How to deal with receiving damaged items in a trade

[Darkzephyr]

Hey Everyone,

The other day, I finally received my end of a huge trade ($600 + of my MTG for $600+ of Orks). Needless to say, I was pretty excited after waiting a little over a week to receive it (it was sent from a APO/military base overseas). However, as I was opening the package, I discovered some of the miniatures were damaged. Some were very minor aka just broken off at the glue "contact" points (aka where arms connect to torso, or torso is glued to the legs), which I would assume isn't a big deal,as I can hopefully just reglue them.

However, some of the damage was a bit more serious. Here's a basic rundown of what I found so far.

1. Some OOP stormboyz (part old plastic, part metal) had some hands/weapons broken at the wrist. The big issue with this is I was probably going to resell them in favor of newer models. They were packed in a ziploc bag with some tissue/paper towel padding inside.
2. Fully assembled BattleWagon had part of the Chassis containing wheels snapped off, a wheel on the other side snapped at connecting point, Grabbin' Klaw arm broke where it connects to BW and where Klaw connects to arm. BW was wrapped in at least one layer of Bubble-wrap, and packed in with the rest of the models,bags inside a larger box
3. Some spikey bits and weapons broken off warbikers.
4. Deffkopta blades broken, also some had the small connecting point where the blade connects to the body snapped off. Bikers and Deffkoptas were in a larger plastic container with some bubble-wrap.
5. Lastly, a Deff Dread wasn't exactly as described. It was labeled NIB* it was partially assembled, and although it didn't take any serious damage, the tip points of the tiny horns seem to have come off. Also, all the Exhaust pieces seem to have snapped off/broken and are either missing or in another bag?

*item was sent to this trade from a third party and I think in that msg it was said to be NIB. When the guy trading with me received it, perhaps he just forgot to update it.

So, I'm not sure what extent of damage I should expect. I think models coming "unglued", but when they actual model becomes broken, I'm not sure if that's acceptable or I should ask for some kinda compensation.

I did take pics too, if anyone wants to see those.
In the other guys defense, I would like point out they came from rather far (overseas, from an APO address) and the guy has a very high trader rating (at least 150 trades on Bartertown). I'm not sure if this was due to poor packaging by the other trader or poor package handling by the USPS?

So, again, it's been a long time since I've had to deal with broken models. What should I expect in general and how do you guys suggest I handle this situation? Should I try to get a bit more in compensation? or just suck it up as a risk of trading and try to glue the models back together?

I did take pics too, if anyone wants to see those.

In the other guys defense, I would like point out they came from rather far (overseas, from an APO address) and the guy has a very high trader rating (at least 150 trades on Bartertown). I'm not sure if this was more due to rough handling by the USPS or if there could have been better methods used in the initial packaging.

Lastly, he was a very quick communicator, easy to work with and cooperative with any changes I requested to the trade.

So, again, it's been a long time since I've had to deal with broken models. What should I expect in general and how do you guys suggest I handle this situation?


Here are some pics..

[pretre]

Did you tell him about the damage and ask him first? I always start with a 'what should we so about this' message.

[kturock]

Unglued or broken/seperated at the glue joints can be repaired. I've seen metal to metal & metal to plastic glued with super glue come apart just tipping over on the table.
GW plastic glue is still a form of super glue. It's not permanent like Testor's model cement; which actually melts the plastic. I've seen it [GW] seperate when a model is picked up.

Now, bits or pieces broken off, that weren't glued on, that actually broke is a completely different story. Poorly packed models can break no matter what glue is used.

You've already taken pics. Things that are actually broken, snapped or crushed not at a joint; need to be addressed. From you description, it sounds like they weren't packaged propperly and any actual broken items are his responsibilty.

[MagickalMemories]

Just to support what's already been said (but to add an "official" voice to the mix):
Unglued pieces should not be too picked over. It happens. Superglue is not perfect. The exception is for painted models. If you're paying for models because they're already painted, and you don't have to do any work to them, unglued pieces can be a real pain, as paint typically chips off at the glue point when they come apart.

Broken models are a different problem entirely.
With all due respect to your trade partner, how far they had to travel is unimportant. Assembled models should be packed in such a manner that they do not break. Full stop.
If the box arrives mangled, that's another story. If it's still in good shape, though, then they didn't do a good enough job packing.

NIB model being assembled is a problem, as well.

My advice is to PM your trade partner. Politely list the issues with the broken and "not NIB" model. Ask him how he would like to resolve it or, if you know what you'd like, tell him what you'd like done as a resolution. In my experience, it's always been a good place to ask my trade partner what they want to do to resolve it because it's not aggressive. You're not putting them on the defensive and you're showing them a willingness to work with them without being rude or demanding.
That said, do not agree to a resolution that you aren't happy with, either.

Eric

[Darkzephyr]

Thanks everyone!

I agree completely with the Unglued part. In case I wasn't clear before, I understand that's both a common problem and an easy fix, and I fully expect when items are being shipped.

I think I'll try to find a way to post pics here to get a good idea of how bad the damage is/how much it will hurt the value if I try to trade or sell it.

Also, the Deffdread did come from another trader before arriving at my Trade Partners location, and shortly after receiving it, he shipped it to me. I don't blame him for the initial description he sent to me (since the other party described it to him as NIB), but still feel an update on the condition upon it's arrival and before sending would have been nice.

I guess the real input I need is;

1. How difficult will it be to repair the said damage and how stable will the repairs be?
2. How much does the repaired damage decrease the value if I want to sell/trade these items?

In other words, how much is reasonable to ask for? I'm also sending these pics to him to see what he thinks.

[optimusprime14]

I wouldn't set a price, at least not right away. Approach them with a list of issues and pictures. Be as detailed as you can. Then politely ask them how they would like to go about resolving this. They may have spare models they can send, they may wish to offer compensation in the form of a payment, etc. If you have a preference on how it would like to be resolved then clearly state that. Do you want to ship the models back and expect undamaged models? Are you ok with fixing the models yourself but would like compensation for your time,effort and any bits you need? Make sure you know what you are willing to accept.

Try to be fair and reasonable, approach this politely and since you mentioned that your trade partner has a higher rating, I would assume that they take pride in their trades and will do what it takes to make sure both of you are satisified

[Darkzephyr]

Thanks to Everyone for your responses.

I just wanted to let everyone know that my partner in this trade was very empathetic and took responsibility for the slight "under-packaging" that took place.

He offered and amount that I felt was generous and more than fair and we both lived happily ever after!

Thanks again for everyone's thoughts and suggestions, I really appreciate it.