Ok, I guess if you buy and ship enough the odds are against you. I stopped using UPS a long time ago and started using USPS and FedEx for Bicycle Frame shipments. Well, I recently purchased a Rivedendell Fixed Gear road frame that I was going to setup as a 650B. This was purchased from a trusted list member and the packaging was very good. Tubes protected, extra cardboard on the side, held in place so that it wouldn't wiggle about, etc.
I received the frame an began to unplack it like a kid on Christmas. I don't know why I did not grab a camera during this stage but I have had good luck in the past. As I unpacked it my eyes wandered of the 'hideous' lugs, and the Joe Bell paint job. So far so good.
Then, I flip the bike over and notice the BB shell looks funny. Sure enough, the BB shell was crushed on one side. Upon further inspection I see that the bottom of the box has a pierce in it and the interior where the BB shell was is comprimised with a significant crush zone.
View the pics at:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/
The whole frame can be seen here:
http://members4.clubphoto.com/
So, we file a claim and I call FedEx to schedule a time for inspection. First, the lady was pretty rude and completely worthless. She said that there was a scheduled 'pick-up' today and that was it. She could not tell me if it was actually being picked up, inspected, what time, by whom, and if it was picked up what would happen to it. So I waited.
The FedEx lady came by today and sure enough wanted to take it. I asked her what would happen to it, where was it going, how could I be sure that no more damage would be incured, etc. I don't know was the best answer. But, at least she is going to check.
I want to have this repaired and I have a quote in hand. Be ready Curt :) We insured it and the amt we insured it for should cover the repairs but I am reluctant to let them take it without any idea what would happen or even if it would be returned. It could suffer more damage!
So, I am calling on the list for advice on how to play this. Experiences, etc...
Mike "Totally bumed" Wilkinson
Castle Rock, CO