They put it in a padded envelope.

It arrived all beat up; crushed spine ends and all corners bumped. The seller apologized and issued a refund saying, "You even asked me to package it carefully.":doh:

Funny. This seems more like ignorance than laziness/neglect.

I bet 99% of people on here would think they were doing a tremendous job their first time shipping a guitar or an amp. All those packing peanuts and reinforced corners won't save you from a negative feedback unless you loosen the strings and pull the tubes out first.


I shipped Taylor Cujo guitar to Canada and it arrived in perfect condition. I did however research how to properly package a guitar. The sad part on some books is that even if you get your money back, something of value to the collecting community has been damaged/destroyed. Money grows on trees, but a Taylor Cujo guitar (The Plant, a rare King proof etc.) can not be replaced.

[Br!an]

I bought a Cujo 1st/1st in NF+ condition for $25. I asked the seller to package it carefully. They put it in a padded envelope.

It arrived all beat up; crushed spine ends and all corners bumped. The seller apologized and issued a refund saying, "You even asked me to package it carefully.":doh:

Funny. This seems more like ignorance than laziness/neglect.

I bet 99% of people on here would think they were doing a tremendous job their first time shipping a guitar or an amp. All those packing peanuts and reinforced corners won't save you from a negative feedback unless you loosen the strings and pull the tubes out first.


I shipped Taylor Cujo guitar to Canada and it arrived in perfect condition. I did however research how to properly package a guitar. The sad part on some books is that even if you get your money back, something of value to the collecting community has been damaged/destroyed. Money grows on trees, but a Taylor Cujo guitar (The Plant, a rare King proof etc.) can not be replaced.

That is the tragedy exactly. The Cujo was fine except for slightly dirty page edges prior to the mishap. Now it's a reading copy.

I felt really bad about it. I realize it wasn't a Cujo guitar or rare proof, which would magnify the bad feeling, but still it was a collectible book that is no longer collectible.

I also think it was ignorance on the seller's part. She simply didn't know any better.

[herbertwest]

I bought a Cujo 1st/1st in NF+ condition for $25. I asked the seller to package it carefully. They put it in a padded envelope.

It arrived all beat up; crushed spine ends and all corners bumped. The seller apologized and issued a refund saying, "You even asked me to package it carefully.":doh:

Funny. This seems more like ignorance than laziness/neglect.

I bet 99% of people on here would think they were doing a tremendous job their first time shipping a guitar or an amp. All those packing peanuts and reinforced corners won't save you from a negative feedback unless you loosen the strings and pull the tubes out first.


I shipped Taylor Cujo guitar to Canada and it arrived in perfect condition. I did however research how to properly package a guitar. The sad part on some books is that even if you get your money back, something of value to the collecting community has been damaged/destroyed. Money grows on trees, but a Taylor Cujo guitar (The Plant, a rare King proof etc.) can not be replaced.

I remember a few years back when Shibus (was it him?) sold a GUNSLINGER proof to Bob (?) and it got damaged in the shipping...

[tippy4]

I bought a Cujo 1st/1st in NF+ condition for $25. I asked the seller to package it carefully. They put it in a padded envelope.

It arrived all beat up; crushed spine ends and all corners bumped. The seller apologized and issued a refund saying, "You even asked me to package it carefully.":doh:

I have probably posted this already.......but I keep the following in an email draft and copy and paste it into every Paypal transaction where I send money....

Please ship in a sturdy cardboard box big enough to allow for at least two inches of padding (foam peanuts, bubblewrap, etc.) on all sides of the book. Please pack tightly so book can't move at all once box is sealed. Condition is VERY important to me. THX

I then CONTACT SELLER, and send them the exact same thing....except I add Feedback will be left upon receipt (I don't put that in the first contact because there is a limited number of characters that will show up in the Paypal note email).

The reason for the "double contact" is that I have had sellers tell me "I did not see the note in the Paypal transaction (even though it comes through in the email).

Remember folks, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

[Rahfa]

Just sent a poster via priority mail - tracking number and all that, and it's stopped dead in its tracks and nobody knows what's up...

It's not a major loss - I'd lose the $40 profit of the sale but I'd get $50 back that covers my actual cost.

But it's so frustrating! We just think the tracking number basically ensures no problems, and nope! Gone and nobody can figure it out and with the USPS there's not much to be done...it's not like it's Fed-Ex that can find individual packages. But it's not like this was an envelope - it was a big tube.

Anyway - lame.

Going off what Tippy just posted, I should have put an invoice inside the tube with name/address - I just forgot. But obviously if the bar code is torn off or address label lost, that would be a problem. So just be aware people!

[at_one]

So, yesterday I received my EotD S/L via FedEx, from L.A. I verified with the seller that they were going to wrap it in bubble wrap and surround it in peanuts in a nice sturdy box. They agreed. I opened the box to find some dirty laundry!!! They literally wrapped my book in an old Coca Cola shirt and tossed it in a used USPS box with USPS designations crossed out and FedEx written above. And just to make sure they played soccer with my box, the seller wrote, "please handle gently" all over the box. After sending them a message, they replied, "take it up with FedEx". Needless to say, a case has been filed with Paypal.

You don't say if the book suffered damage or not. How was the book itself?

I have an open Paypal dispute so I dont want to comment too much, but the book has arrived in worse condition than it left the shipper. AND, it was not FedEx's fault.

[Rahfa]

So, yesterday I received my EotD S/L via FedEx, from L.A. I verified with the seller that they were going to wrap it in bubble wrap and surround it in peanuts in a nice sturdy box. They agreed. I opened the box to find some dirty laundry!!! They literally wrapped my book in an old Coca Cola shirt and tossed it in a used USPS box with USPS designations crossed out and FedEx written above. And just to make sure they played soccer with my box, the seller wrote, "please handle gently" all over the box. After sending them a message, they replied, "take it up with FedEx". Needless to say, a case has been filed with Paypal.

You don't say if the book suffered damage or not. How was the book itself?

I have an open Paypal dispute so I dont want to comment too much, but the book has arrived in worse condition than it left the shipper. AND, it was not FedEx's fault.

So stupid - a several-hundred dollar sale, and they don't want to take extra care with the most important part. Baffles me, it really does.

[at_one]

So, yesterday I received my EotD S/L via FedEx, from L.A. I verified with the seller that they were going to wrap it in bubble wrap and surround it in peanuts in a nice sturdy box. They agreed. I opened the box to find some dirty laundry!!! They literally wrapped my book in an old Coca Cola shirt and tossed it in a used USPS box with USPS designations crossed out and FedEx written above. And just to make sure they played soccer with my box, the seller wrote, "please handle gently" all over the box. After sending them a message, they replied, "take it up with FedEx". Needless to say, a case has been filed with Paypal.

You don't say if the book suffered damage or not. How was the book itself?

I have an open Paypal dispute so I dont want to comment too much, but the book has arrived in worse condition than it left the shipper. AND, it was not FedEx's fault.

So stupid - a several-hundred dollar sale, and they don't want to take extra care with the most important part. Baffles me, it really does.

No doubt. Bubble wrap+peanuts+a decent box would be $20 MAX.....why not spend the extra couple bucks to insure it gets to it's destination safe?

[firemonkey66]

I think one of the worst parts of at_one's experience is the fact that it was an EOTD. It's such a big impressive book that you really look forward to receiving once you've finally pulled the trigger on buying it. What a colossal let-down to open up the box and see a smelly t-shirt for packing material and a damaged book. All that anticipation for nothing. And now just the pain in the ass of trying to set it right. Sucks big time.

[at_one]

I think one of the worst parts of at_one's experience is the fact that it was an EOTD. It's such a big impressive book that you really look forward to receiving once you've finally pulled the trigger on buying it. What a colossal let-down to open up the box and see a smelly t-shirt for packing material and a damaged book. All that anticipation for nothing. And now just the pain in the ass of trying to set it right. Sucks big time.

You pretty much hit the nail on the head. It's a book I have wanted for quite a while, so to see this...
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/922/1wmEFb.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pm1wmEFbj)
And the book wrapped in these...
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/921/bYMSAP.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plbYMSAPj)

Definitely broke my heart. The fact that the book was in worse condition than when it was sent to me was just a kick in the nuts.

[wizardsrainbow]

Dirty laundry as wrapping...just AWFUL.

I got a book wrapped in old curtains once...that was pretty weird...book was undamaged, I just couldn't believe it was curtains around the book.

[Rahfa]

What's stupid about that box is that it would have arrived fine if they had used 2-3 of the stupid t-shirts. I mean, if that's what they're going to do, then go all in! A few of them would have successfully protected the book, odd or not.

My missing package was delivered - so panic averted on my end (at least pending getting positive feedback).

[at_one]

What's stupid about that box is that it would have arrived fine if they had used 2-3 of the stupid t-shirts. I mean, if that's what they're going to do, then go all in! A few of them would have successfully protected the book, odd or not.

My missing package was delivered - so panic averted on my end (at least pending getting positive feedback).

I agree, sort of. But honestly, if someone is going to give you $500-$1000 (or even more!) for a book, the least you can do is spend $10-$20 on packing materials to send it to them.

[AstroDad]

What's stupid about that box is that it would have arrived fine if they had used 2-3 of the stupid t-shirts. I mean, if that's what they're going to do, then go all in! A few of them would have successfully protected the book, odd or not.

My missing package was delivered - so panic averted on my end (at least pending getting positive feedback).

I agree, sort of. But honestly, if someone is going to give you $500-$1000 (or even more!) for a book, the least you can do is spend $10-$20 on packing materials to send it to them.

Those Coca-Cola shirts were pretty popular back in the day, would have gone for way more than $20! :evil:

[at_one]

What's stupid about that box is that it would have arrived fine if they had used 2-3 of the stupid t-shirts. I mean, if that's what they're going to do, then go all in! A few of them would have successfully protected the book, odd or not.

My missing package was delivered - so panic averted on my end (at least pending getting positive feedback).

I agree, sort of. But honestly, if someone is going to give you $500-$1000 (or even more!) for a book, the least you can do is spend $10-$20 on packing materials to send it to them.

Those Coca-Cola shirts were pretty popular back in the day, would have gone for way more than $20! :evil:

It DEFINITELY looks like it's from "back in the day"!!!

[Room 217 Caretaker]

This really isn't about poor packing, but something funny happening with shipping.

I bought a Pet Sematary from a lady in New York. It has gone from New York, to New Jersey, to Maryland, to Virginia, back to Maryland, and now back to New Jersey. We think it's heading back to the seller.

She has been so funny about it......she just sent me a message that said......"well, I did sort of bury it in the box....do you think it's coming back?"

I guess......"Sometimes They Come Back".

[jhanic]

The Post Office works in strange and mysterious ways.

John

[terrier91]

Just had to send this message to an eBay seller....

Received the book today. Poorly packaged and lots of wear for a book described in the listing as "like new" and "perfect". The binding is loose and the spine ends are badly crushed on the book and the dust jacket. I'm not one to leave negative feedback, so I just won't leave any at all. In the future, collectible hardcover books should never be sent in nothing but a bubble mailer.

Andy

[Randall Flagg]

There was no option to return the book?

[terrier91]

I was the only bidder and got it for $3.99 plus shipping. I would send it back, but I'm going to a signing with the author, Rick Yancey in a few weeks. It's going to be inscribed to me, so I guess I can deal with the condition as I'm never going to sell it... Just frustrating.

[Randall Flagg]

I was the only bidder and got it for $3.99 plus shipping. I would send it back, but I'm going to a signing with the author, Rick Yancey in a few weeks. It's going to be inscribed to me, so I guess I can deal with the condition as I'm never going to sell it... Just frustrating.
There is a CBA frustration benefit analysis.
Perhaps it's just me, but unless the $3.99 was for a rare find (steal), I'd return it; if the seller would pay shipping. Otherwise, I'd eat $4 and provide negative feedback. Then I'd donate the book to a local library.

[RC65]

I was the only bidder and got it for $3.99 plus shipping. I would send it back, but I'm going to a signing with the author, Rick Yancey in a few weeks. It's going to be inscribed to me, so I guess I can deal with the condition as I'm never going to sell it... Just frustrating.
There is a CBA frustration benefit analysis.
Perhaps it's just me, but unless the $3.99 was for a rare find (steal), I'd return it; if the seller would pay shipping. Otherwise, I'd eat $4 and provide negative feedback. Then I'd donate the book to a local library.

The gas, time, and effort required to drive a $4 book down and wait in my local Post Office line -- and there's always a line -- always precludes me from returning cheap books if they don't live up to their description. Fortunately, that rarely happens, and in the instances it has the seller also recognizes the hassle of returning a sub-$10 book and usually just refunds the entire purchase price and shipping. Guess I've been lucky in that regard.

[dnemec]

Got in a terrific packing job with a horrible USPS handling job today. Here's what the box looked like when it arrived:

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg592/TacCommE21/Dezs%20Other%20Stuff/GG%20proof%201%207-18-16.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/user/TacCommE21/media/Dezs%20Other%20Stuff/GG%20proof%201%207-18-16.jpg.html)

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg592/TacCommE21/Dezs%20Other%20Stuff/GG%20proof%202%207-18-16.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/user/TacCommE21/media/Dezs%20Other%20Stuff/GG%20proof%202%207-18-16.jpg.html)

http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg592/TacCommE21/Dezs%20Other%20Stuff/GG%20proof%203%207-18-16.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/user/TacCommE21/media/Dezs%20Other%20Stuff/GG%20proof%203%207-18-16.jpg.html)


The label was barely attached, but somehow it made it. And thanks to the packing job, it made it in one piece. Damn post office!

[zelig]

Shit Dez. Looks like you have the same luck I do with packages.

[Br!an]

That package looks like it came via The Mangler!

[Randall Flagg]

Not a "bad packaging" job so much as terrible handling, but wow!

[Fsmdr]

Dang! It looks like the PO actually taped it together too after it fell apart. Hope the book inside survive undamaged

[Brian861]

What's stupid about that box is that it would have arrived fine if they had used 2-3 of the stupid t-shirts. I mean, if that's what they're going to do, then go all in! A few of them would have successfully protected the book, odd or not.

My missing package was delivered - so panic averted on my end (at least pending getting positive feedback).

Just running across this but awhile back I had a Canadian seller via ABE send me a book completely wrapped in dish towels! LOL. Brand new dish towels as they still had the price tag attached. It was well packaged, I washed the towels, and placed them in the kitchen drawer :)

[Brian861]

Got in a terrific packing job with a horrible USPS handling job today. The label was barely attached, but somehow it made it. And thanks to the packing job, it made it in one piece. Damn post office!

Damn, Dez!! Do you have the PO from Hell in SC?! Not too long ago, didn't you receive some slipcases from Jeff that were banged up?

[dnemec]

Got in a terrific packing job with a horrible USPS handling job today. The label was barely attached, but somehow it made it. And thanks to the packing job, it made it in one piece. Damn post office!

Damn, Dez!! Do you have the PO from Hell in SC?! Not too long ago, didn't you receive some slipcases from Jeff that were banged up?

Yes I did. Jeff was great, but I was totally annoyed. And yes, I do believe I have the post office from hell!

[Brian861]

Got in a terrific packing job with a horrible USPS handling job today. The label was barely attached, but somehow it made it. And thanks to the packing job, it made it in one piece. Damn post office!

Damn, Dez!! Do you have the PO from Hell in SC?! Not too long ago, didn't you receive some slipcases from Jeff that were banged up?

Yes I did. Jeff was great, but I was totally annoyed. And yes, I do believe I have the post office from hell!

Note to all shippers to Dez: Triple wrap everything in bubble wrap and triple box it as well!

[dnemec]

Got in a terrific packing job with a horrible USPS handling job today. The label was barely attached, but somehow it made it. And thanks to the packing job, it made it in one piece. Damn post office!

Damn, Dez!! Do you have the PO from Hell in SC?! Not too long ago, didn't you receive some slipcases from Jeff that were banged up?

Yes I did. Jeff was great, but I was totally annoyed. And yes, I do believe I have the post office from hell!

Note to all shippers to Dez: Triple wrap everything in bubble wrap and triple box it as well!

:emot-roflolmao:

[firemonkey66]

I bought a copy of Under the Dome, which was advertised as 'like new,' and the seller shipped it in what amounted to a paper bag. The book did have a single layer of bubble wrap around it though, so you know, that big heavy book arrived in pristine condition. Oh no wait, I mean it showed up with all the corners bumped to shit and every millimeter of dust jacket edge all fucked up. How silly of me.

http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t641/firemonkey66/sweet%20bag1_zpsgynjyn6f.jpg

[becca69]

That's one of the worst... really!

[dnemec]

Idiots. :angry_002:

[picontin]

Unbelievable!

[webstar1000]

I am so blessed with never having an issue since I stopped buying from Ebay. That was 4 years ago...

[tippy4]

$15 BIN, $4 shipping. No mention of DJ price, and seller has too high of volume to answer questions., but very liberal retusrn policy (including return shipping):
Stephen King. Misery. 1987. 1st edition. Fine in fine jacket. (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Stephen-King-Misery-1987-1st-edition-Fine-in-fine-jacket-/262604609062?hash=item3d24745626:g:EMUAAOSwGtRXyDf Y)

It is a true first. Unfortunately he shipped it in a box without any bubble wrap or peanuts. Both corners of the front board got bumped.

On the positive side, I contacted the seller, and he is refunding the money and said I can keep the book.


In the future, copy this quote, and post it to the ADD A MESSAGE option Paypal gives you:

Please ship in a sturdy cardboard box big enough to allow for at least two inches of padding (foam peanuts, bubblewrap, etc) on all sides of the book. Please pack tightly so book can't move at all once box is sealed. Condition is VERY important to me. Thanx

It will show up in their Paypal email like this:

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t21/ornate12/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-06%20at%206.28.04%20PM_zpsfmyiwrvh.png (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/ornate12/media/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-06%20at%206.28.04%20PM_zpsfmyiwrvh.png.html)

Anything longer than what I have written above will be cut off.

And then, just to drive the point home, I send a separate message through ebay with a slightly longer version of the note:

Please ship in a sturdy cardboard box big enough to allow for at least two inches of padding (foam peanuts, bubblewrap, etc) on all sides of the book. Please pack tightly so book can't move at all once box is sealed. Condition is VERY important to me. Feedback will be left upon receipt. Thank you.

And this is why I do the above.

I just bought a $50 book, and sent the seller the above message in both the Paypal payment, and seperately via ebay messaging. Here is the response I got:

It's already bubble wrapped and packed in a padded shipping envelope. I'll repack and void shipping label and reprint new label and get it in the mail tomorrow.

I just saved myself a lot of aggravation. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

[RC65]

I just received a signed/limited hardcover from one of the biggest small press outfits, and it arrived surprisingly and disappointingly in a cardboard envelope. Yes, it was also in a thin bubble wrap envelope inside the cardboard envelope, and, no, it fortunately was not damaged so I'm not complaining per se, but this is still the first occasion that I can recall where a major small press publisher sent a somewhat spendy book in anything other than the standard, protective cardboard box. Hope this is not a sign of things to come from this publisher, since based on previous experiences with the USPS, I tend to think the lack of damage was due more to luck this time around than anything else. Frankly, this is the kind of packaging I would expect from megalithic Amazon with its free shipping offer, not from a renowned small press that certainly charges its customers for its Media Mail shipping and shipping materials.

[firemonkey66]

That's discouraging to say the least. I can't help but be curious as to what small press this is in reference to...

[RC65]

I'm not trying to be coy, but just didn't think it was particularly appropriate to name the publisher since the book was not damaged. It was also the first time this publisher has sent a book to me in this disappointing manner, so I am inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt and assume (against all reason) that it must have been a mistake. I have a few more books on pre-order with them, so I suppose time will tell.

[Lot guy]

1

[T-Dogz_AK47]

2

[jsmcmullen92]

3?

[webstar1000]

4:)

[stroppygoblin]

5 - Infinity.

Lets just stop.

[HONKYTONKSMASH]

19

[webstar1000]

19

For the win folks... for the win.

[amd013]

Well, not exactly a big ticket item, (Nightmares in the Sky), but still sad excuse for packaging:

Used a collapsed box as an "envelope". No packing material (other then a plastic bag) inside:

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_20161210_203006837.jpg

Note, the open gaps:

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_20161210_203043724.jpg

Mike

[Brian861]

Yea, that's a beaut.

[wolfehr]

I can't fathom why anyone would think that's okay :/


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[zelig]

And for today's lesson on how not to pack books, here's a scene from an episode of Hawaii Five-O.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c330/zelig7/15172A98-1891-402F-A06F-380C982D2500_zpsaoldqotv.jpg

[Brian861]

><

[Br!an]

I ordered two copies of the UK limited Charlie The Choo Choo. They arrived today.

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/waterstones_002.JPG
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/waterstones_001.JPG
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/waterstones_003.JPG
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/waterstones_004.JPG

The limited prints are okay. I've emailed Waterstone's to see about replacements.

[Roseannebarr]

I ordered two copies of the UK limited Charlie The Choo Choo. They arrived today.

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/waterstones_002.JPG
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/waterstones_001.JPG
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/waterstones_003.JPG
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/waterstones_004.JPG

The limited prints are okay. I've emailed Waterstone's to see about replacements.


When i saw that you posted here, i knew there was trouble with your charlie the choos choos.

They told me they had no replacements to give. I bet that is why we are all getting delayed books. Too sad.

[jsmcmullen92]

Looks like a dog went to town on those books... holy crap!

[zelig]

My goodness. I don't think I've seen one that bad before. Looks like something drove over it. What a bummer.

[jonp]

Oh, my God. Are those tyre marks across the box?

If you have no luck with replacements, just let me know, Brian.

[HONKYTONKSMASH]

Good gravy, dude. That is awful. Wish you luck securing replacements.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DoctorZaius]

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/image212.JPG

Gee - it look as if yours and mine were mating. No luck from Waterstones' regarding replacements. There are non - it's sold out. I did send them my pictures and they are giving me a full refund. So now I have two severely damaged slipcases, one severely damaged book, one book with a severely bumped corner, and two pristine prints (815 and 769 in case anyone wants for matching purposes) that are not even signed my the real Beryl Evans. Anyone looking for move a pristine one of their own?

[Br!an]

Oh, my God. Are those tyre marks across the box?

If you have no luck with replacements, just let me know, Brian.

I think it is a tire mark.

I might be contacting you if Glen is correct in that they have no replacements. :orely:

[firemonkey66]

Holy shit, it looks like Waterstones ships their packages to a zoo for some heavy gnawing and then has them forwarded to their customers. That's friggen awful.

[Br!an]

I don't know who determined that it was acceptable to ship valuable books in cardboard sleeves.

[Brian861]

Copied from my CTCC post: Wow! There is just no excuse for such poor packaging and handling. That's ridiculous and just plain lazy on Waterstones part. Glad I had a member pick up a copy for me and will be doing the shipping.

[Randall Flagg]

Looks like the package fell off a pallet, belt, etc. and was run over by a forklift, or some trailer. Definitely some form of tire track. Something similar happened to me with a brand new (first use) piece of luggage on a trip to Costa Rica several years back. Fortunately the 24 bottles of beer inside survived, and I received a full refund on the luggage.

[Br!an]

Waterstone's offered a 10% refund. :wtf:

I said I'd prefer to return them.

Waiting to hear back.

[Beverly Marsh]

http://s2.quickmeme.com/img/a9/a99176f17f98d40c567bce80a2707a2090dddb5e93468bca67 3bcc1b69c4ecf8.jpg

OMG Brian. That is AWFUL.

[Brian861]

Waterstone's offered a 10% refund. :wtf:

I said I'd prefer to return them.

Waiting to hear back.

Wow!

[DoctorZaius]

Waterstone's offered a 10% refund. :wtf:

I said I'd prefer to return them.

Waiting to hear back.

That is BS!!! Your damage looked worse than mine. I just got notice from their customer service. I got a full refund, including shipping charges. They seemed satisfied when I sent them pictures of what were were talking about.

[Cwalker]

This is not a bad packing job posting but a small jab at the USPS nevertheless. It seems they have been talking with my mom and now agree with her that comic books are not "media" and not eligble for Media Mail rates!
I cry foul!!!!!

[Randall Flagg]

This is not a bad packing job posting but a small jab at the USPS nevertheless. It seems they have been talking with my mom and now agree with her that comic books are not "media" and not eligble for Media Mail rates!
I cry foul!!!!!
Comics are not Media Mail, unless you can convince the USPS that the comic was/is a periodical (a magazine or newspaper published at regular intervals).

Per the USPS:

Media Mail® service has special eligibility requirements for permissible contents. Media Mail rates are limited to the items listed below:


Books (at least 8 pages).
Sound recordings and video recordings, such as CDs and DVDs.
Playscripts and manuscripts for books, periodicals, and music.
Printed music.
Computer-readable media containing prerecorded information and guides or scripts prepared solely for use with such media.
Sixteen millimeter or narrower width films.
Printed objective test materials and their accessories.
Printed educational reference charts.
Loose-leaf pages and their binders consisting of medical information for distribution to doctors, hospitals, medical schools, and medical students.

Media Mail Packages may not contain advertising except that books may contain incidental announcements of other books and sound recordings may contain incidental announcements of other sound recordings. In accordance
with standards in the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM 300) 173.3.2, Media Mail Packages are subject to inspection by the Postal Service™. Upon such inspection, matter not eligible for the Media Mail rate may be assessed at the proper rate and sent to the recipient postage due, or the sender may be contacted for additional postage (DMM 604.8.1).
For more information about Media Mail service, please visit www.usps.com or call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777). Complete explanations of qualified items may be found in DMM 173.3.2.
Notice 121
July 2008
PSN 7610-07-000-4037

[HONKYTONKSMASH]

Waterstone's offered a 10% refund. :wtf:

I said I'd prefer to return them.

Waiting to hear back.

:Ball Kick:

[Randall Flagg]

Saw the book in half, add real or fake blood and fingerprints, take photos, send pics to Waterstones demanding a 110% refund PLUS return postage.

[firemonkey66]

Waterstone's offered a 10% refund. :wtf:

I said I'd prefer to return them.

Waiting to hear back.

Wow, 10%? What a joke. That's bad customer service, to say the least. Sorry to hear it.

[Brian861]

This is not a bad packing job posting but a small jab at the USPS nevertheless. It seems they have been talking with my mom and now agree with her that comic books are not "media" and not eligble for Media Mail rates!
I cry foul!!!!!

Oops. I didn't realize this either, Chris and have sent and received such via media mail.

[Cwalker]

This is not a bad packing job posting but a small jab at the USPS nevertheless. It seems they have been talking with my mom and now agree with her that comic books are not "media" and not eligble for Media Mail rates!
I cry foul!!!!!

Oops. I didn't realize this either, Chris and have sent and received such via media mail.

No big deal really, i could have just said they were magazines.
My biggest complaint is that after all those years of my arguing with mom about the Literary And Cultural Value of comic books, the USPS decides to take her side! :)
Comics are Literature!!! I mean come on, did anybody else ever read all 300 issues of Cerberus the Aardvark? Goddam poetry it was!

[Randall Flagg]

This is not a bad packing job posting but a small jab at the USPS nevertheless. It seems they have been talking with my mom and now agree with her that comic books are not "media" and not eligble for Media Mail rates!
I cry foul!!!!!

Oops. I didn't realize this either, Chris and have sent and received such via media mail.
It's only a problem if you get caught. I've had a couple packages opened (all books, no problem), and only one was ever opened and returned. It was a calendar and thus very light compared to the package size. That was 7+ years ago.
Now I just follow the rules. I have shipped an empty slipcase or two, but I either pay the higher rate, or put a PB book in the slipcase so as to qualify.
I print my own shipping labels, thus rarely interact with a USPS person at a Post Office.

[Brian861]

This is not a bad packing job posting but a small jab at the USPS nevertheless. It seems they have been talking with my mom and now agree with her that comic books are not "media" and not eligble for Media Mail rates!
I cry foul!!!!!

Oops. I didn't realize this either, Chris and have sent and received such via media mail.

No big deal really, i could have just said they were magazines.
My biggest complaint is that after all those years of my arguing with mom about the Literary And Cultural Value of comic books, the USPS decides to take her side! :)
Comics are Literature!!! I mean come on, did anybody else ever read all 300 issues of Cerberus the Aardvark? Goddam poetry it was!

:lol: Well I think RF's argument would work. They are published on a regular basis and some folks subscribe to 'em :)

P.S. Do I owe you anymore to cover expenses from our transaction?

[zelig]

Comics are Literature!!! I mean come on, did anybody else ever read all 300 issues of Cerberus the Aardvark? Goddam poetry it was!

Off topic I know, but you seem like a fan so I thought this might be of interest. I had completely forgotten about it until you mentioned Cerebus. This is an interview I did with Dave Sim in 1993.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c330/zelig7/Scan_zpsghv7xwng.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c330/zelig7/Scan-1_zpseukw931h.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c330/zelig7/Scan-2_zpsaxlngrwb.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c330/zelig7/Scan-3_zpspolbyeoh.jpg

[Cwalker]

This is not a bad packing job posting but a small jab at the USPS nevertheless. It seems they have been talking with my mom and now agree with her that comic books are not "media" and not eligble for Media Mail rates!
I cry foul!!!!!

Oops. I didn't realize this either, Chris and have sent and received such via media mail.

No big deal really, i could have just said they were magazines.
My biggest complaint is that after all those years of my arguing with mom about the Literary And Cultural Value of comic books, the USPS decides to take her side! :)
Comics are Literature!!! I mean come on, did anybody else ever read all 300 issues of Cerberus the Aardvark? Goddam poetry it was!

:lol: Well I think RF's argument would work. They are published on a regular basis and some folks subscribe to 'em :)

P.S. Do I owe you anymore to cover expenses from our transaction?

Never in life!
I set my watch and warrant on it.

[Br!an]

This is not a bad packing job posting but a small jab at the USPS nevertheless. It seems they have been talking with my mom and now agree with her that comic books are not "media" and not eligble for Media Mail rates!
I cry foul!!!!!

I don't understand why a comic doesn't qualify as long as it has 8 pages and doesn't contain advertisements.

[Tommy]

Periodicals with advertisements are excluded. Most of the comics I've seen do have advertisements. This is a bit contentious since a lot of books do advertise as well but it's usually for other books.

[AstroDad]

I know this is a well worn common complaint, but I am so sick of ebay sellers who clearly market their item to a collector by pointing out all of the condition points a collector is interested in knowing, takes all of the right pictures, knows the right points to show it is the 1st printing, etc....then mails it in a fucking bubble envelope. WTF was the point?!? You are a fucking book dealer! How do you not get this?!!?!?

[Brian861]

I know this is a well worn common complaint, but I am so sick of ebay sellers who clearly market their item to a collector by pointing out all of the condition points a collector is interested in knowing, takes all of the right pictures, knows the right points to show it is the 1st printing, etc....then mails it in a fucking bubble envelope. WTF was the point?!? You are a fucking book dealer! How do you not get this?!!?!?



Completely agree, James. Two words come to mind; cheap & lazy.

[WeDealInLead]

The worst. I finally tracked down a Gene Wolfe book in fine condition and the turkey brain sent it in a bubble envelope.

[wizardsrainbow]

I just received a S/L Stand from Canada in a thin box same size as coffin traycase and 4 deflated air pillows for padding...that is it...AMAZING thing is, book made it without damage...pretty incredible given lack of support for a noted fragile book.

[HONKYTONKSMASH]

I just received a S/L Stand from Canada in a thin box same size as coffin traycase and 4 deflated air pillows for padding...that is it...AMAZING thing is, book made it without damage...pretty incredible given lack of support for a noted fragile book.

Amazingly fortunate. Glad it made it unscathed

[wolfehr]

Oy! I would have been incredibly anxious after seeing the package. Glad it arrived safely!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[HONKYTONKSMASH]

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/777/medium/i-dont-always-8eh4jx.jpg

[zelig]

Not really a bad packaging job but certainly worth a mention. This is what my mailbox looked like today. This package with a book in it was crammed so tightly into the mailbox that I could not remove it without bending the book completely.

The way the envelope was shoved in there, it was stuck against the metal frame of the box. The only way to get it out was to bend the book even more than it was already or tear open the packaging while still in the box, and slide the book out that way. Which is what I ended up doing.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c330/zelig7/FEF19CFD-2D6E-46F6-8E25-B6E634D84F32_zpsq8tiuawy.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c330/zelig7/C82D894D-62FE-4B1C-A395-2923BDF9F226_zps7k9gvtxn.jpg

[HONKYTONKSMASH]

damn......

[Joe315]

Did the book survive? Doesn't look like it did.

[zelig]

Did the book survive? Doesn't look like it did.

I'd say it survived although it was bent, but not too badly. I really just needed this one for a cover scan and the jacket was fine. So mission accomplished.

[Brian861]

Did the book survive? Doesn't look like it did.

I'd say it survived although it was bent, but not too badly. I really just needed this one for a cover scan and the jacket was fine. So mission accomplished.

That's why books should always be shipped in boxes too big to be crammed into post boxes. I use to have a really awesome postman who would actually walk up to the door to deliver larger items. Now I have a lazy one who will shove everything she possibly can into the box. Boxes are a must in my case!

[St. Troy]

FWIW, the extra question marks in this thread's title remind me of the way I asked the question "why?" in a desperate whisper, after having been tapped in the groinoids by a leaf-blower wielded by my brother-in-law.

[Randall Flagg]

I won the auction for the King Letter (http://www.ebay.com/itm/STEPHEN-KING-original-HANDWRITTEN-and-SIGNED-Letter-ONE-of-a-KIND-/272650750746?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&nma=true&si=w31cIsDxIFAR5HoNKoNAR8mXLdc%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc) a ~ a week ago. Over $700 and the seller shoved it into a shipping bag that had not rigid insert. Needless to say the top and bottom were damaged.
Sad waste of a cool King item. The envelope was torn on the bottom, so that's the way I opened it. The seller offered me a $70 rebate. I declined and files a claim. I just mailed the thing back today (in much better packaging than I received it in).

http://www.thedarktower.org/custom/images/1494974891-Damaged%20King%20letter.JPG


http://www.thedarktower.org/custom/images/1494974900-Damaged%20King%20letter%20bottom.JPG


http://www.thedarktower.org/custom/images/1494975063-Packing%20envelope.JPG

[cit74]

uugghh - so sorry - what a waste. i bought a few books from bookstores recently - and all but one used those damn bubble mailers - and then the postman shoves them in the mailbox (we are actually having a new one made that has a much ;larger opening - so this will not be an issue. Plus we have a second drop box in our wall - that our postman uses for boxes - and if they are too big then he will drop them off at the front door - so overall I am pretty happy with Tim - he typically does a really good job

[dnemec]

What the hell is wrong with these sellers? Sorry about that. RF.

[Randall Flagg]

What the hell is wrong with these sellers? Sorry about that. RF.
I'll get my money back, and I would have accepted a much larger rebate (like 50%), but didn't want to continue haggling. I had some cool plans for letter.

[HONKYTONKSMASH]

Damnit man.. That's just awful

[Merlin1958]

BY WAY OF ANSWER TO THE THREAD QUESTION, BECAUSE THEY CAN,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[dnemec]

What the hell is wrong with these sellers? Sorry about that. RF.
I'll get my money back, and I would have accepted a much larger rebate (like 50%), but didn't want to continue haggling. I had some cool plans for letter.

I sympathize. I recently bought a lovely photo of everyone's favorite creepy talking doll autographed by June Foray, and it was packaged okay, but USPS still killed it. The seller didn't think they should give me any money back at all - practically said it was my fault it was damaged enroute. He then begrudgingly offered me a little refund. I finally gave up, sent pics to eBay, and in 4 minutes, eBay decided in my favor and gave me a label to send it back. It was nice that they had my back, but the whole experience pissed me off - I really wanted that damn photo!

[Brian861]

What the hell is wrong with these sellers? Sorry about that. RF.
I'll get my money back, and I would have accepted a much larger rebate (like 50%), but didn't want to continue haggling. I had some cool plans for letter.

I sympathize. I recently bought a lovely photo of everyone's favorite creepy talking doll autographed by June Foray, and it was packaged okay, but USPS still killed it. The seller didn't think they should give me any money back at all - practically said it was my fault it was damaged enroute. He then begrudgingly offered me a little refund. I finally gave up, sent pics to eBay, and in 4 minutes, eBay decided in my favor and gave me a label to send it back. It was nice that they had my back, but the whole experience pissed me off - I really wanted that damn photo!

One photo of that damn doll (your avatar) is enough, Dez! :scared:

[zelig]

Nuts.

[Randall Flagg]

BY WAY OF ANSWER TO THE THREAD QUESTION, BECAUSE THEY CAN,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
It wasn't the USPS that screwed it up. It was the seller. I suppose "THEY CAN....." but the seller just lost several hundred dollars. I'd be surprised if they relist it and fetch anywhere near $700.

[TravelinJack]

Ugh. Terrible. What a shame.

[zelig]

It's the trusted cereal box ... Book arrived in perfect shape. There should be wider use of cereal boxes in book packaging.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c330/zelig7/IMG_0179_zpsczggwz0s.jpg

[TravelinJack]

It's the trusted cereal box ... Book arrived in perfect shape. There should be wider use of cereal boxes in book packaging.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c330/zelig7/IMG_0179_zpsczggwz0s.jpg

Awesome! As long as it isn't Captain Crunch. Ok, that was silly. Gotta say, it's hilarious seing that picture.

[zelig]

You're right. It's definitely the Special K that saved it. The book would have been destroyed in a Capn' Crunch box.

[Room 217 Caretaker]

If it was shipped in a Trix box you could have blamed the rabbit.

[TravelinJack]

If it was shipped in a Trix box you could have blamed the rabbit.

Silly rabbit

[St. Troy]

It's the trusted cereal box ... Book arrived in perfect shape. There should be wider use of cereal boxes in book packaging.

Question is: what does it smell like?

Also: I never knew that Ann Coulter appeared on a Special K box - I guess you do learn something every day.

[TravelinJack]

It's the trusted cereal box ... Book arrived in perfect shape. There should be wider use of cereal boxes in book packaging.

Question is: what does it smell like?

Also: I never knew that Ann Coulter appeared on a Special K box - I guess you do learn something every day.

Funny - I thought that looked like her too.

[Randall Flagg]

Received this international package yesterday:

http://www.thedarktower.org/custom/images/1499607243-Damaged%20duddits%201%20small.JPG


http://www.thedarktower.org/custom/images/1499607232-Damaged%20duddits%203%20small.JPG

[HONKYTONKSMASH]

Received this international package yesterday:

http://www.thedarktower.org/custom/images/1499607243-Damaged%20duddits%201%20small.JPG


http://www.thedarktower.org/custom/images/1499607232-Damaged%20duddits%203%20small.JPG

Well thats just outstanding..FFS..Why?!?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Br!an]

Poor Duddits! :cry:

[Brian861]

I don't always ship international. But when I do, I definitely do it that way!

[herbertwest]

Received this international package yesterday:

http://www.thedarktower.org/custom/images/1499607243-Damaged%20duddits%201%20small.JPG


http://www.thedarktower.org/custom/images/1499607232-Damaged%20duddits%203%20small.JPG

Well thats just outstanding..FFS..Why?!?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

How was the DJ??

[Stockerlone]

Hope it was not one of the s/l Duddits....

[Randall Flagg]

Hope it was not one of the s/l Duddits....
No it wasn't.
herbertwest: The DJ was screwed up.

I filed a claim on ebay. The book and shipping were less than $40, but it's still a shame.

[webstar1000]

Wow... that's brutal


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dnemec]

Why oh why do people insist? I get boxes for free at the grocery store. This isn't that hard.:pullhair:

[Stockerlone]

Envelope with 4 books from Poland, amazingly only one book was slightly damaged.
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/742/PICT6961.JPG

[Brian861]

Ouch!

[WeDealInLead]

That's how VJ books sent me a signed copy The Twelve.

[Room 217 Caretaker]

That looks more like a movie prop from The Blob.

[St. Troy]

That's how VJ books sent me a signed copy The Twelve.

"VJ books" as in vjbooks.com?

[Joe315]

That's how VJ books sent me a signed copy The Twelve.

"VJ books" as in vjbooks.com?

Yeah, they don't ship well internationally. Domestic is great; box, bubble wrap, etc. International is just an envelope.

[St. Troy]

As for VJ Books, my only experience is that my wife bought my copy (technically second hand) of CD's Salem's Lot from them. As it was a gift, I didn't see all of the packaging, but I know it came in a box, and the book itself was absolutely pristine. (FWIW) I am in the US, so I guess that's why.

Strange, as this is a good way to kill your reputation as a seller.

[WeDealInLead]

Yeah, I haven't bought from them since. It makes no sense either, they're book collectors, not some rando on eBay selling his uncle's books or whatever. They filled out the customs slip (the most tedious part of international shipping), printed the label and then threw the book into a bag. It's possible it's a little cheaper shipped that but that's only until you receive a damaged book. Then you're out $ for the book, international shipping, and the book itself. Take $50 and flush it down the toilet. Same thing.

[peripheral]

I've found VJ packing to Australia has been sufficient, but they keep screwing other things up. Sending me later editions of books they advertised (and thought) were first editions (has happened three times). I therefore rarely buy from them, and if I do, I ask for them to double check the details.

[HONKYTONKSMASH]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170902/4d5d91ba243d4736c3a58a565cc9263c.jpg

"That's real nice, Clark..real nice"


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tommy]

LOL, I got something shipped to me in a Kix box the other day. I'm thankful it wasn't a book.

[HONKYTONKSMASH]

LOL, I got something shipped to me in a Kix box the other day. I'm thankful it wasn't a book.

Same here. Just happy it wasnt a book. :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Brian861]

I see paid for the shipping upgrade, Chad :lol:

[HONKYTONKSMASH]

Hahaha yeah. Economy wouldve been the standard sour cream container :thumbsup:


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[Brian861]

Hahaha yeah. Economy wouldve been the standard sour cream container :thumbsup:


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

:rofl:

[dnemec]

Not a bad packaging issue, but a USPS screw-up. I won the JAS sampler on eBay (actually from a member here). I knew it'd take forever to get here from France, so I didn't get excited about it. When I checked up on the tracking this morning, I realized that it had arrived a week ago, but USPS said it could not be delivered. However they didn't leave me one of those little slips to let me know it was waiting at the post office for me. If I hadn't checked, the damn thing probably would've been sent back across the pond. Stupid post office. I miss my old mailman.

[Brian861]

Not a bad packaging issue, but a USPS screw-up. I won the JAS sampler on eBay (actually from a member here). I knew it'd take forever to get here from France, so I didn't get excited about it. When I checked up on the tracking this morning, I realized that it had arrived a week ago, but USPS said it could not be delivered. However they didn't leave me one of those little slips to let me know it was waiting at the post office for me. If I hadn't checked, the damn thing probably would've been sent back across the pond. Stupid post office. I miss my old mailman.

Lots can be said for a good postal delivery person. Good thing ya checked for sure!

[Brian861]

Received this package from UK Amazon today. At some point, the box had to be basically taped back together. All books suffered DJ damage and each corner is bumped in some way or another. As the corners were face down with no protection underneath.

All are 1st impressions bearing 6 snakes and 2 moth variants.

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_4209.JPGhttp://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_4211.JPG
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_4212.JPGhttp://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_4213.JPG
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_4214.JPGhttp://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_4215.JPG
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_4216.JPG

[firemonkey66]

Shit, it looks like amazon outsourced their packaging to Waterstones for that one. That sucks, Brian.

[Brian861]

Shit, it looks like amazon outsourced their packaging to Waterstones for that one. That sucks, Brian.

Thanks, Anthony. Thank God Simon was able to fulfill my request. I placed this order as a back up plan in case Simon was unable to find all the variants. Never again.

I probably should have gone through Book Depositary for the back up plan. Having never gone through them; I'm not sure how well their packaging is either.

[burial]

Shit, it looks like amazon outsourced their packaging to Waterstones for that one. That sucks, Brian.

Thanks, Anthony. Thank God Simon was able to fulfill my request. I placed this order as a back up plan in case Simon was unable to find all the variants. Never again.

I probably should have gone through Book Depositary for the back up plan. Having never gone through them; I'm not sure how well their packaging is either.

PRIME packaging standard... ;)

[HONKYTONKSMASH]

[/QUOTE]
I probably should have gone through Book Depositary for the back up plan. Having never gone through them; I'm not sure how well their packaging is either.[/QUOTE]

BD packaging sucks as well, actually just sent them an email regarding my damaged SB :mad1:

[Brian861]

I probably should have gone through Book Depositary for the back up plan. Having never gone through them; I'm not sure how well their packaging is either.[/QUOTE]


BD packaging sucks as well, actually just sent them an email regarding my damaged SB :mad1:

I'm pretty much done trusting any UK book dealer to do right by packaging. Good thing our UK mates are willing to take the time our of their busy lives to help feed our addictions.

[HONKYTONKSMASH]

:[/QUOTE]

I'm pretty much done trusting any UK book dealer to do right by packaging. Good thing our UK mates are willing to take the time our of their busy lives to help feed our addictions.[/QUOTE]

Yep, without them...we'd be in trouble:thumbsup:

[Sir_Boomme]

:

I'm pretty much done trusting any UK book dealer to do right by packaging. Good thing our UK mates are willing to take the time our of their busy lives to help feed our addictions.

Yep, without them...we'd be in trouble:thumbsup:


yeah... I need some of those UK mates...
I just got my UK amazon order for my 2 copies of sleeping beauty... totally trashed, tears to the jackets, dents on the book corners... Amazon has the worst packaging ever - no padding, and the so call box looks like something my dog ate and shit out.
so disappointed :(

[Brian861]

This is what my US edition inscribed by Owen arrived in from Oblong. After specially requesting that it be bubbled wrapped and properly packaged due to Dez's copies having arrived damaged.

Only wrapped in brown paper and nothing to keep it from sliding around. 3 corners slightly bumped and the DJ curled up pretty good on the back. I actually replaced the DJ with the one off my BCE. Out of all the SBs I've received so far, my BCE is the only one that as arrived in F/F condition. Just lucky there as it was packaged like the Waterstones'

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_4217.JPG

[Brian861]

:

I'm pretty much done trusting any UK book dealer to do right by packaging. Good thing our UK mates are willing to take the time our of their busy lives to help feed our addictions.

Yep, without them...we'd be in trouble:thumbsup:


yeah... I need some of those UK mates...
I just got my UK amazon order for my 2 copies of sleeping beauty... totally trashed, tears to the jackets, dents on the book corners... Amazon has the worst packaging ever - no padding, and the so call box looks like something my dog ate and shit out.
so disappointed :(

Sorry to hear, Terry but after what I received, doesn't surprise me at all.

[dnemec]

This is what my US edition inscribed by Owen arrived in from Oblong. After specially requesting that it be bubbled wrapped and properly packaged due to Dez's copies having arrived damaged.

Only wrapped in brown paper and nothing to keep it from sliding around. 3 corners slightly bumped and the DJ curled up pretty good on the back. I actually replaced the DJ with the one off my BCE. Out of all the SBs I've received so far, my BCE is the only one that as arrived in F/F condition. Just lucky there as it was packaged like the Waterstones'

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/IMG_4217.JPG

Oh no! Guess I shouldn't hold out too much hope for the replacement copy. Damn. What is wrong with these places?

[frik]

I'm pretty much done trusting any UK book dealer to do right by packaging.

Thumbs up for PS Publishing though!! :thumbsup:

sk

[Brian861]

I'm pretty much done trusting any UK book dealer to do right by packaging.

Thumbs up for PS Publishing though!! :thumbsup:

sk

Publishing being the key word there as I don't really consider them to be a book dealer. Although they do sell other publishers books as many small publishers do. But you expect these guys to be on their game especially. Never ordered from them direct so can't say first hand about them either way.

[peripheral]

I'm pretty much done trusting any UK book dealer to do right by packaging.

Thumbs up for PS Publishing though!! :thumbsup:

sk

Actually, my first two orders from PS were poorly packaged and both arrived damaged (at least two years ago), but they have improved fantastically and my last few orders over the past year were packed perfectly.

[Brian861]

Oh no! Guess I shouldn't hold out too much hope for the replacement copy. Damn. What is wrong with these places?

I wouldn't hold my breath, Dez. I didn't even think to ask Water Street if they would have signed/inscribed copies from Owen.

[Randall Flagg]

I recently bought a copy of IT on ebay. (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Stephen-King-IT-1986-True-First-Edition-HC-22-95-VIKING-DJ-in-Mylar-FN/153455951974?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649)


Here is how the seller packaged the book:


http://www.thedarktower.org/custom/images/1556384706-IT%20Trade%20package.JPG

[Brian861]

Laziness :nope:

[firemonkey66]

I recently bought a copy of IT on ebay. (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Stephen-King-IT-1986-True-First-Edition-HC-22-95-VIKING-DJ-in-Mylar-FN/153455951974?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649)


Here is how the seller packaged the book:


http://www.thedarktower.org/custom/images/1556384706-IT%20Trade%20package.JPG

Wow how do you advertise a book using condition as a factor, how fine it is, and then put it in the mail in a plastic bag? What an asshole. Was the book damaged?

[Randall Flagg]

Luckily (not by the seller's skill ) the book was fine. He wrapped the book in a thin layer of foam, so there was no damage at all. I'll post some pics in the Pride and Joy thread. It really is a beautiful copy. But the book could easily have been damaged and thus ruin what is a difficult book to find in NF++ condition.

[Randall Flagg]

I did leave the seller neutral feedback, noting poor packaging for a valuable book, and that only luck kept it undamaged.

[Garrell]

I bought the Danse Macbre off him. Hope mine gets here safe. Only wanted it mainly for the DJ for my inscribed one

[Fsmdr]

I'll tell you what's even more stranger than fiction.

Bought a Gunslinger 2nd off ABE. As surmised, came in a padded envelope and arrived with 2 bumped corners. Called the bookstore ( Kazoo Books LLC) and informed them of the damage and requested a return for a full refund. Turns out it was the bookstore owner that packaged the book! A few days ago the return tracking shows delivered. Called the next day, was told will get a return call, nothing. Called again the next day and was put through to the owner. She was reticent which I thought was odd as we had established the return and refund. She mentioned something about checking with the 'internet person' coming in a few days. Ok then....she said she has to check the book? Even more odd she said it come with something else and insinuated that the book returned was not the book purchased? WTF? It did come with something else not present before! 2 additional bumps! Again, this is from the hapless bookstore owner that threw a Fine Grant Gunslinger 2nd in a padded envelope.

Will update on development. I need to take a walk around the block to cool off...