A TD 125 bites the dust - or how NOT to pack

[bobins08]

Thanks to all the many responders to my original post. I appreciate the word of encouragement and the technical advice.

I have purchased (and sold) numerous pieces of audio equipment (including a couple turntables) on the auction site so I know the chances that are taken. I've generally been lucky. There are definitely some crooks out there. This seller has a good feedback and has sold other audio gear, so it seemed like a safe bet. But the packing showed me that he/she has no knowledge of how to properly pack something like a turntable.

I have been trying to reach the seller via email for 2 days. No response so I opened a case in the Resolution Center. I did just hear from the guy and he was taking the position that I had damaged the table - go figure. So it looks like this won't be an easy resolution. In the interim, I have a pile of junk on my hands. If he takes it back - great. If not, then I have a project on my hands.

But I still have the urge for a Thorens, so I will take the suggestions about other sources and see what I can find.

Again, thanks to all for the responses (even the one suggesting that I'm an idiot for buying a table on eBay). This is a great forum!

It will not take much investigation to prove the Seller packaging is the blame. Take lots of pictures, even of the box and the packing material.

Keep at it, be delligent, and try to get your money back.

Then go to Barter Town and see if you can get one from someone in the know.

 

[hirscwi]

Hi, I've been to Bartertown and found a nice TD 125 - now I just need to drive to the east coast to pick it up (which might not be out of the question...).

Yes, I did pay with PayPal - always do - gives an extra layer of protection. Also agree strongly with the suggestion to call eBay - I have done that in the past and it definitely helps smooth the process (which is still lengthy, but understandably so).

Had a more positive response from the seller this morning and am hopeful that we'll reach a good and fair accommodation.

I do think that some of the blame rests with the shipper. The package was marked "fragile" and showed signs of rough treatment. I've had more damaged shipments in the past 6 months than in the past 5 years and wonder if the quality of service has decreased. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

 

[fred soop]

.....
The package was marked "fragile" and showed signs of rough treatment
......

Hahahahahaha! "Fragile" means that it can only be dropped from 8 feet, not 14 feet, and can only be run over by a small truck, not a semi. But first, we have to cave in one side of the box with the rubber stamp that has "fragile" on it.

Someone elsewhere on AK mentioned that if you ship UPS and insure the item for $8000, it will then get very special treatment and the insurance isn't all that expensive.

 

[Blue Shadow]

The package was marked "fragile" and showed signs of rough treatment.

I don't think the conveyor belt system is reading that fragile sticker and some of the folks that do treat it like Ace Ventura on his movie opening delivery.

 

[Mister Pig]

Hi, I've been to Bartertown and found a nice TD 125 - now I just need to drive to the east coast to pick it up (which might not be out of the question...).

Yes, I did pay with PayPal - always do - gives an extra layer of protection. Also agree strongly with the suggestion to call eBay - I have done that in the past and it definitely helps smooth the process (which is still lengthy, but understandably so).

Had a more positive response from the seller this morning and am hopeful that we'll reach a good and fair accommodation.

I do think that some of the blame rests with the shipper. The package was marked "fragile" and showed signs of rough treatment. I've had more damaged shipments in the past 6 months than in the past 5 years and wonder if the quality of service has decreased. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

UPS and FED EX have very specific requirements to what they consider appropriate packing, it is best to look them up and read them. Some might think it is overkill, but its their game and if you choose to use their services it is best to pack to their standards. Printing "fragile" on the side is not on the list. This turntable did not meet their packing requirements. All the blame on this one rests with the seller. Although it is wise for the buyer to inquire about packing specifics, in order to save some headache and time.

Honestly, I don't think the table is saveable for the most part. I would be worried about the bearing assembly and spindle. I would be concerned about the shaft on the motor, and the condition of the tone arm. I suppose switches, circuit boards, and top plate are saveable, but not a lot else. I would take the money and chalk it up to experience.

Regards
Mister Pig

 

[majick47]

I package everything for the worst case situation and expect a package to be thrown/dropped at least 12 feet and it probably will be. I also check with the buyer of my equipment to see if the packaging was sufficient. The only complaint I'v had was it took a lot of time to unpack the item thru many layers of boxes/material. Agree with Mr Pig and the others this was not the fault of the shipper be it UPS, FedEx, USPS, it was solely the fault of the seller who did an inadequate job of packaging. As I said before Ebay, PayPal and the shipping companies have experienced this many times before and are well aware of what it takes to package a turntable. Your photos should be proof enough to show how it was not properly disassembled and packaged. Not trying to rub salt in the wounds but a 100% feedback or a couple audio items isn't sufficient these days to guarantee the seller is capable of getting the item to you in one piece. I'v walked away from more than one Ebay purchase when I suspected a problem with the capabilities of the seller. After hearing that the seller is claiming you and the shipping company are at fault for the damage I would leave this seller BLISTERING NEGATIVE feedback.

 

[sKiZo]

The package was marked "fragile" and showed signs of rough treatment. I've had more damaged shipments in the past 6 months than in the past 5 years and wonder if the quality of service has decreased. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Fragile is French for "drop kick" ...

Blame it on automation. Your package probably got caught in a pileup on a high speed belt.

DO fight the good fight, and be sure to post up the results ...

PS ... I'd love to see eBay revise the rules that if you're selling items on a "special" list, you have to click through and accept those rules when you post an item for sale. Similar to a software EULA. If any of those flagged items are damaged in shipment, you're automatically at fault if it goes to resolution. Also restrict shipping to carriers that will allow the buyer to refuse to accept damaged packages, resulting in an automatic return and refund. Makes the seller aware if the importance of proper packaging, and also makes the buyer aware if why S&H is steeper on some fragile items.

Then again, I'm not a seller ...

 

[jnoyes]

If you haven't done so, send pictures to the seller that shows the damage. As part of the claim process, Ebay will look at these communications.

The seller doesn't have a leg to stand on and Ebay will find in your favor.

Jon

 

[majick47]

Also if seller is in doubt have him check AK for the proper way to pack a turntable.

 

[hirscwi]

Hi, just an update. Still waiting for this to work its way through the Resolution Center. I did post several photos into the Resolution Center so I hope that will help. I've had good results the couple times I've had to use the Resolution Center in the past.

Also thank to the several people who have sent me suggestions via PM - much appreciated.

I'll keep you posted on the outcome...

 

[samer0214]

Hi, I've been to Bartertown and found a nice TD 125 - now I just need to drive to the east coast to pick it up (which might not be out of the question...).



Yes, I did pay with PayPal - always do - gives an extra layer of protection. Also agree strongly with the suggestion to call eBay - I have done that in the past and it definitely helps smooth the process (which is still lengthy, but understandably so).



Had a more positive response from the seller this morning and am hopeful that we'll reach a good and fair accommodation.



I do think that some of the blame rests with the shipper. The package was marked "fragile" and showed signs of rough treatment. I've had more damaged shipments in the past 6 months than in the past 5 years and wonder if the quality of service has decreased. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

There is your answer! http://youtu.be/cpVFC7bMtY0



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[majick47]

A seller is being unrealistic to think that placing a fragile label on a poorly packaged box is sufficient to ward off damage. Under the best of circumstances the box will be put to the test never mind the occasional rough handling by employees of shipping services. In this case it appears that the seller failed on two parts. First the table was not properly disassembled and parts secured, second the box and packing material were insufficient. Under the best of circumstances that turntable was doomed for des truction even with most careful handling by the shipper.