So the item was damaged in transit?
If you had specific packing instructions, were those clearly conveyed to the person packing the item?
If you want something packed in oversized rigid cardboard for example, and then placed in a USPS box, you can convey that type of information to the seller. If you want something shipped in a specific product or packaging form you can also convey that to the seller.
Most people will go the extra mile to ensure something arrives in perfect condition especially when the buyer expresses concern and is willing to cover the shipping costs.
The seller has no idea what your intent is for the product or what your desires are regarding shipping preferences.
It's merely a $50 module, not a $1000 module, and he has no way of knowing that it requires anything other than standard cardboard stiffening.
It sounds like a simple communication error.

Tszii wrote in Venting:I just got a near-mint N7 in the mail…

N7?

-SKA

Sorry, N4.

Any Mass Effect 3 fans out there?

Is this the item?  Very nice if it is. Congrats.


** expired/removed eBay auction **


-SKA

If it was just a corner only and packed in a large padded envelope, even with sawn off cardboard, it'll be more likely a sorting machine snaffu or a dink in the mailbag neing hurled from one van to another. You really have to pack well if you're gonna use padded envelopes, or use boxes. Those who used to buy from me back in the day may remember the rediculous amounts of packing and tape I used to use to keep things padded and rigid in transit. I can only assume a seller with no real experience and no interest in what he's selling (or what his customers expect when they are buying.)

Absolutely with Tszii that every time you buy something you should get it in the same condition as if they turned up at your door and picked it off the table yourself. But sometimed when its most important you have to remind the seller, be really anal about it, and offer them more money for their shipping efforts.

You likely know this, but bends/wrinkles/creases can often be pressed out, with proper care.  If you are good at it, you can typically reverse bend a corner like that, and it will be barely perceptible.

While a box is better it is no guarantee. I think people fail to realize the amount of packages that are processed in a sorting facility. That boxes weighing 50# or more are being dropped out of containers with envelopes in them as well.

I've packaged items that I thought could withstand a cinder block falling on it but didn't.

MegaTherion wrote in Venting:I've packaged items that I thought could withstand a cinder block falling on it but didn't.

That last picture you posted is crazy. It’s a wonder mail finds its way to a destination at all.

-SKA

Tszii wrote in Venting:Bagging, boarding and these specific boxes, provides the best chance to avoid damage in the mail, and it could still happen. (Its like a box within a box) Anything less has a fair chance of a small crease or corner ding that would result in a 9.2 or lower.

Amazon.com : BCW Comic Book Mailer for Comics - Magazines - Books (1 ct.) : Office Products

I've use the Gemini Mailers with spacers on pricier comics. But they are expensive. Had two arrive damaged last week. It's a crap shoot