Important Delivery Inspection Guidelines for Display Fixtures & Freight Shipments
When you purchase display fixtures, showcases, or retail displays that ship by commercial freight carrier, UPS, or FedEx, inspect the shipment carefully when it arrives. Following the checklist below will help protect your order and prevent issues with freight damage claims.
1. Inspect the Packaging Before Accepting Delivery
Carefully inspect all boxes, crates, pallets, and shrink wrap for visible dents, tears, punctures, or crushed areas. Freight drivers often work on tight schedules, but you should still take a few minutes to walk around the shipment with the driver before signing for delivery.
Some crated shipments include tip-and-tell indicators that show whether the freight tipped or experienced rough handling during transit. Check these indicators during your inspection.
2. Document Any Visible Damage Immediately
If you notice damaged packaging or signs of mishandling, write the word “DAMAGED” clearly on the driver’s paperwork before signing. Take clear cell phone photos of the damaged areas for your records.
3. Notify the Seller Right Away
After completing the inspection, contact the company that sold you the merchandise. Let them know the shipment arrived and explain any concerns involving the packaging or product condition.
4. Take Photos Before and After Unpacking
Photograph the shipment before opening the boxes and again after unpacking the contents. If the merchandise arrives in good condition, no further action is necessary.
If you discover concealed damage after opening the shipment, continue with the steps below. Freight damage can happen occasionally during transit, but proper documentation protects your replacement claim.
The most important step is writing “DAMAGED” on the driver’s paperwork at the time of delivery. Without that notation, the freight carrier may claim you accepted the shipment in good condition and deny responsibility for transit damage. In that situation, the seller may not be able to file a successful freight claim on your behalf.
5. Send Clear Photos of Any Damaged Items
If damage exists, email or text photos of all damaged merchandise to the seller. Take both close-up and wider-angle photos so the shipper can clearly identify the affected items and determine what replacement parts or products are required.
Do not assemble flat-pack fixtures or display cases before speaking with the seller. Assembly may indicate acceptance of the merchandise in its damaged condition and can prevent the item from being returned for replacement.
6. Refuse Severely Damaged Shipments
If the shipment arrives with severe or obvious damage, you may refuse delivery. Refusing heavily damaged freight often speeds up the replacement process.
Additional Freight Delivery Recommendations
Freight damage is rare, but carriers can occasionally mishandle merchandise after it leaves the warehouse. For that reason, we recommend ordering retail fixtures, display cases, and store displays 1-2 months before your store opening, trade show, or event date. Ordering early provides enough time to process replacement shipments if needed.
