Packing items right, what's so hard about it?

[Rockuf8]

Bought 4 sets of brand new Cornwell casters for my boxes on egay.

I've have items arrive damaged before from piss poor packing so I felt compelled to explain to the seller to make sure they were packed well for the journey. He assured me they would be bubble wrapped.

Well, they arrived this morning FedEx Ground in a large box and one smaller box. The seller put each caster loosely in a small bubblewrap pouch/bag and stapled the bag shut with one or two staples. The bubble on most of the bubble packing material looked popped, so the bubblewrap wasn't new.

Did he think this would be good enough? I don't get how people don't realize the importance of good packing especially for heavy items. When I ship items they are so well protected they could fall out of the box and still be remain perfect.

These casters needed to be tightly wrapped with a larger bubblewrap, then taped tighly so they were encapsulated, so if they did bounce around the nuts or edges of the caster plates wouldn't do any damage. This is not a FedEx handling issue, but a lousy packing job.

I paid for brand new casters and that's what I expected.

There are gouges, chips and scratches to just about everyone of the 16 casters. less than 6 seemed decent enough with small chips or scratches to the plastic I might be able to live with or touch up.

Here are two photos of the worst rigid and swivel caster.

 

[Askme42]

Even large companies are terrible. Got something from Amazon today. Their packing is about the worst I've seen.

 

[MattVette89]

That's unacceptable. Although Amazon probably has the worst packaging procedures ever. Good luck with getting a resolution.

 

[Rockuf8]

He was apologetic, and he's going to lose $ now, but I even asked him to make sure they were packed well, so he screwed himself on this one.

He's sending 4 of each to me, but I have 6 scratched rigid, and 4 scratched swivel casters. Wonder if he'll pack them differently this time? More damaged casters are of no use to me.

 

[stikman56]

I've seen some crazy packing in the last few years. Some fools set it in the box with nothing and just let it flail around in there smacking into the other stuff that's in the box with it. Foolish, but on ebay you can go after the seller until they make it right. I always do when there's damage from improper packaging.

 

[Rockuf8]

I've seen it all. I had ordered brand new custom off-road copper anodized coilovers for my truck and the idiot who packed the box put a lose heavy aluminum bracket in there loose. The damage was epic on $2,200 coilovers. They had to have them picked up and resend a new set to me.

 

[AnonymousToolGuy]

Even large companies are terrible. Got something from Amazon today. Their packing is about the worst I've seen.

Amazon has the best packing system I've ever seen. Computer tells them the appropriate box size to use because it knows the dimensions of all the items, they always throw tons of bubble packs in there.


My experience selling stuff is that buyers are dumb. They want to get free shipping but expect $20 worth of packing materials to be used on a $35 item. Seller should have probably charged more here, but it sounds like he at least made an attempt to pack it properly. You could easily come on here and complain that if the seller taped everything tightly that his packing job was **** because it took you 20 minutes to get each caster out.

 

[pendragon1998]

'Free' shipping isn't free. The shipping cost has to be built into the cost of the item. It's just a psychological thing where folks feel better about paying $25 plus free shipping for a widget than they do paying $17 plus $8 shipping. Just because shipping is 'free', or included in the cost of the item, doesn't excuse the vendor from needing to properly pack their item for transport.

 

[Davefr]

Amazon has the best packing system I've ever seen. Computer tells them the appropriate box size to use because it knows the dimensions of all the items, they always throw tons of bubble packs in there.

On what planet are you referring to? The latest items I've rec'd from Amazon came with just flat piece of cardboard wrapped around the item. They don't even bother to use boxes!!

My experience selling stuff is that buyers are dumb. They want to get free shipping but expect $20 worth of packing materials to be used on a $35 item. Seller should have probably charged more here, but it sounds like he at least made an attempt to pack it properly. You could easily come on here and complain that if the seller taped everything tightly that his packing job was **** because it took you 20 minutes to get each caster out.

Attempts don't count. It's the sellers responsibility to get the item to the buyer in the same condition as described in the auction. If sellers want to get lazy with packaging they're taking the risk.

They'll get a snad, be on the hook for return shipping and get the damaged item back that may no longer be sellable. (not to mention neg. FB and low DSR scores)

 

[rednotch]

My experience selling stuff is that buyers are dumb. They want to get free shipping but expect $20 worth of packing materials to be used on a $35 item. Seller should have probably charged more here, but it sounds like he at least made an attempt to pack it properly. You could easily come on here and complain that if the seller taped everything tightly that his packing job was **** because it took you 20 minutes to get each caster out.

Have to agree, I over pack stuff when I ship it if its loose, Those should have been in there own small boxes, and then all put in a larger box. but people want stuff shipped for free or ***** if it isn't the cheapest option. its a no win situation for selling stuff. People ***** about shipping cost all the time esp. on flea bay since most people go for the lowest prices. It ***** but its the norm from a lot of places these days.


Is the guy sending you a call tag or letting you keep the scratched one's also?

 

[Rockuf8]

My experience selling stuff is that buyers are dumb. They want to get free shipping but expect $20 worth of packing materials to be used on a $35 item. Seller should have probably charged more here, but it sounds like he at least made an attempt to pack it properly. You could easily come on here and complain that if the seller taped everything tightly that his packing job was **** because it took you 20 minutes to get each caster out.

Wrong. The fact that I reminded him to make sure they were packed well should've made him make more of an effort. Putting each caster in a loose bubble wrap bag and stapling the ends together required the least amount of effort, it's just lazy, sorry Anon. These are 6" casters and they are quite heavy. Especially when there are 12 in one box together. I guess you would pack 12 casters the same way.

Just because shipping is 'free', or included in the cost of the item, doesn't excuse the vendor from needing to properly pack their item for transport.

Agreed.

Attempts don't count. It's the sellers responsibility to get the item to the buyer in the same condition as described in the auction. If sellers want to get lazy with packaging they're taking the risk.

Don't think the seller has ever shipped 12 together in a box, so it may be negligence.

Have to agree, I over pack stuff when I ship it if its loose, Those should have been in there own small boxes, and then all put in a larger box. but people want stuff shipped for free or ***** if it isn't the cheapest option. its a no win situation for selling stuff. People ***** about shipping cost all the time esp. on flea bay since most people go for the lowest prices. It ***** but its the norm from a lot of places these days.


Is the guy sending you a call tag or letting you keep the scratched one's also?

He's letting me keep the scratched ones. Not sure what I would do with them. I only need 16 total for 4 boxes.

Maybe someone here would want them.

 

[AnonymousToolGuy]

On what planet are you referring to? The latest items I've rec'd from Amazon came with just flat piece of cardboard wrapped around the item. They don't even bother to use boxes!!

I have 83 orders in the past 6 months. I've seen every box and packaging method Amazon has to offer. They seem to use the cardboard wraps for items that aren't fragile or traveling short distances. I like that it doesn't require a knife to open because it's got a nice pull tab.

Come to think of it, don't think I've ever received a damaged item when ordered direct from Amazon.

 

[AnonymousToolGuy]

He's letting me keep the scratched ones. Not sure what I would do with them. I only need 16 total for 4 boxes.

Maybe someone here would want them.

Order artwork if you want something nice to look at. They're still functional as casters so stop acting like a crybaby.

 

[Rockuf8]

Order artwork if you want something nice to look at. They're still functional as casters so stop acting like a crybaby.

You will be making friends quick around here.

 

[Bryan Burns]

Those are some major scratches and gouges and It's kind of hard to believe that were caused by movement in shipping. Are you sure they aren't used? (Perhaps the wheels were cleaned).

I wonder where does the seller got the Cornwell casters and why he didn't include the OEM packaging. Pehaps they're Cornwell seconds?

 

[Rockuf8]

Those are some major scratches and gouges and It's kind of hard to believe that were caused by movement in shipping. Are you sure they aren't used? (Perhaps the wheels were cleaned).

I wonder where does the seller got the Cornwell casters and why he didn't include the OEM packaging. Pehaps they're Cornwell seconds?

It's def from casters bouncing around. The box was pretty flimsy, and there was a lot of open space, so there had to be a ton of movement inside. I'm sure FedEx dropped the box several times. The bolt ends wore through the thin bubble wrap and caused the damage, or it was the plate ends. On a few swivel ones some broken plastic pieces fell out of the bag, but couldn't figure out where they broke off from.

 

[JDon99]

I have 83 orders in the past 6 months. I've seen every box and packaging method Amazon has to offer. They seem to use the cardboard wraps for items that aren't fragile or traveling short distances. I like that it doesn't require a knife to open because it's got a nice pull tab.

Come to think of it, don't think I've ever received a damaged item when ordered direct from Amazon.

I've had 169 orders in the past six months and have seen them do some pretty ****** jobs packaging stuff. Luckily, Amazon has decent customer service so if there is a problem, they make it right.

 

[Outlawmws]

Order artwork if you want something nice to look at. They're still functional as casters so stop acting like a crybaby.

You will be making friends quick around here.

Don't feed the troll, I don't think he will be here long with his approach/attitude... So far every one of his posts in this thread have been geared to antagonize...

 

[Tellingthem]

I don't think many people really understand what goes on in shipping. So they do not plan on the time and cost to package things properly. It usually takes things like losing a bunch of money on shipping damage to open their eyes. He may have gotten away with it 100 times before but the 101st is a *****.

And most of my Amazon boxes have come pretty well packaged. Sears on the other hand...

 

[1950mercury]

Ive learned to get the insurance.

Id hope you got a good enuff deal on the wheels to make up for the damage. Id just use them once there on you wont even notice that damage. But than again i dont have ocd

 

[Strouty]

Order artwork if you want something nice to look at. They're still functional as casters so stop acting like a crybaby.

Blasphemy! How dare you say that tools are supposed to be used.

 

[Rockuf8]

Don't feed the troll, I don't think he will be here long with his approach/attitude... So far every one of his posts in this thread have been geared to antagonize...

I don't think many people really understand what goes on in shipping. So they do not plan on the time and cost to package things properly. It usually takes things like losing a bunch of money on shipping damage to open their eyes. He may have gotten away with it 100 times before but the 101st is a *****.

He's trying to make it right, so it's all good.

Ive learned to get the insurance.

Id hope you got a good enuff deal on the wheels to make up for the damage. Id just use them once there on you wont even notice that damage. But than again i dont have ocd

I know. ***** when you have OCD, most don't understand, I get it.

Blasphemy! How dare you say that tools are supposed to be used.

 

[CNGsaves]

Good luck OP as shipper obviously fawkked up on those. "Insurance" on shipping is not free-for-all that single layer of cardboard box is good enough. Seller should learn school of hard knocks on that one and send you new casters. Those needed to be individually bubble wrapped, then put into separate cardboard boxes. Then all those boxes inside a bigger box. Not rocket science. !

 

[Outlawmws]

Ive learned to get the insurance.

Id hope you got a good enuff deal on the wheels to make up for the damage. Id just use them once there on you wont even notice that damage. But than again i dont have ocd

The insurance covers the SENDER, not you. They have a legal obligation to get you your merchandise to your door intact and undamaged. Sellers that tell buyers that "it's on you if you chose not to insure" have a surprise coming if they try that line.

 

[nafterclifen]

I had a bad packaging experience once. I bought a set of (used) brake calipers for a pickup truck. Seller just put them in a box without ANY packaging material at all. Well guess what happened...they banged around and got damaged. One of the bleed screws broke off and had to be extracted, the lip around one of the pistons that the dust cover attaches to was all booger'd up and something else happened too (I can't recall right now). I contacted the seller about the damage and he offered to refund me $2 for the bleeder. I respectfully declined the refund and told him to use someone else's brain when determining how to package an item next time.

 

[404]

Order artwork if you want something nice to look at. They're still functional as casters so stop acting like a crybaby.

Trony Dumdorable, is that you?

Time to edit my block list.

 

[joseph.a.owens.9]

Trony Dumdorable, is that you?

Time to edit my block list.

[emoji481]

 

[cajunfirehawk]

The deal is this; Time is money for amazon or any other person to pack those correctly! Like wrap them separately so they won't bang around, no one takes the time to do it correctly like you or I DO. I just finished packing two used cordless power tools I sold on ebay and I spent 30 minutes packing each item and wrapping so that when the box ships it is packed tight like a solid item and NOTHING slides around or is not cushioned well. But no one else does, a lot of vendors think packing is throwing in a box and put those air pillow bags in there to fill the voids, thats great while their FILLED and not popped, then your item slides all over like a loose teenage girl in the back of a 69 t-bird. YMMV

 

[Askme42]

Amazon has the best packing system I've ever seen. Computer tells them the appropriate box size to use because it knows the dimensions of all the items, they always throw tons of bubble packs in there.


My experience selling stuff is that buyers are dumb. They want to get free shipping but expect $20 worth of packing materials to be used on a $35 item. Seller should have probably charged more here, but it sounds like he at least made an attempt to pack it properly. You could easily come on here and complain that if the seller taped everything tightly that his packing job was **** because it took you 20 minutes to get each caster out.

You lost all credit when you said Amazon does a good job. I deliver the stuff on a daily basis. I promise you I'm more qualified than most on this subject. They are terrible.

 

[Askme42]

Trony Dumdorable, is that you?

Time to edit my block list.

My thought exactly.

 

[Askme42]

The deal is this; Time is money for amazon or any other person to pack those correctly! Like wrap them separately so they won't bang around, no one takes the time to do it correctly like you or I DO. I just finished packing two used cordless power tools I sold on ebay and I spent 30 minutes packing each item and wrapping so that when the box ships it is packed tight like a solid item and NOTHING slides around or is not cushioned well. But no one else does, a lot of vendors think packing is throwing in a box and put those air pillow bags in there to fill the voids, thats great while their FILLED and not popped, then your item slides all over like a loose teenage girl in the back of a 69 t-bird. YMMV

I pick up at one company that has the coolest packing product I've ever seen. It's some type of expandable foam/air pack. You place it in the bottom of the box then break the tab. Once it expands enough you place the product on top then repeat with another piece on the top side of the product. Close the box once it fills all the empty space. Very neat product.

 

[tool_scrounge]

I pick up at one company that has the coolest packing product I've ever seen. It's some type of expandable foam/air pack. You place it in the bottom of the box then break the tab. Once it expands enough you place the product on top then repeat with another piece on the top side of the product. Close the box once it fills all the empty space. Very neat product.

Good stuff but has some limitations

1) the stuff is exothermic (generates heat). I have seen it melt plastic (polystyrene boxes).

2) good for stuff that is low density. I probably would not send a 70lb vise in that type of foam. It tends to be good for one big hit, but the crumbles and does not provide good protection for subsequent hits.

 

[CNGsaves]

My thought exactly.

I'm thinking there are multiples . . . . .
. . . seem to make comments in tandem between couple new logins.

 

[bczygan]

There is a bit of an art in packaging materials for shipping.

I used to be the shipping clerk for a boating accessories wholesaler.

We had all manner of things to ship. And every shipment was a different combination of things.

This is in the old days when the filler material was mostly newspaper and cardboard, with a few foam peanuts.

Most of the closure was with brown un-reinforced paper tape.

You get a feel for what to do after a while.

There is a balance to be kept between the cost of packaging in terms of weight and bulk, and the time needed to pack a package, versus the cost of possible damage.

Last year I received 3 damaged counter height refrigerators that had too little foam in their shipping boxes, and were badly handled by UPS. But I understand that the cost of adding to the size or weight of a package can take all the profit out of a sale. Sometimes they just figure the odds of damage happening, and the customer complaining and requiring compensation. In my case I had them take it back both times. They didn't want to replace it the second time. All the shipping was killing them. The last time they put the whole standard shipping box into another larger box with foam all around that, and got it here safely. The cost of shipping exceeded the value of the product.

 

[Strouty]

I bought a used turbo charger once, the ****** sent the thing in an oversized box full of styrofoam peanuts. By the time it got to me, it was at the bottom of the box and full of peanuts. It took a while, but I got my money back, he got negative feedback for being a jerk. He would have had to disassemble the damn turbo just to get all the styrofoam out of it.

 

[404]

slides all over like a loose teenage girl in the back of a 69 t-bird.

Thank you for that, so many things that can refer to. I am going use it. Perfect.

 

[404]

Even with good packing the shipper can mess up a lot. We shipped a new mainframe computer to the first customer. We packed it in the lab on a special shock absorber pallet standing upright and bolted down. It went off in an air ride moving van.

On the other end it arrived removed from the pallet, lying down on the side, on a shelf in the van above a volvo car.

Things would have worked out better if I had rented a box truck and driven it down to NJ myself.