Gladiator Shipping Damage

[ARAMP1]

The only thing I've ever ordered from sears in the last 7-8 years have been Gladiator cabinets and it seems that there's a 50-50 chance of them being damaged. I don't know if it's faulty packaging from whirlpool or from just being man-handled during shipping.

My most recent order were 4 30" wall cabinets and two were damaged. One wasn't so bad and I was just going to live with it, but the other one was beat to hell and I figured that since I'd for sure be returning that one, I might as well return the other one too.

I've got to wonder at what point does spending a little extra on the packaging outweigh the money lost on returns that are damaged?

 

[torquepower85]

I've got to wonder at what point does spending a little extra on the packaging outweigh the money lost on returns that are damaged?

+1. What is that about anyways?

 

[kartracer23]

I sell a lot of crystal (corporate awards). There is a certain company from Ireland that packages stuff like they're shipping bricks. Anyone with half a brain could look at it and know it wouldn't survive shipping. It's such a PITA we've pretty much stopped using them. It's almost like they want the stuff to get broken so they can do a shipping claim.

 

[Highbeam]

What do you call a roman with a hair between his teeth?





Gladiator.

 

[The Frisco Kid]

That stinks! I know we spend HUGE money boxing our products in serious packaging. Of course, we still manufacture in the US, so that probably says something about us as well.

 

[bdamico]

I've got to wonder at what point does spending a little extra on the packaging outweigh the money lost on returns that are damaged?

Guess that depends on what entity bears the loss and what insurance is in place.

 

[DCarr]

Ask Harbor Frieght, it seems near every store, there is a warehouse selling damaged goods from HF.

 

[K13]

I've got to wonder at what point does spending a little extra on the packaging outweigh the money lost on returns that are damaged?

Packaging and shipping are probably 80% of thier costs. I would guess they have a deal with the shipping company that they get a certain percentage back every year to cover the returns/damage costs and then they sell the damaged product at a discount (probably still making a profit off it).

Probably the only one that is out is you for the trouble and hassle it takes to send stuff back.

 

[Milton Shaw]

Fragile means "Throw underhanded". Don't you remember the airline security video showing baggage handlers playing basketball with Christmas packages. It's a wonder anything gets delivered without damage.

 

[c615586]

I ordered some Gladiator RTA cabinets from Home Depot and they arrived pristine (private shipping company). I ordered a Gladiator premier toolbox from Sears and (separately) a Craftsman corner shelf and both arrived via UPS with boxes that looked completely trashed and, of course, major damage to both. I thought I could save time and take advantage of the free shipping offers from Sears, but I've learned my lesson I'm not going to buy from Sears unless I can pick the item up myself after inspecting first.

 

[matty d]

If you can help it, order your GW cabinets from Sears and pick them up at the store. That way you can inspect at the store and not hassle with moving it yourself if they arent up to par.

I try to get all my Gladiator cabs used or from searsoutlet. Ive seen it all...some are pristine, and some are utter **** and almost useless. Returns from damaged cabinets are probably a large part what makes the price of these items ridiculously high.

You may have better success by picking up your stuff as opposed to having UPS ship it. For the larger cabinets you have to have at least a small SUV.

Like other posters said, RTA cabs shouldnt be a problem; its harder to damage flat metal. Howver, having welded cabinets shipped is dicey at best...