Junior 09:11 AM 07-13-2009
As some of you may know I got a box a few weeks ago that should have had a laptop in it, but it was empty. Well this morning I got my replacement in, and the driver wouldn’t let me open it until I signed for it. I did sign for it with the condition that he witnesses it, and it was all there. Does that sound right because I thought you could open it, and refuse it if it was damaged?
[Reply]
GreekGodX 09:29 AM 07-13-2009
In my experiences you should be able to inspect the package before you sign for it. Once you sign you have accepted responsibility for the package. Once your signature is on there anything that happens/or already happened to the package is your responsibility.
I believe he was in the wrong for giving you grief!
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kydsid 09:31 AM 07-13-2009
You can only inspect the overall condition of the box looking for holes, squishing etc. You can't open it until you sign because it isn't your property yet.
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Junior 09:43 AM 07-13-2009
Originally Posted by kydsid:
You can only inspect the overall condition of the box looking for holes, squishing etc. You can't open it until you sign because it isn't your property yet.
That's what he told me, but I have opened with UPS before. I just didn't know, and it didn't matter in the end.
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kydsid 10:10 AM 07-13-2009
Originally Posted by Junior:
That's what he told me, but I have opened with UPS before. I just didn't know, and it didn't matter in the end.
UPS was being really nice. With UPS, FedEx or any freight company they are on the hook until you accept the shipment, with or without a signature depends on the exact shipment. So if you don't sign and open it and break it they could still be on the hook. Heck FedEx/UPS throw a **** fit if US Customs opens a package and doesn't have their tape to prove they opened it and not the company or it's employees.
I used to work in a warehouse in receiving and I can think of only a handful of times that something was damaged without noticeable damage to the packaging. I think in all those cases the product was shipped from source damaged and not the fault of the freight company. So give it a good lookover and sign for it.
:-)
EDIT: Some freight shipments are contracted to be opened with both parties present. This isn't the case AFAIK with normal FedEx/UPS.
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Tarks 03:22 PM 07-13-2009
Glad to hear you finally got your laptop, in 1 piece!!
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St. Lou Stu 03:26 PM 07-13-2009
Most will only let you open before signing off on it if there is visible damage.
Regardless, your driver sounds like a real gem.
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Junior 08:43 PM 07-13-2009
He was not my normal driver, but he was just doing his job. Everyjob has rules, and I didn't know this one.
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