Another poor packaging job story (regarding ordering a 1993 Fleer BB set that arrived today)

Estil

I've seen many stories regarding poor packaging jobs, and unfortunately, I now have my own to share that just happened today

1993 Fleer set in question

I sent the seller this message after sending the cards back:

Hi, I just received my 1993 Fleer set today, and I was very disappointed. When I got the package, it was just the set box wrapped in bubble wrap, and I could hear the cards moving inside. Needless to say, the cards were most likely damaged. You can't just wrap the set box in bubble wrap (or brown paper; believe it or not I've had two other sellers do that, with he same results) and ship it like that; it won't protect the cards at all.

Therefore, I sent the package back unopened marked RETURN TO SENDER (since to open it to check and then have to pay to ship it back would cost more than what the set itself cost) and I want my money back. I needed this set (in NRMT/MT condition) to complete my 1981-95 Fleer set run and I was heartbroken that you took so little regard in packaging it.

I guess that tells you the story basically. And as if that wasn't bad enough, the idiots at Hallmark (which had a Post Office, or rather "just a stub" as their manager called it) was trying to tell me the Post Office might not accept it as a RETURN TO SENDER even though the package was completely untouched, unopened (exactly like it arrived). That simply just added salt into the wound.

Now, I know this was "only" a $13.50 transaction, but still, this was the last Fleer set I needed to complete my run of Fleer baseball sets from 1981-95, and I was really looking forward to getting this last piece of the puzzle. It just breaks my heart to run into sellers that show such little regard for packaging sets well. That said, perhaps one of you out there have a nice NRMT/MT 1993 Fleer baseball set looking for a good home and will arrive at said home safely?

Estil

Okay, he replied back and said he'd refund me once he gets the set back (I'm just glad he didn't try to pull that "I'm not responsible for damage during shipping" excuse), but still, I would've rather gotten my cards.

blindflyer

Dude, you are one tough buyer!

Not everyone shares your same opinion of how to package a set. If you buy raw sets on ebay for $7.99 you're gonna win some and lose some. There's just no way around it.

Not trying to be a jerk --- I've enjoyed your threads and respect your set run pursuit ---- but if you get this worked up about sets that cost $7.99 + shipping you're going to give herself an early heart attack.

You didn't even open the cards to see if they were damaged!

One bit of advice would be to contact the sellers before the auctions end and ask them how they ship their sets. You'd have saved both yourself and him a ton of grief.

just my 2 cents.

-Tom

Stingray

Just out of curiosity, how does one package up a complete set so that the cards are protected?? If shipping a factory set, I do not see any other way??

bigfische

The only thing i think he could have done was to make sure to put newspaper or papertowel (anything really)a the end of the cards to keep them from moving side to side.

Estil

<< <i>Just out of curiosity, how does one package up a complete set so that the cards are protected?? If shipping a factory set, I do not see any other way?? >>



Well, first I put some "dummy cards" on each end of the set (hand collated set I mean) to protect the first and last cards of the set so the cards can't move around in the set box. Then I put the set box inside the shipping box with packing peanuts on all sides. The fact that I have a packages place nearby helps too. If this doesn't protect the cards, nothing will.

And no, blindflyer, you weren't being a jerk at all; in fact, I'm quite flattered that you enjoy my posts. But you have to understand that my funds for buying cards are quite limited (let's just say I can't spend hundreds or thousands of dollars a month like the vast majority of members here seem to be able to) so I have to make every dollar count. And I didn't open the package because I knew from past experience (like when a 1982 Donruss set arrived DOA because it was just wrapped in brown paper) that it would've only confirmed what I already suspected (the cards were dinged and such) and it would've cost about as much (if not more) to ship the set back. And if that makes me a "tough buyer", then so be it.

5STAT

here's how I ship sets:

Factory sets...you're right...nothing much you can do....just double box them and make them as secure as possible for the ride.

Hand sets....EVERY box has space. Even with the lids closed. So in an effort to minimize any movement at all. I 1st of all..add junk cards to each end of the box to stop movement left and right. I then cut a piece of cardboard or two...and place them in the rear of the box to stop movement front and back. When this is done..I then cut carboard again, 1-2 pieces, and place them ontop of the cards to stop any movement up and down...once the cover is closed.

I tape the box shut to keep it secure and double box them in a bigger box filled with peanuts.

Could be overkill..depending on the selling price of the set....but they still get shipped the same...whether..$5 or $500.

Any real big sets...I pull the star and money cards out..sleeve them...put in hard plastics...wrap in their own box..seperate from the set...and mail them togehter double boxed again.

I little effort goes a long ways!!

Estil

Amen, 5STAT! If only all dealers on Ebay did business the same way, it'd make buying off Ebay a lot more enjoyable.

blindflyer

5Stat --- that's great and you've got a great reputation ...

...but let's not get away from the point here:

Estil spent $7.99 for a set. The guy packaged to the degree he thought was satisfactory. Estil didn't even open it and sent it back asking for a refund.

If I'm the seller in this situation, I'm PISSED. For one thing, the shipping is as much as the set (more after you deduct ebay/paypal fees).

I'm not even a seller --- but a buyer should not "expect" every seller to package items in the exact manner he would. Sure, it'd be nice --- but it's simply unrealistic.

If Estil is "heartbroken" and this frustrated over the packaging of $8 sets, he should contact the seller BEFORE the auction ends to ensure the packaging will meet his standards.

-Tom

DaBigHurt

I think you should let the sellers know beforehand, how important sub $10 sets are to you. I'm not trying to be facetious, but most sellers just don't think of these cards as being particuarly important when it comes to condition. That's why these sets are referred to as "junk wax."

Does this mean they should send you cards without a box and in a garbage bag? No..but you should to let them know you're looking for ultra high grade cards and that you're very sensitive to condition flaws of any kind, and they should take extra care to ship your cards. I think if you do this, it will make sure you and the seller are on the same page and you don't get any other shipping surprises down the road.

Jeescy

I gotta say I agree 100% with Estil here… I’ve also received sets that were loose in their box in the past and they were all damaged, to the point that not a single card was ok! This is just an unacceptable way of shipping sets. Some people actually care about the condition of their cards, wether they are base cards or not. When I’m interested in a set on eBay now, I ask the seller how exactly he would package it and ship it and when I’m not satisfied with his reply, I don’t buy the set from him. I haven’t bought a single set on eBay in a long while because of the bad experiences I’ve had with sellers so far. Live and learn I guess!

TWOHOOKS

I guess you really would be upset at my $700.00 plus shipment from an advertiser in the Sports Collectors Digest that claims to be a 40 year hobby veteran.This consisted of various 1964 Topps Giants HOF'ers such as Clemente,Mantle & Mays,a 1947 Mantle Exhibit Card,various 1963 Bazooka All-Time Greats etc.All nicely sandwiched between 2 pieces of junk cardboard with no other protection such as Toploaders or Cardsleeves.What the heck it was only $700.00 worth of cards right.Needless to say they were all advertised as Nr-Mint or Nm-Mint condition on his website.Also needless to say they all arrived with various forms of corner damage.

Luckily I paid with a credit card which I immediately stopped payment on.This seller claims this is how all his shipments go out without any problems.This from a 40 year hobby veteran.Be thankful your purchase was only what it was.I would recommend if condition is that important to you to make your purchases at a card show.Buying on E-Bay is a crapshoot at best if you are looking for mint raw cards.I can't believe most sellers are really going to take a lot of precautions,such as other board members have mentioned,on a card set that is this inexpensive.I have a hard enough time getting $100.00 cards packaged properly.Unfortunately thinking any other way will be just a waste of your time.You may be getting lucky on occasion but that is just what it is,luck.

stown

The Sellers should disclose how the set will be sent in my opinion.

FYI - The few that I chased were all offered in binders.