Quality shipping?

I really don't like to think I am a pain in the ass and a complainer, so I'm going to run this by you all first to see what you think about it.

Today I just received a laser from a seller on this site and to say I was disappointed in the packing job is pretty much an understatement. But since this is the first time I received something from anyone here, I guess maybe I should check to see if this is just par for the course or not. Honestly, I have revceived LOTS of shipments of other merchandise, and personally believe this is quite unacceptable, but willing to give anyone the benefit of the doubt.

So here's what I got today:

















As you can see, the envelope split in a couple of places and you can even see the laser peeking out of the corner. It's a miracle it didn't just drop out of that envelope. The wrapping around the unit itself was minimal, at best, and the front of the unit housing the diode was pretty much completely unprotected from bumps during shipping. I guess that pastic wrap was some sort of bubble wrap (just barely), but it didn't do anything at all for the front of the unit, which I would think would be the most fragile area, thereby needing the MOST protection.

There was nothing else in that envelope, so I'm assuming it was shipped with the battery inside of the unit. Which I don't think was a real good idea. Could have made for an exciting time at the post office had it been triggered while being handled there.

So is this supposed to be a fragile piece of equipment, or can these units typically take this kind of abuse without suffering damage? I have spent quite a bit of time reading on this forum, and can recall some people lamenting that dropping their laser proved to be it's demise, so I'm guessing they ARE rather fragile compared to something like a bowling ball.

And lastly, if you were in my shoes and received what I just recieved shown above, how would YOU feel about it concerning the quality of workmanship of the seller if this is the way he packs such a shipment?

Your opinions are solicited. I'm not taking it out of that plastic wrap until I figure what I should do at this point. So no, I don't know if it still works or not.

I don't want to slam any fellow LPF'er, but I don't think it was a proper packing job. I hope that the laser is fine after the rough treatment it seems to have had while in the mail system. I wouldn't publicly berate the seller, but hopefully with these pictures here the next time they ship something it will be packed properly.

i use those quite a bit shipping to some customers. its the holiday season and some packages may get treated differently(rougher) than usual with all the hustle and bustle at the p.o. they usually are more sturdy than that. ive shipped to numerous international customers with those envelopes and never had that happen. the bubble wrap was slightly minimal for what was inside though. not a horrible job but not a good one either..

Don't feel like you are dipping me. I live off constructive critisism. When I pack I just make sure it feels fluffy. I could have gone with more bubble wrap but if you put too much the package can rip a little easier. I do stand behind my products. I have even taken things back just because sombody made a quick decision and spent money they should not have. Play with it and if you have any problems or don't feel comfortable with it send her home and I can exchange it for something else or give you a refund. My main goal is that everyone is happy with my units.:beer:

It does look like USPS ripped up the envelope pretty good.

Also the battery is inside the unit but has electrical tape over the contacts that has to be removed before using.

@Rich Z. You have bought from one of the very good sellers here on LPF. DTR stands behind his work 100%.

On another note, the packing a slacking just a tad, but not much. The only thing I would have done different is a bit more bubble wrap and use a padded/bubble wrap type envelope.

Enjoy your new laser!! Considering who you bought it from, I'm sure it's a good one!! :beer:

DTR said:

Don't feel like you are dipping me. I live off constructive critisism. When I pack I just make sure it feels fluffy. I could have gone with more bubble wrap but if you put too much the package can rip a little easier. I do stand behind my products. I have even taken things back just because sombody made a quick decision and spent money they should not have. Play with it and if you have any problems or don't feel comfortable with it send her home and I can exchange it for something else or give you a refund. My main goal is that everyone is happy with my units.:beer:

It does look like USPS ripped up the envelope pretty good.

Also the battery is inside the unit but has electrical tape over the contacts that has to be removed before using.

Click to expand...

OK, that sounds fair enough to me. Thanks for your help with this.

But if I decide to order another one down the road, please find a box for me. It's really a miracle I didn't have that thing drop out of the envelope and me winding up with an empty envelope at the post office, and some lucky postal employee with a brand new high falootin' flashlight to show his buddies at the local bar. :beer: Then next thing we'd know, the emergency room would be filled with drunks with burned out retinas and a lot of explaining to do....

In the end, what was the condition of the products you ordered? Most of that damage can be attributed to poor postal handling, not the fault of the packer. The packer didn't *expect* the thick envelope to be mangled in transit. Packer-negligence would be leaving the items unwrapped so they shift around and bang into each other. These are covered in bubble tape and would probably be just fine. Battery in the host? Is it any less safe outside the host if not conducting within it?

Many sellers try to save the customer money by using such shipping methods. If you're not satisfied, or perhaps your postal carrier is a bit rough with the packages, you should request different packing. Perhaps they could accommodate you with a flat rate box instead for a small premium.

I was packing a lot of stuff to go out that day and looking at the pictures I could have used more of the bubble wrap. I have not had any problems with the packages being ripped like this yet but I may start using some packing tape around the envelope to keep that from happening. The flat rate shipping from USPS is a great deal. Plus it comes with tracking that goes right into your Paypal. It also makes it easy for me I can just print the label and give it to the post man instead of having to travel to the post office.

Definitely give us a rundown of what you think. I would love to see some feedback. Maybe some beamshots and a LPM test if you got one.:beer:

Bottom line is--any damage???

Jordan was forthright to come on this thread and be open to suggestions- his packages to me have been fine.

I have seen MUCH worse. Especially from fukallprice et al in China.

I just got home and wanted to show a picture of the batteries. My thoughts are the safest shipping is to have them in the host. The host provides a very strong case that is a somewhat insulated container for the battery. I cover the leads with electrical tape so the battery can not discharge. Here is a picture of how they come.

DTR said:

I just got home and wanted to show a picture of the batteries. My thoughts are the safest shipping is to have them in the host. The host provides a very strong case ans somewhat insulated container for the battery. I cover the leads with electrical tape so the battery can not discharge. Here is a picture of how they come.

Click to expand...

Well, you're not kidding about that host being strong. I just got done looking at and handling it, and quite honestly, I think that the mail truck could have run over it and it wouldn't have fazed it in the least. SOLID, is the word, I believe. Actually more like "weapons grade" as I believe it could be used as a club with absolutely no ill effects to the host. There isn't a scratch or mar on the body that I can see.

Anyway, I took the tape off of the battery and took it outside to try it out. Outrageous looking beam! I'll have to see if I can get my camcorder to give a decent image, but right now it's 36 degrees out side and I'm not inclined to spend much time out there.

So heck, as long as it keeps on ticking, I'm happy with it. I guess if the USPS couldn't destroy it, there's not much I could do to hurt it.

My goggles showed up today as well, so maybe I'll play around with it inside over the weekend. I want to make up a holder for one of my tripods, as I don't want the thing just laying on a table while it is on. Things could get awkward if it rolled off of the workbench and the beam starts fanning all over the workroom.

Haven't gotten my charger and extra batteries, so I'll have to go easy on using up the current.

Anyway, perhaps all is well that ends well.

Thank you.....

Rich Z said:

Anyway, perhaps all is well that ends well.

Thank you.....

Click to expand...

No problem. Enjoy and be safe.:beer:

And Merry Christmas.:san::san::san::san::san::san:

"Anyway, perhaps all is well that ends well"

?perhaps?

btw --do be safe-- the goggles need to be worn to do any good- peek over them once you are sure you are in the safe zone and watch out for ALL mirrors.

lazor beamz travel kinda fast ya know-- there is NO time to blink.

post up some photos when you get them.:san:

hak

+1 for amazing customer support DTR
The world would be a better place with more like YOU in it
:gj:


*edit* can't, need to spread around

Well, the unit is doing just dandy, so I was just worried about nothing, it seems.

Now I need to get DTR to make a 2w unit for me....... :eg:

Now I know why some of the guys here have a LONG list of units in their signature. I didn't realize this would be habit forming!

Another case of bank account bloodletting. I'm so sorry but it is permanent in 95% of all cases.

It's like a VD, some $#!T just don't wash off :na: