
Rev. of Philadelphia, PA on Sept. 6, 2011
Satisfaction Rating1/5
I shipped a framed print from my deceased parent's estate in Wisconsin to my home in Philadelphia. It was packaged at FedEx store. I had no clue of the value and just gave a rough estimate. When it arrived in Philly, the outside of the package looked impeccable, but when I opened the package, the glass over the picture was broken in 3 large chards of glass. The picture and the frame looked intact, so I did not take the picture out of the plastic that was taped over the internal packaging. I called FedEx to report the damage. I was told to fill out a claim form (which was faxed to me) and that someone would come to inspect the package. I was given a case number which, incidentally, no one ever asked me for on future phone calls. They gave me a damage tracking number.
When the driver arrived, I thought he would actually inspect the package to determine that the glass was broken. In addition, I had a question about the claim form. He was totally disinterested in my question and began to take the package (which was not taped shut). I asked him if we could call someone to verify the procedure and I was told, "Listen buddy, I have to get going." Flustered, I erroneously shoved the claim form into the box as he left. He said he would tape up the box in the truck. At this point, I got a sinking feeling in my stomach that my picture would never be the same.
I immediately called customer service to verify that he was supposed to take the package. I expressed that the driver seemed clueless and was rather rude. I was assured that the package would be inspected and returned. I assumed that it would have to be returned to the local office not shipped all the way to Chicago!
When the package finally arrived back to Philadelphia, it was just dropped off on the porch with a doorbell ring. There was no signature service required on the original shipment, but this was a package that was supposed to be inspected! When I got to the porch, the outer box looked tattered. It was not taped shut. As I pulled the frame out, the plastic was shredded and torn, and all the glass was missing. The poster image was irreparably scratched, the matting was coming off, and the frame was severely chipped in several places. It was apparent that the frame was never unwrapped for any inspection. It was not necessary to ship this package to Chicago to inspect it. In fact, it was never necessary to take it off the premises of our home to inspect it! All that was originally necessary was a new piece of glass. Instead, the picture is completely ruined.
This has been a painful and frustrating experience. I trusted in the reputation of FedEx and my previous positive experiences, but that trust is literally shattered. If I had assumed it was dangerous to trust FedEx, I would still have my picture. In hindsight, I should have cut my losses with the broken glass and given FedEx a complete pass. Then I would have just paid for the glass and had my memories.
While I was initially distraught and emotionally overtaken over the initial damage, the person on the phone was giving me the run around about sending in receipts for a package that was in my parent's home for several years. In the emotion of the moment, I stated that I don't care about the money because the memory has been destroyed. I said that I do not want to be charged for the shipping. At that point, she had her "legal technicality" and said, "If that's what you want." I said something to the fact, "Yeah, you are legally covered now. That's great." When I calmed down, I got in touch with the Cincinnati Customer Advocate who said those words would not be held against me. She put a notation on the case.
I have since learned that merely the framing is more than $100 of what I estimated for the total value, and the print is not available online. I would have to go to the Vatican Museums store where it was originally purchased (if they still sell it). Who knows what the print costs?
I sent in the claim but have only been given a check for the original shipping cost. The saga continues.
[I still have the damaged goods and packaging. They have not moved since I opened them.]