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Damaged book--would it bug you and WWYD?


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I got an order that included a math textbook and two workbooks among other things. The math text (heavy book) has 4 damaged corners--they are all bent and smashed down. The workbooks have similar damage but that bugs me less given they are consumable.

 

The other books in the order are fine, they were packaged in the correct size box (not much bigger than the books), and the box wasn't damaged. I think they were packed damaged.

 

Would that bug you? What would you ask the company to do if anything? The turn around time for returning and receiving replacement merchandise is at least three weeks per their website. They want me to return media mail. Then they process the return and mail me the merchandise. That seems way too long to wait to start math.

 

Ugh. This really bugs me. I want to know if it would bother you? Would it bother you enough to return it? Would you expect to have to wait per their return policy?

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Yes, I think it would bug me. But it is a math book rather than something that is meant to be a nice-looking book like a history reference book or an atlas that you want to display on your shelf. So I think what I'd do is explain the situation (seems like you have) and how waiting 3 weeks is highly inconvenient or just DOES NOT work for you. Surely they'll understand that. And ask if they would just discount the book for you. Send a photo if that's what they want to see it. I think I'd ask for 20% or so, depending on how badly they are smashed. You need to consider that reselling the book means you'll get less since it is already in less than good condition.

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My Abeka grammar books all came in cardboard "envelopes" with cardboard inserts & all the corners are damaged too. It looked bad and definitely disappointed me. My kids didn't notice the corners at all, they loved the colorful cover & pages :) I must add that now, after they've been stacked for a few days they have flattened out & you can't even tell anymore.

Edited by rocketgirl
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While I don't like corners bent, I don't know that I would say or do much about it. That is unless the corners were so damaged that the paper or the coating was cracked. After my son uses the book the corners would be damaged anyway.

 

It depends as well on who I bought it from. If it is direct from the author, I would expect better. If it is thru a middle man (say Rainbow Resource) and may have been shipped a time or 2 already, I would be more lenient.

 

And I guess, honestly, with all the other stuff I have happening in my life, this would be a not so big deal over all.

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Yes, a dented book would bug me. The workbooks wouldn't be a big deal, but I'd want a nice textbook.

 

I have had books arrive in similar condition from Amazon. They offered to exchange the books, or give me a percentage off the cost of the book. It was between 10 and 25 % off what I had paid. I chose that option, and they put a partial refund on my credit card. I would ask the math company for a similar discount.

 

If you prefer to exchange the book, ask them if they will send the new one out first. When I've done exchanges like that, I've just had to agree to send back then item within a certain number of days. They already had my credit card number, so I'm sure they would have charged me if the item hadn't returned in time.

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I have had damaged books replaced all the time just by asking. Call the company and ask them to replace it by sending you a new one and ask for a label for shipping the other back. Many times the company doesn't even ask you to send the damaged book back. You just have to call and find out what the company will do. It really is easier than it seems.

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I agree. Call the company (or email) and tell them about the damage. Especially if it was a new book.

I was interested in this thread because I've been selling used curriculum on ebay last week and I wanted to make sure it wasn't one of my sales! LOL I didn't have any heavy math books. :)

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Thanks for all the thoughts! I went ahead and contacted them today after reading the thread.

 

I asked for an exception to the policy given it's homeschool material and they agreed to send me a new textbook first. I don't mail back the damaged one until I get our replacement. I feel good about the resolution and hoping my replacement is in good condition!

 

Kalah--it's a new book. I ordered it via CBD and I'm ok saying that now given it's resolved. When I get used stuff this sort of thing doesn't bother me at all!

Edited by sbgrace
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