Acceptable or not

[keithntracy]

Just wondering if you all think this scenario is acceptable or not.

We ordered some frags from someone online who also lived in Fla. This person said they would be shipped "priority mail" and would be here the next day because they too lived in Fla. So, we decided to try it. They were shipped on Wednesday. Well, when the didn't arrive on Thursday, we emailed the person to let them know and to see if they were at least shipped with ice packs. We were told they were not shipped with ice because of the 70 degree weather in FLA. (remember, this person also live in the state) So, today they came and we couldn't believe the way they were shipped. We took the temp of the water and it was 91.7. We ordered 2 frags of polyps. One was intact and the other had nothing on it with 2 free floating polyps (supposed to be 4). We called him to let him know the temp of the water and they way they arrived and were told not to worry. Here are some pics. We are just wondering what everyone thinks.

 

[robthorn]

well the best thing to do is acclimate them as soon as possible and get them in the tank. I would want half my money back for not getting all the polyps thats for sure. 2 polyps should be half the price of 4. especially since we haven't had 70 degree weather for months. some rain but it still gets up to higher 80's. what area of florida did the guy live in? I just ordered some sps and they are to be shipped monday. hope to not have any trouble.

 

[keithntracy]

They lived north. Hopefully you won't have any trouble. Maybe we are just used to dealing with, shall we say, more reputable people. Ones that pack stuff in styrofoam with ice packs. Instead of flimsy envelopes and tupperware.

 

[amheck]

never seen frags shipped in an envelop. That's a first.

 

[robthorn]

actually the bowl is crazy. that guy needs to learn that corals need oxygen. how do you fill a bowl with oxygen? especially if it's possible it could take 2 days. and with the shipping system it takes 2 days alot of times. mine is coming from lakeland so he should do better.
some people I tell you.

 

[oceana]

thats what i alsways try to tell people. all these vendors shipping with the USPS are nuts. even sending ground through standard shipping companys in state is risky. just because it SHOULD go over night they dont have to get it there over night and alot can happen. you should use over night shipping even in state.

as for the packing that stinks. clearly that must have been send buy an individual with no shipping history and not a business. depending on how much you paid i would be making some phone calls.

not only that but they are freshly glued frags and big ol ugly white plugs both of whish also sucks IMO

 

[cschweitzer]

Absolutely no way priority should take two days anywhere in FL. Is there an Alaska, FL? Just wondering where in FL has it been under 85 any day of any week at any time? It gets 100+ here in Orlando where K&T are.

Good luck.

 

[jay24k]

In my experience, corals do not really need an abundance of oxygen. Perhaps on a longer trek but not a 1 day trek. Filling bags with oxygen isn't going to help that much. I've shipped several frags without oxygen and have had 0 issues.

Another thing is priority is rarely ever next day. He should of shipped em UPS for 10 bucks. Priority is just not worth it. They might open up but I'd give them a week or so.

 

[keithntracy]

Well, I guess we paid 40.00 for 2 frag plugs...

 

[robthorn]

yeah jay I understand overnight you don't need oxygen near as much. the problem is if you don't pay for overnight you should always assume it won't be overnight just because they really don't have to get it there overnight. it's not like they give a crap about a fish or coral. I have done some terrible things to corals that have made it just fine and grown pretty large without issue. it's just the chance something could go wrong. this is America you know on top of that it's Florida
I wouldn't sweat it unless they completely melt away.

 

[cham]

Can I join in too? Mine came just a few minutes ago. Same guy, same overnight package that came in two days. But mine had a blow out, package was soggy.

 

[robthorn]

does that say T. BODE in GAINSVILLE florida? is that who we shouldn't buy from? what site did you guys buy from so we can steer clear?

 

[cham]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8105167#post8105167 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by robthorn
does that say T. BODE in GAINSVILLE florida? is that who we shouldn't buy from? what site did you guys buy from so we can steer clear?

Really dont want to trash the memeber, especially if its an honest mistake that he makes right and learns from.

If not then I will defininately leave negative feedback in the feedback forum.

 

[keithntracy]

Call him now. We spoke with him and he refunded our money. Did anything make it?

 

[cham]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8105198#post8105198 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by keithntracy
Call him now. We spoke with him and he refunded our money. Did anything make it?

Dont have his phone #. Can you PM it to me?

 

[robthorn]

well ok no need to bash anyone if they are willing to make it right. guess he is new and will hopefully learn. better luck next time.

 

[cham]

He just emailed me and is new to shipping. He is refunding anything that doesnt make it within a weeks time and refunding my shipping charges too so he's done right by me.

 

[keithntracy]

that's good to hear. we got our refund through paypal already and told him whatever does make it we would gladly send him a money order to pay for it.
and i'm sorry to the shipper that i threw out the f bomb a couple times.

keith and tracy

 

[amheck]

SO what kind of zoas are these, anyway?

 

[Don Lino]

well, I shipped zoanthids in a very secured thermo (in its own baggy and electrical tape around thermo screw cap), and they really dont need any oxygen nor icepacks. All of mine made it fine and I received plenty the same way I shipped. Also, they all arrived 2 to 3 days and I only had one total loss in my six or more purchases.
The tupperware was very unproffessional, Im happy for you guys that your money was returned and I also would have done the same thing. I just hope he learns from this mistake.