If you purchase display fixtures for your business which require transportation to your location by commercial freight carrier, UPS or Fed Ex, there are some important considerations to take into account for the moment your merchandise arrives. Listed below is a numbered checklist to smooth the process and avoid the potential pitfalls.
1. Inspect all packaging for visible nicks, dents or tears. With freight shipments, your merchandise will arrive shrink wrapped, strapped to a pallet or in crates, the driver is usually on a tight schedule and won’t have time for you to do a full inspection of the delivery. Take a few minutes to walk around and inspect the shipment with the driver. Some crate displays have a tip/tell sticker visible on the crate which will give a clear indication if the shipment was mishandled.
2. If you notice any indications of damage on the packaging, be sure to write the “DAMAGED” on the drivers paperwork and take a cell phone photo of the area in question.
3. Once that is complete you should contact the company from whom the merchandise was purchased to let them know your shipment arrived and about any issues involving with packaging and condition of the item.
4. It is advisable to take pictures of the boxes before and after contents are unpacked. If there is no apparent damage to the merchandise once the boxes are opened, then great! If however your do find damage to the contents, continue with the steps below. Although disappointing there is not cause for concern. As long as the word “DAMAGED” has been listed on the drivers paperwork you are covered for replacement. This is an essential point. If for example you fail to make a note of the damage on the paperwork at this point, it will be regarded by the freight company that you accepted the shipment in good order and they consider themselves off the hook regarding liability even though the damage happened though rough handling in transit!! If that occurs there is nothing the merchant who sold the merchandise can do. The seller relies on the consignee to make sure the goods are only accepted in good order.
5. Next (if damage exists) e-mail or text the photos of all of the damaged items – photos should be clear and taken up close and at a distance so the shipper (the merchant who sold you the items) knows exactly what is damaged and what needs to be replaced.
Do not assemble a flat-pack display until you have spoken with the merchant who sold you the item. Assembling the item is tantamount to accepting he merchandise in damaged condition as it is no longer in a state that can be shipped back for replacement.
6. If severe damage is obvious upon delivery, you can refuse the shipment. This will speed up the replacement of your merchandise.
Damages are a rare occurrence, we inform all of our customers of the potential for merchandise to arrive damaged as we have no control of how merchandise is handled once it leaves our warehouse. This is another reason we recommend purchasing displays and fixtures 1-2 months prior to your store opening or event. If damaged does occur, this leaves plenty of time for replacements to be sent to your location.
