Bartertown.com

Okay, I would just like to get the input of some of the other folks around here.

I recently set up a trade with another individual who answered my post. I asked the condition of the items and was told a few had been painted but cleaned and a few were painted to table top standards. I asked to ensure that the other trader would use good packaging, I was told yes.

The other trader and I shipped around the same day (I believe I was a day late getting my shipment out). Both provided tracking numbers. After I sent my tracking number, the other trader said they found some more models so they were going to ship them as well.

When the first package arrived, I was shocked. The miniatures were just dumped into gallon sized zip lock bags in bulk and shoved into a flat rate priority mail box. There were some pieces of newspaper in there, that were wrapped around a few of the larger models.

On review of this package, some of the models I was supposed to receive were not there. The majority of the models had primer (some black, some white), and some were missing significant pieces. The other trader advised he forgot some of the models so they were in the second box. I figured maybe the second box would have the missing parts to other models as well.

When the second box arrived, it had some of the missing models, but not all. It also didn't have the pieces missing from the other models. Some missing pieces are things such as guns. Also, some large pieces from giant-sized models, such as their weapon hands and weapons. So I am missing some of the models and significant parts of other models.

I contacted the other trader and expressed my discontent. He offered to send another box of other minis or we could trade our models back, but claimed that the condition was clearly stated (I have that PM, and I have photos of the minis, so proof on that area is covered here). While I disagree with that statement, I figured we would just swap back.

When I review the package that comes back to me, I notice that some of the glue points on the models were broken. No problem, parts are all there. I then notice that one of the books I had shipped now had gouges in the front cover, including a hole going completely trhough. Since none of the models were touching the book without being thoroughly wrapped in plastic, I will chalk it up to shipping damage but figure it is probably a vengeful trader.

Now we come to the area where I am looking for feedback. I shipped both of his boxes back to him with delivery confirmations. One has delivered. The other one, according to the delivery post office, the USPS did not want to leave sitting so they left a delivery notice. The delivery notice was left on 2/27. The trader has apparently made no effort to pick up the package, and has not responded to any contact from me.

So, if this package comes back to me, where does the responsibility lie in getting it back to him? I already paid almost $25 in shipping ($8.60 my flat rate to him, plus returning his two packages back at $8.60 and $7.70). Should I get shafted paying for shipping again, or should he have to cover the cost of reshipping? Should I have to ship by priority mail again?

I was sent product that did not meet the condition that was stated in the original agreement, but I paid to return that to the other trader. My product that was returned was returned damaged.

The other trader has a good trade history, so I will give the benefit of the doubt on malicious activity. But I don't want to be out even more money than I already am given the issues of what was offered versus what was received.

What does the wisdom of Bartertown say about this?

Leave everything as is.

If the box gets sent back to you, inform him of such and ask him if he'd like you to ship it back to him.

If he doesn't respond, keep it.

If he says ship it back to him, ask that he pay the shipping cost, as it's only fair.

You shouldn't have to pay shipping twice.

I agree with Sid. You've done what is reasonably expected. I hope you will leave Btown feedback for this transaction.

Forewarned, and all that. Do not worry about "vengeful" feedback being left for you - we are very adamant about feedback honesty (see the rule on ITL intimidation). You've stated your case and they can respond to confirm, dispute, or deny as they see fit. If they choose not to, that casts doubt on any negative feedback they leave.

The one thing I'll mention is that the method of packaging that you mentioned (stuffed into ziplock bags and tossed in a box) is pretty common on Bartertown - most of the stuff I've gotten so far has been packed that way. I'm not particularly happy with this method of packing myself, but it seems to be the standard here so I've never said anything. With that in mind, I would say whatever you end up doing and whatever ref you end up leaving, you probably won't be able to knock the packing. (even tho I agree it's deplorable).

-Dwarf

Personally on packing, I went down to Hobby Lobby and got some Jewelry bags (Basicly "dime" bags) and use those to hold a model or two, along with their parts. Then I tend to either wrap in bubble wrap, or use popcorn to pad the group of baggies. Thats on unpainted stuff thou. Thus far, ive had no complaints in regards to it, but I dont just dump them all in the same bag and let the other end sort it out.

-E

My packaging depends on the model. For an assmbled manticore, I placed him in a b ox and put alot of foam "peanuts". They work really well, as if you mack them in with larger or assembled models, they have alot of give. They are dirt cheap and any UPS store (I think it was 2 bucks for a back about the size of a couch cushion. For smaller models, I wrap in foam or bubble wrap, then fil the remainder of the box with shredded newspaper. I have seen too many models get broken in the mail coming my way, so I am careful about packaging.

The stuff I shipped was Warmachine stuff (2 rulebooks and quite a few minis).

The rulebooks, I wrapped in plastic bags to protect against any moisture damage.

The warjacks, I wrapped each in an individual plastic (wal-mart) bag, then wrapped it around the outside to provide cushion around the whole mini, but not so tight as to break anything. Basically, no sharp pokies, and no tight binding.

The smaller minis (warcasters and such), I took bubble wrap envelopes and cut it into strips. Then I wrapped a model in the strip and taped it sealed. It had a 'tent' effect, but provides cushioning for the model by way of bubbles, as well as firm support on the outside by way of the envelope.

This filled a box, so there was no need for additional packing info. This packing method, which has worked before, was why I was surprised that my book came back with a hole through the entire cover. No miniatures were exposed, so I am at a loss to explain it (not really, but I'm not going to sit here and cast aspersions).

In the past, I always kept a roll of bubble wrap and would use that per mini. I don't have as much room as I used to, and shipping materials were one of the things I decided to pick up on an 'as needed' basis.

if you asked for individual wrapping on pieces that one thing, if it was a generic request of good packaging (where the box wont crush), thats something totally different.

remember you have to be specific, i havent found where people can read others minds yet.

Steve