Since we are on the topic of packaging today....
Need your opinion here guys. Came back home today and saw this at my door. It was my 1st order from Amiami.
Uh oh... doesn't look good already. Praying for some decent packaging on that side...
And....nope, no packaging on the dented side except for the bubble-wrap around the figure.
Yup....
/facepalm
/cries
So, should I email Amiami about this? Would they even do anything for me even if I do? I had SAL boxes come in a bit beat up before but usually the packaging saves it from any major damage. I usually take the figure out but I do save the boxes. Think this is the 1st time where I have major damage to the figure box itself.
Edit: Another question is what should I say in the email? There isn't any damage to the figure from what I can tell. The dent is really near the place where the energy ball is placed.
Think I will stick with HS after the last pre-order I have with Amiami ships in Oct....
Edit edit: The reason for the title of the post is because I read Missy's post this morning before going to work then came back at night and saw my package.
WTF is that kind of packaging O.o,,
me stil didnt try amiami..
but i think..you can contact them and ask if they can replace that :)
is this a troll post?
You get what you pay for with SAL. There's a reason it's so cheap. Next time shell out for EMS and you won't have these kinds of problems.
I've had problems with EMS shipping where my box was damaged too
In the end, it really depends on the actions of the many people who handle the package, from when it is shipped, to when it gets to you.
How does using EMS determine the amount of packaging you get?
I think he means "your package gets treated better"
plus I think EMS comes with insurance or some sort
Honestly, in my experience it doesn't make much difference. Most of the parcels I've had shipped by SAL have turned up in perfect condition, while I've had goods sent through faster services including EMS that have been battered or partially crushed. The figures in the best condition tended to be the ones sent in larger parcels leaving at least a couple of inches between the figure box and the shipping box.
They would probably reimburse you some money or something for the box. As long as the figure is fine, then I don't think there's a problem. But I understand if you want to sell your figures later, it is an issue. Just shoot of an email to ami ami
What's the diff with HS? they do the same of packaging as ami ami, from the pics I see.
HLJ is probably the best but it would also get damaged if the box was in that state
the problem here is the delivery company, not ami ami.
Ya, HS use the same type of paper for packaging. Actually HS use to use newspaper. The thing is the "lack" of packaging from Amiami. But I guess it's also luck of the draw if someone decide to move your package from point A to B by using there foot.
Yup, that is pretty flimsy looking cardboard. HLJ boxes are made of super-thick cardboard. Never had any problems with damage (of course, it looks like the delivery guy sat on the box while eating his lunch, despite the FRAGILE tape all over it, so lots of blame to go around)
I have no experience with damaged goods from AmiAmi so far, though i have only shopped there once only
This person suffered more than you did IMO... http://www.figure.fm/post/en/14326/Otacute+Ugh.html
I've only experienced this once but it's my Gundam boxes, just slight dents. As for figures, i order mostly from local retailers and they did a good job in packaging, stuffing in lots of sponge, newspaper and bubblewrap in a larger box, and seal them with a red tape written fragile. Sometimes even double layer packaging.
That's why I put that title for my post. I just find it ironic that I read about Missy's package problem this morning then I come back from work to find my package in a slightly better state. T_T
terrible packaging. bad news for amiami
You know what, in my opinion the only thing EMS is different from SAL is that, it will get to you faster so that there is least opportunity for people to threat it badly. Think about how many hit can the package get in 3 days, compare to how many hit can the package get in 30 days. Not to mention SAL is more likely to get other heavy stuffs stack on it while it is waiting to get depart......
I have bought alot from Amiami before. You were just unlucky, usually AmiAmi uses more packing than it needs. I have never had problems from AmiAmi.
Take a look at my July Loots. Most of it is from AmiAmi http://flawlessexa.wordpress.com/2010/07/31/july-loots/
I bought from HS before as well. They use the same packing as AmiAmi. And AmiAmi's boxes feels studier in my opinion. Probably the postal service's fault.
You shouldn't ask for SAL small packet shipping with such a big item. They can't use any bigger box than that because of the size limitations.
You make a good point there, since the SAL has limitations, bigger figures and boxes using SAL shipping wouldn't get as much buffering paper to protect it in transit, with EMS Amiami probably would've used a larger box and stuffed it with more paper to protect it... maybe.
When it comes to AmiAmi, i tend to just get the simple stuff. Coz when it comes to delivery, it could have been wrecked at any part of the world. Could have been perfect when it was mailed, but then damaged in your own country. Angry postmen! Evil!
But yeah, that box of yours needs more foam sponge thingies!
From my experience of shopping at Amiami none of my packages have come as worse as yours came in. You could try emailing Amiami but I don't think there's much that they can do. It's mainly how the delivery people handle moving the package :x
I had SAL boxes come in condition like it before. Just packaging inside prevented anything from being damaged.
There's really nothing AmiAmi can do, once it's out of the building, it's all in the hands of the Post Office/shipping company. Even with EMS, there's no guarantee the item will be safe. Just grin and bear it and be thankful the figure itself is safe.
I am thankful that nothing was broken. The dent was really close to the enery ball, if the dent had been deeper it might have snapped that part.
Got something like this from play-Asia back when I ordered Hayakawa Yuzuko from them however it was Fedex in my case T_T
I guess this happens with whoever handles your parcel be it the Origin's postman or your own country postman and also the parcel box that they use. Tight box = more prone to dents and damaging.
Do aware that most of the time the Postal Dudes are to blame...
+1!
Glad u figure is okay. But the box is unforgiving! Maybe u try contact amiami. Let they know how theirs products are coming to customers and find some way resolve this problem.
Ok, Amiami got back to me and basically said I'm out of luck. They had to use that box due to SAL small packet size limitation so that's why there was a lack of packing. They did say to contact them if there is any damage to the figure itself.
Once again, the postal service is at fault. As someone mentioned above, there is a maximum size limit for SAL so by choosing to have large items sent by that method, you're giving AmiAmi no choice but to pack it with limited protection. I've bought plenty of stuff from AmiAmi and with EMS shipping their packing is impeccable. It needs to be said that by choosing SAL - especially for such a large item - you should have been aware of the risks.
Honestly I'm a little concerned about posts like this, because they're essentially spreading misinformation. Make your own judgements of AmiAmi based on something for which they're not really at fault if you must, but it doesn't seem fair to post it here where other people might take it at face value without considering the context. The moral of this story should be to exercise caution when choosing your shipping methods - SAL is cheaper for a reason - not to turn people away from AmiAmi.
I'm well aware of the risk of using SAL but I don't think lack of package protection is one of them. One thing about the size limitation is that you don't know exactly how big is it when you pre-order. I think Amiami could've done better by warning me that there won't be adequate packaging if I use SAL and suggest I use EMS.
I agree with you Vinn, just because we choose SAL doesn't mean we don't deserve enough packing to get our figures to us in new condition. If they have to pack very poorly to be able to ship it SAL there should be a message saying this so you can choose to ship it EMS. Everyone who thinks it's the post offices fault doesn't realize that if it's shipped with inadequate packing it is the fault of the sender initially.
It should be obvious that a figure stuffed in a box it barely fits in won't hold up.
Well even if theres adequate packing/protection and the person mishandles the parcel it will still be the same isnt it? Juz might reduce the damage done
If there is adequate packing/protection this kind of damage wouldn't have happened.
You have to remember that SAL shipping has weight and size restrictions. They can only use so much packing with SAL in order to meet these requirements. With EMS this is no restriction plus it comes with insurance.
Almost every place I've dealt with on-line has a disclaimer about this when you choose SAL for shipping.
if you really wanted adequate protection, then use EMS. SAL has a certain weight and size restrictions as mentioned in this post.
I saw your earlier article, and I understand how you feel, but just how much, is enough? It's completely subjective how much packing material is adequate. You can't predict the degree of damage a box can go through. Maybe a postal worker dropped it, maybe another package was dropped on it, maybe someone sat on it. To have more space for packing material, you'll need a larger box. To have a larger box also means an increased price. How much are you willing to pay, to have say, a few inches of room between your figures and the cardboard? There are so many variables, as to what happens to the package once it's sent out by the company, to when it reaches you, as I said in an earlier comment.
These are what I think is important.
1.The company should warn you that the protection may not be adequate, and ask if you'd like to change boxes/ship method.
It seems Otacute uses old boxes, so I suppose you had no choice there, in terms of strong cardboard, and packing materials.
2.The postal service needs to have employees that treat packages with more care.
This is completely unpredictable. There are many instances in which you hear of workers throwing boxes off the truck, just to get the job done faster.
I understand you can not gauge how much damage a package will take but to use absolutely no packing at all is just ridiculous while jamming into a box it barely fits into. Plus ontop of that to use an old makeshift box that isn't sturdy. I mean come on, that's not even trying to protect it. If they think a figure can't be shipped SAL safely they should let you know OR not offer SAL for that figure.
You're really making it sound more terrible than it is. The figure fits in the box fine, but I agreed that the packing doesn't seem enough. AmiAmi's boxes are very sturdy. They only use this kind of box.
They have hundreds of customers a day, they already provide great customer support as it is. To send each customer their doubts and have to recalculate costs takes too long.
Sure if it doesn't have enough packing it's the shipper's fault but it's not like the post didn't do anything.
Has alot to do with where you live too. Us on the west coast barely have to worry about this kind of thing. Plus, you can probably request extra packing.
I believe HS dun have that kind of service asking you if you want to change your packaging also.
If it was EMS and your figure was damaged while shipping, it's not AmiAmi's fault but you still get to do insurance claim from post office. It's a long process though.
I'd hardly blame AmiAmi for this. Meh, I never ever use SAL, that's just asking for it imo *shrug*
Plus, as the others said, SAL is cheap and uninsured, that means you know there is always a risk, while EMS is insured and what not. Definitely not AmiAmi's fault.
Well, I doubt you could claim insurance on damage to the box and not the figure itself. SAL is great imo if your willing to take the risk of the package being lost or stolen. Never had a problem with it except one time where it took close to 2 months for a package to arrive.
My item either always gets lost or is all crushed like that pic when I use SAL and no one is responsible but "me" so I never ever use it, anymore.
SAL is great, that is definitely not the issue here.
I've had damaged EMS packages too, so whoever says SAL is bad and you're asking for trouble, that's complete crap.
I'd just send a formal e-mail to AmiAmi, explain the issue and provide some pictures to back-up your story.
I heard AmiAmi is pretty nice when handling these kind of issues, so just give it a shot. You won't know until you try!
Ouch!! AmiAmi is not the one to blame to, but definitely do blame it on the post office.
I haven't had such a problem with amiami before, and I've ordered quite a few already. Either way, I don't think it is amiami's responsibility, but the responsibility of the company in charge of delivery/shipping/handling. Products do change a lot of hands along the way. I would probably be irritated about it if it happened to me, but nothing to lose sleep over. But if it will make you feel better, an e-mail recommending what amiami could improve would be a good start. Basically, just keep the e-mail constructive. Hope you'll get it resolved soon! ^^
Seriously this is pure bad luck due to the person handling your box. If you picked EMS the same might happen also
I've yet to get my very first order from AmiAmi, but I've already got some packages from Otacute via SAL shipping, and all my figures have come in very good shape so far. A few dents on the packaging box, but none on the boxes of my figures.
I have to agree with most of the people here, AmiAmi should not be blamed entirely, it's the people who handle the package who are directly at fault. I mean, AmiAmi already used tape that screams "FRAGILE" and yet it comes to you in such shoddy shape. I think you should go to your post office and file a complaint there.
Still, what matters really is that the figure is still intact. After all, that's what you're really paying for.
I've got a bunch of pre-orders with AmiAmi right now, I hope my stuff doesn't arrive in the that condition.
I suspect it won't though. Hopefully. I'll believe in the British delivery system.
I've had a number of figures bought from AmiAmi, all shipped SAL, and they all arrived fine =/
as for me, I've ordered numerous times at AmiAmi and used SAL shipping method everytime.
everything arrived like as if they were on a private plane ^ ^;
i can't blame AmiAmi but it's really disapointing to see how vulnerable their packaging is...
Fragile sign...no use =_=||
I've already bought many times using SAL from AmiAmi, HLJ, CDJapan, Yesasia, Hobbysearch and always with an excellent, I repeat, an excellent protection.
It's nonsense to blame the package while the problem here is easily located in the post offices cause sometimes they don't care a little about our boxes.
And BTW, I also had a problem with a SAL shipment from CDJapan that was delayed more than two months and they offered me a full refund in money or points but instead I chose to wait a little more and in a couple of days I received my package safe and it wasn't necessary the refund.
that's strange, since my Nanoha Stand By Ready came in PERFECT shape with the same level of protection that you have on your Sanc (I believe it was SAL as well). So no, I really do think this is the carriers fault, and not the shippers.
All of my boxes come in perfect shape. Even stuff by Otacute. We are just lucky on the west coast. So I agreed it's on the postal services' fault.
I have used AmiAmi SAL on many occasions and not experienced any problem.The only time I have experienced a problem with an SAL delivery was once from Otacute where the box was slightly damaged.In my opinion HLJ packaging is best but their goods are more expensive.
plus the time it takes to actually acknowledge an order is just too long and a hassle (but at least it is a sure way to get orders correctly). Also, I did a bit of research on HLJ prices (or at least for Gunpla), and I was sure that HLJ had reasonable prices. I am just detoured from the site in general just because it takes too long to order from them
Actually HLJ acknowledge orders in about the same time as Amiami. Amiami confirmed my order in a day which is usually how long it takes HLJ to confirm my order. But with HLJ they have a nice order system in place so you can cancel or change info very easily.
Figure prices on HLJ is much more expensive due to the fact that they only take 5% off of retail and for only the early pre-order period. Never check prices on gunplas there. That's why I don't order from them anymore. That and they definitely over charge shipping a bit, probably due to those sturdy shipping boxes they use.
I see this problem only as a Postal Service problem. Im sure the box was 100% in pristine condition when it left Japan, and randomly ended up like crap at your door step.
If you want GOOD shipping and boxes, i prefer Hobby Search. Though with my Postal Service being Canada Post, I never had a poor conditioned looking box...EVER.
well amazon always ships my stuff in perfect condition.
Dear God! D8 I'm glad my Figma Black Rock Shooter wasn't damaged when I ordered her from AmiAmi -o- At least the figure itself is safe. and that's all that matters :)
The packaging obviously isn't good,they should have used a bigger box to stuff paper at the side to protect the figure box.However,the problem does not seems to be the packaging but the people who handled it obviously don't care and just throw your parcel while moving it.From the picture it is obviously hit on a hard surface to cause that dent.
Actually they put the paper there not really to protect the item but to prevent the item from moving inside the box.
ouch~ thats why I use Hobby search only, because the box they use is heavy duty and even the shipping box itself always came in near pristine condition let alone the figures inside. Though one time I bought a wave azu-nyan figure on ebay (made sure was genuine and at full price) the seller used a very very thin cardboard box and when it came, I was sad that my figure box is partially damaged :( whats even worst, was one time I ordered a figure from UK, and the seller didn't even use a box. and as you would guess.....it arrived like garbage.
Ya, i only order from HS because i know they are reliable and the box is very sturdy. Did the seller send you a figure in it's original box? That's just insane...
they used the original box, wrapped in a thin layer of bubble wrap, and a layer of wax paper. and placed custom information and postage on the wax paper
when you buy, you can pretty much guess about how big your item will be. if its going to be big....then damages are likely especially going over sea like that
They didn't pay much attention to "fragile" tape lol
Maybe this is punishment for buying StrikerS merchandise?
I literaly live in the other side of the world when the subject is Japan ( I'm brazilian ), and order from AmiAmi every time something interest me... I think it's just kind of bad luck, you can't blame them, it was the shipping method and how the posts handled it :/