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Harness packaging when ordering online

Original Post
Who Dat · · Spinning Rock, MW · Joined Dec 2014 · Points: 5

I recently ordered a harness from an online retailer. It arrived in an unpadded plastic envelope. Although the envelope was visually damaged, I do not see any damage to the harness.

Thoughts?

Thanks
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Jeff Johnston · · Bozeman, MT · Joined Sep 2010 · Points: 110

I would be a bit pissed. Packing a piece of safety gear that your life will depend on with no protection/padding during shipping is pretty poor business practice. They should have put it in to a box.
Its up to you but I would have called and complained if there any viable anything to the harness.

divnamite · · New York, NY · Joined Aug 2007 · Points: 90

Doesn't your harness come in its own plastic bag? If not, I would ask for a refund or exchange.

Who Dat · · Spinning Rock, MW · Joined Dec 2014 · Points: 5

I definitely am a bit pissed, Jeff. It absolutely should have come in a box. I wrote customer service and they replied that if the harness doesn't damaged then it's probably okay. I agree with them but still..

Div, the harness came in a mesh bag/lining. I considered asking for an exchange, but it's past season and I think I got the last one.

Ray Pinpillage · · West Egg · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 180

I would be totally pissed off its not damaged. Have you considered filing a claim with USPS?

Tommy Layback · · Sheridan, WY · Joined Jan 2011 · Points: 85

Misty Mountain - always comes in a box.

FrankPS · · Atascadero, CA · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 276

Poor handling, but since there was no damage, I wouldn't pursue it further.

Who was the retailer and who was the shipper?

Sam Stephens · · PORTLAND, OR · Joined Jan 2010 · Points: 1,090

I think you're being a bit over the top honestly.

Do you go to Lowe's and complain that every 2x4 isn't perfectly straight, or get butthurt when McDonald's doesn't put the fake egg yellow side up on your mcmuffin?

If you can't determine now if the harness is damaged, how are you going to be able to tell after a year, two years, or three years of use? Or after you get out of s mean offwidth?

Do you retire your rope after five falls on a sport route?

Who Dat · · Spinning Rock, MW · Joined Dec 2014 · Points: 5
Ray Pinpillage wrote:I would be totally pissed off its not damaged. Have you considered filing a claim with USPS?
Looks like the retailer didn't purchase insurance, so I can't file a claim apparently.
Who Dat · · Spinning Rock, MW · Joined Dec 2014 · Points: 5
FrankPS wrote:Poor handling, but since there was no damage, I wouldn't pursue it further. I might think twice about ordering from them again. Who was the retailer and who was the shipper?
The shipper was USPS, but I'm reluctant to say who the retailer was. They're a relatively big online retailer specializing in outdoor stuff.
Who Dat · · Spinning Rock, MW · Joined Dec 2014 · Points: 5
Sam Stephens wrote:I think you're being a bit over the top honestly. Do you go to Lowe's and complain that every 2x4 isn't perfectly straight, or get butthurt when McDonald's doesn't put the fake egg yellow side up on your mcmuffin? If you can't determine now if the harness is damaged, how are you going to be able to tell after a year, two years, or three years of use? Or after you get out of s mean offwidth? Do you retire your rope after five falls on a sport route?
I see you point. But what would compel them to ship it in a plastic bag rather than a box? Seems like such a simple way to prevent this problem. Why take the risk? I'd be a little upset if went to build something and the structure failed because the 2x4 had a fracture in it or something. I'll admit though, I don't think damage to the harness is a real issue. The packaging choice just bugs me.

I forgot to mention that the back of the bag was ripped/torn too.
FrankPS · · Atascadero, CA · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 276

Why would anyone "file a claim" on this? There was no damage to the harness, right? I suppose you could report that the package came torn, but I don't think there is any insurance claim to be made when there are no damages.

Edit: Pretty sure Ray was pulling your leg about filing a claim.

20 kN · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2009 · Points: 1,346

Meh, I wouldent be that pissed. If the harness is fine, I would be fine with the packaging.

20 kN · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2009 · Points: 1,346
Who Dat wrote: But what would compel them to ship it in a plastic bag rather than a box?
The same reason why I ship some items in plastic bags--price. If you, the customer, want to pay more for a box and more expensive shipping, I'll ship it that way. But most people want competitive pricing, so if the bag is not inherently unsafe, I dont see a reason why not to use it. That said, I probably would ship a harness in a box myself, I reserve plastic bags for hard goods like biners, but the same principle applies here.
webdog · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2009 · Points: 0

How is it gonna get damaged in a bag? Was it melted, burned? It's soft and flexible, it can't get crushed

Who Dat · · Spinning Rock, MW · Joined Dec 2014 · Points: 5
webdog wrote:How is it gonna get damaged in a bag? Was it melted, burned? It's soft and flexible, it can't get crushed
By heavy objects compressing other sharp objects in bags which then tear out of the bag (or box) and tear other parcels in freight. It can't be assumed that everyone packs goods in the appropriate vessels. Did you not see the picture? I shipped something USPS in a bag and asked the clerk, "Is this going to be beat to hell during transit?" They replied with an honest "yes." Also mentioned that it'd be on the bottom of the truck, compressed beneath all of the boxes, to maximize space I guess.

Can you explain the tears?

20Kn, I don't mind getting a harness in a bag, but what the hell goes during USPS shipping? I'd pay the extra $2 if it was an option. It's cheaper than return shipping.
Ray Pinpillage · · West Egg · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 180
Who Dat wrote: Looks like the retailer didn't purchase insurance, so I can't file a claim apparently.
That sucks, with the amount of damage to your harness they really owe you.
Who Dat · · Spinning Rock, MW · Joined Dec 2014 · Points: 5
Ray Pinpillage wrote: That sucks, with the amount of damage to your harness they really owe you.
Cheaper than a lawsuit as well.
Paul Hutton · · Nephi, UT · Joined Mar 2012 · Points: 740

Let it go if there's no damage to the harness. Every climber should be able to look at their gear and make a judgement call on whether it's trustworthy or not. This sport is inherently dangerous. It's not really compatible with timid lil worry warts. I buy climbing gear to use it, quickly! Complain to the seller, sure! They could've provided better structure to the container, considering this article of gear supports your life. That's why people want criticism, to construct for the future, to progress. Is the harness ok? Go climb away!

Ray Pinpillage · · West Egg · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 180
Who Dat wrote: Cheaper than a lawsuit as well.
Exactly, you should take them to court over all that damage.
M Mobley · · Bar Harbor, ME · Joined Mar 2006 · Points: 911

Take it in to REI and try to get an exchange.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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