Duplicate Shipment From Overseas Label - How Would You Handle It?

[Ken Dryden]

This week I received two shipments on back to back days from The Lost Recordings, though I only ordered one copy of each release. I contacted them and asked for their FedEx number, and they responded that I would have to prepay to return it and they would credit me on a future order or refund the shipping charge on my credit card.

There are several issues I have with this reply. One is I had to supply a new box, neither one was in any shape to be reused, two, I seem to be taking the risk in case the returned package is lost or stolen and I get stuck filing insurance claims.

I am tempted to reject their solution and ask for a better one, like my getting an estimate from FedEx, ask them to refund my credit card that amount, then I will ship the box.

How would you reply to this situation?

[Stompin at the Savoy]

You should not be responsible or have to pay extra for an item they shipped by mistake.  How to resolve it depends partially on the amount.  Big amount I guess be a mensch and try to figure out some equitable way to send it back without you being out of pocket.  Less than $50 or something - in my opinion they should just eat it.

[Ken Dryden]

I stopped by FedEx today and learned it would cost nearly $290 to return this duplicate order to this French label. Looks like I am stuck with them at their expense. I am not risking the combination of the USPS and French mail at my expense.

[Stompin at the Savoy]

Maybe advise them it's available any time they want to pick it up!

[felser]

I would put to them that it's their mistake, that you are doing them a solid by offering to return the stuff,  that they need to take responsibility for the cost and logistics of the arrangements if they want it back, and that you need a solution in x number of days.

[clifford_thornton]

Yeah, they screwed up and need to either give you a prepaid shipping label or eat the mistake. And you can sell us the duplicates !

[felser]

2 hours ago, clifford_thornton said:

And you can sell us the duplicates !

I thought about that, but chose to not write it 😀.

[Ken Dryden]

I will give them time to respond, then I will sell the duplicates and forward them the net money. 

[felser]

41 minutes ago, Ken Dryden said:

I will give them time to respond, then I will sell the duplicates and forward them the net money. 

Very kind of you to do that for them.    

[Kevin Bresnahan]

I don’t know why you feel obligated to send them the money after you sell it. They’re a fancy bootleg label anyway. They release stuff outside the EU PD date (1962) and don’t license from the artists… at least that’s what Stan Getz’s estate has said.

[paulfromcamden]

1 hour ago, Kevin Bresnahan said:

I don’t know why you feel obligated to send them the money after you sell it. They’re a fancy bootleg label anyway. They release stuff outside the EU PD date (1962) and don’t license from the artists… at least that’s what Stan Getz’s estate has said.

Interesting - though they've also issued later stuff. Monk in 67, Cannonball in 72.

Academic for me as I don't have the budget for £60 Coltrane LPs.

Also... $290 to ship some records to France! Ouch!!

Edited yesterday at 03:06 PM by paulfromcamden

[clifford_thornton]

I'd be interested in the Coltrane. I'm sure a bunch of us would.

[John Tapscott]

Honestly Ken, I think it’s too much hassle for you and for them. My experience on the odd occasion when I’ve received a duplicate order is that the firm doesn’t really care whether they get it back or not. To them, it’s just one of the screw-up’s that happens once in a while. Cost of doing business. That seems to be the vibe you’re getting from them. 
But I wouldn’t sell the recordings, either. Gift them to a jazz- loving friend. 

 

[medjuck]

4 hours ago, John Tapscott said:

Honestly Ken, I think it’s too much hassle for you and for them. My experience on the odd occasion when I’ve received a duplicate order is that the firm doesn’t really care whether they get it back or not. To them, it’s just one of the screw-up’s that happens once in a while. Cost of doing business. That seems to be the vibe you’re getting from them. 
But I wouldn’t sell the recordings, either. Gift them to a jazz- loving friend. 

 

Agreed. The actual cost of one pressing is minuscule compared to the mixing, pressing, shipping etc. 

[JSngry]

Help the poor people and save the children.