How many times we need to educate some sellers or retailers how to properly pack models

TrijetBlast

New member
Hello, greeting to everyone ;) This is my first post here. I am a frequent visitor, member also a thread starter on the DAC side and just happened to find this forum.

Anyway, back to the subject, not sure if there are members here have had issues with certain sellers or retailers improper way of packing models. I know sellers or retailers try to cut costs and use the cheapest possible way to pack models, and some of them really got no brain in terms of properly packing models. They should realize that if they try to cut corners and do a lousy job with packing customers will come back to them and hold them accountable should something go terribly wrong caused by packing.

I have received enough badly packed orders that arrived with creased or crushed boxes and box sleeves, broken and damaged model parts etc. I am getting sick and tired.

The way of packing really makes a huge difference on the condition of a model or its box when arrive.

I'd like to show examples of badly packed models and might be familiar to you if you have received something similar.

Example 1
Model box shoved tightly inside packing box without packing material
The consequences: badly damaged model box corners with creases and the possibility of damaging the model inside

6-1.jpg

I see a lot of sellers or retailers pack like above. They might argue that the model box fits tightly inside the packing box and will be secured against breaking anything inside. That's a completely WRONG way of thinking, and it's the opposite. Because there're no packing peanuts or some kind of protective cushion in between the packing and model box, if there's a severe impact to the packing box the shockwave will transfer directly onto the model box and the model inside causing damages:

6-3.jpg6-2.jpg

I absolutely hate to see how a box or sleeve look like the above. Usually when I see a seller or retailer packed like above I immediately know inside is not going to be okay, whether the box or model. In many times the model either has something broken or missing, which are most common like antennas, horizontal stabs, engines or landing gear.

Example 2
This is what I call half A$$ way of protection, and it's poorly packed with minimal amount of packing material. Not sure if the seller or retailer is running out of money buying packing materials or something, this way just doesn't do any good. The consequences will just be like example 1:

6-4.jpg

Also, the above way of packing, as you can seeing there's minimal amount of packing material to secure the model and its box, will be tossed around inside the packing box during shipping and causing damages.

From now on, if I can, I always send the below examples to the sellers and ask them if they can please properly pack the models with enough protection. If they are really that poor and can't afford to buy better materials I would rather "donate" money to them and ask them. I just don't want to see a nicely mint box and new condition model arriving with damages not by other causes but the seller's fault of improperly packing.

PackingInstruction.jpeg
box.jpg
 
Fair point about packiging so a model does not get damaged. That said - I do NOT want to see packing peanuts or the plastic pillows - way more environmentally friendly options out there these days. All the packaging is thrown out by me since I rarely ship models. Many make fun of the newspaper packaging of Waffle - as long as done right I applaud it.
 
Hello, greeting to everyone ;) This is my first post here. I am a frequent visitor, member also a thread starter on the DAC side and just happened to find this forum.

Anyway, back to the subject, not sure if there are members here have had issues with certain sellers or retailers improper way of packing models. I know sellers or retailers try to cut costs and use the cheapest possible way to pack models, and some of them really got no brain in terms of properly packing models. They should realize that if they try to cut corners and do a lousy job with packing customers will come back to them and hold them accountable should something go terribly wrong caused by packing.

I have received enough badly packed orders that arrived with creased or crushed boxes and box sleeves, broken and damaged model parts etc. I am getting sick and tired.

The way of packing really makes a huge difference on the condition of a model or its box when arrive.

I'd like to show examples of badly packed models and might be familiar to you if you have received something similar.

Example 1
Model box shoved tightly inside packing box without packing material
The consequences: badly damaged model box corners with creases and the possibility of damaging the model inside

View attachment 54430

I see a lot of sellers or retailers pack like above. They might argue that the model box fits tightly inside the packing box and will be secured against breaking anything inside. That's a completely WRONG way of thinking, and it's the opposite. Because there're no packing peanuts or some kind of protective cushion in between the packing and model box, if there's a severe impact to the packing box the shockwave will transfer directly onto the model box and the model inside causing damages:

View attachment 54431View attachment 54432

I absolutely hate to see how a box or sleeve look like the above. Usually when I see a seller or retailer packed like above I immediately know inside is not going to be okay, whether the box or model. In many times the model either has something broken or missing, which are most common like antennas, horizontal stabs, engines or landing gear.

Example 2
This is what I call half A$$ way of protection, and it's poorly packed with minimal amount of packing material. Not sure if the seller or retailer is running out of money buying packing materials or something, this way just doesn't do any good. The consequences will just be like example 1:

View attachment 54433

Also, the above way of packing, as you can seeing there's minimal amount of packing material to secure the model and its box, will be tossed around inside the packing box during shipping and causing damages.

From now on, if I can, I always send the below examples to the sellers and ask them if they can please properly pack the models with enough protection. If they are really that poor and can't afford to buy better materials I would rather "donate" money to them and ask them. I just don't want to see a nicely mint box and new condition model arriving with damages not by other causes but the seller's fault of improperly packing.

View attachment 54434
View attachment 54444

That "Example 1" is really painful to see, while the Condor example, with all those "peanuts", is heartwarming lol
I've seen some boxes also being filled with an inflatable plastic as a cushion, which is something quite interesting to see.
 
That "Example 1" is really painful to see, while the Condor example, with all those "peanuts", is heartwarming lol
I've seen some boxes also being filled with an inflatable plastic as a cushion, which is something quite interesting to see.
Yes it's painful especially seeing something damaged inside. I actually don't really care much about what kind of materials the seller uses as long as it's something that can protect what's inside :)

Oh, and I forgot to mention, I didn't open a post over at DAC about this first because I know there'll be an annoying member there with the name of a number going to reply with something that sounds more like he (if that's a he) wanna put it into an argument or pick a fight . I've followed this individual for a period of time and noticed the way that he responses to other folks. This individual doesn't contribute to the forum instead just tries to "stir up trouble" all the time with anyone. Not sure if this individual is registered here but I really don't care whatever this individual says and is on my ignore list 🚫
 
Yes it's painful especially seeing something damaged inside. I actually don't really care much about what kind of materials the seller uses as long as it's something that can protect what's inside :)

Oh, and I forgot to mention, I didn't open a post over at DAC about this first because I know there'll be an annoying member there with the name of a number going to reply with something that sounds more like he (if that's a he) wanna put it into an argument or pick a fight . I've followed this individual for a period of time and noticed the way that he responses to other folks. This individual doesn't contribute to the forum instead just tries to "stir up trouble" all the time with anyone. Not sure if this individual is registered here but I really don't care whatever this individual says and is on my ignore list 🚫

Don't worry, we don't have troublemakers here ;)
 
Honestly i had not many problema with packaging, i Think also that is important to analyze also 2 factors:
-price of the model (few times i have buyed a model with a really low price that I can don’t care so much about the packaging)
-store where you buy (you can mail the store before the shipment or leave a comment into the purchase form) see the reputation, ecc ecc

honestly the 2 examples are not so bad, and also the model seems in 1/200 scale.
I can see the complain here of the price increasing and box more big have shipment cost more high.
 
Thanks for sharing.
My reference point is, of course, Aviation Center Berlin: their packages are always almost perfect and if a model Is damaged It doesn't depend on packaging but on models defects and fragility.
Aviationmegastore also pays attention to packaging and customers.
I have found problems with packaging by private owners, very often not so careful about models inside the package.
The secret is to fill the package with a lot of "material" holding the boxes still. Yes, maybe not "environmemt friendly" but the models are safe even because we all know the treatment of a package while shipping...
 
Last edited:
Hello, greeting to everyone ;) This is my first post here. I am a frequent visitor, member also a thread starter on the DAC side and just happened to find this forum.

Anyway, back to the subject, not sure if there are members here have had issues with certain sellers or retailers improper way of packing models. I know sellers or retailers try to cut costs and use the cheapest possible way to pack models, and some of them really got no brain in terms of properly packing models. They should realize that if they try to cut corners and do a lousy job with packing customers will come back to them and hold them accountable should something go terribly wrong caused by packing.

I have received enough badly packed orders that arrived with creased or crushed boxes and box sleeves, broken and damaged model parts etc. I am getting sick and tired.

The way of packing really makes a huge difference on the condition of a model or its box when arrive.

I'd like to show examples of badly packed models and might be familiar to you if you have received something similar.

Example 1
Model box shoved tightly inside packing box without packing material
The consequences: badly damaged model box corners with creases and the possibility of damaging the model inside

View attachment 54430

I see a lot of sellers or retailers pack like above. They might argue that the model box fits tightly inside the packing box and will be secured against breaking anything inside. That's a completely WRONG way of thinking, and it's the opposite. Because there're no packing peanuts or some kind of protective cushion in between the packing and model box, if there's a severe impact to the packing box the shockwave will transfer directly onto the model box and the model inside causing damages:

View attachment 54431View attachment 54432

I absolutely hate to see how a box or sleeve look like the above. Usually when I see a seller or retailer packed like above I immediately know inside is not going to be okay, whether the box or model. In many times the model either has something broken or missing, which are most common like antennas, horizontal stabs, engines or landing gear.

Example 2
This is what I call half A$$ way of protection, and it's poorly packed with minimal amount of packing material. Not sure if the seller or retailer is running out of money buying packing materials or something, this way just doesn't do any good. The consequences will just be like example 1:

View attachment 54433

Also, the above way of packing, as you can seeing there's minimal amount of packing material to secure the model and its box, will be tossed around inside the packing box during shipping and causing damages.

From now on, if I can, I always send the below examples to the sellers and ask them if they can please properly pack the models with enough protection. If they are really that poor and can't afford to buy better materials I would rather "donate" money to them and ask them. I just don't want to see a nicely mint box and new condition model arriving with damages not by other causes but the seller's fault of improperly packing.

View attachment 54434
View attachment 54444
I’m gonna have to dissagree.

Waffle does an amazing job at packaging with newspaper. Packing peanuts may be great for packaging, but it’s the exact positive for the environment. I’m no crazy environmentalist, but I save packing peanuts to help with sustainability. It may not help much, but it’s still a good way to reduce waste.

Also model airplanes are some of the worst things to use packing peanuts for. In my opinion, life can go on with broken models.
 
Fair point about packiging so a model does not get damaged. That said - I do NOT want to see packing peanuts or the plastic pillows - way more environmentally friendly options out there these days. All the packaging is thrown out by me since I rarely ship models. Many make fun of the newspaper packaging of Waffle - as long as done right I applaud it.
Just learned something new today - I believe to check if packing peanuts are bio degradable hold a few under running water - if they dissolve in seconds they are - shoutout to Jetcollector for using such - one more reason they have become my preferred retailer now.
 
Hello, greeting to everyone ;) This is my first post here. I am a frequent visitor, member also a thread starter on the DAC side and just happened to find this forum.

Anyway, back to the subject, not sure if there are members here have had issues with certain sellers or retailers improper way of packing models. I know sellers or retailers try to cut costs and use the cheapest possible way to pack models, and some of them really got no brain in terms of properly packing models. They should realize that if they try to cut corners and do a lousy job with packing customers will come back to them and hold them accountable should something go terribly wrong caused by packing.

I have received enough badly packed orders that arrived with creased or crushed boxes and box sleeves, broken and damaged model parts etc. I am getting sick and tired.

The way of packing really makes a huge difference on the condition of a model or its box when arrive.

I'd like to show examples of badly packed models and might be familiar to you if you have received something similar.

Example 1
Model box shoved tightly inside packing box without packing material
The consequences: badly damaged model box corners with creases and the possibility of damaging the model inside

View attachment 54430

I see a lot of sellers or retailers pack like above. They might argue that the model box fits tightly inside the packing box and will be secured against breaking anything inside. That's a completely WRONG way of thinking, and it's the opposite. Because there're no packing peanuts or some kind of protective cushion in between the packing and model box, if there's a severe impact to the packing box the shockwave will transfer directly onto the model box and the model inside causing damages:

View attachment 54431View attachment 54432

I absolutely hate to see how a box or sleeve look like the above. Usually when I see a seller or retailer packed like above I immediately know inside is not going to be okay, whether the box or model. In many times the model either has something broken or missing, which are most common like antennas, horizontal stabs, engines or landing gear.

Example 2
This is what I call half A$$ way of protection, and it's poorly packed with minimal amount of packing material. Not sure if the seller or retailer is running out of money buying packing materials or something, this way just doesn't do any good. The consequences will just be like example 1:

View attachment 54433

Also, the above way of packing, as you can seeing there's minimal amount of packing material to secure the model and its box, will be tossed around inside the packing box during shipping and causing damages.

From now on, if I can, I always send the below examples to the sellers and ask them if they can please properly pack the models with enough protection. If they are really that poor and can't afford to buy better materials I would rather "donate" money to them and ask them. I just don't want to see a nicely mint box and new condition model arriving with damages not by other causes but the seller's fault of improperly packing.

View attachment 54434
View attachment 54444

I do understand the importance of proper packing. But I think you are overreacting.

First, there is no need to be so condescending and call retailers cheap and poor. Based on my experience, it seems it is the high-volume retailers (the ones more likely to be making real profits out of airplane models) the ones who pack without a lot of care. It could be due to the high volume of packages they process. Yes, I know JetCollector is the exception to this rule (though, even they don’t protect against water). And yes, some retailers just don’t know how to pack, but don’t generalize.

Second, even models packed in a frugal way arrive in good shape most of the time. The cradles and foam inserts are quite protective.

Do you know that the majority of models are shipped from China with nothing more than the wall of a cardboard box separating them from the outside world? Granted, since they are shipped in bulk adjacent models provide some protection, but still, they are quite exposed.

Honestly, my main concern is waterproofing. I have only had one model that got delivered out in the rain once (from Waffle, so newspaper wasn’t gonna do much), luckily, I picked it up before the water got to the model box. But I do know one retailer who got an entire shipment from China damaged by rain.

I was packing a variety of models today so decided to show some behind the scenes.

I run a small operation so I only have 6 standard sizes of boxes, sometimes a model has plenty of room around it, sometimes they are tight.

Here is a 1/200 767-300 packed in a 12x12x5 box. If I didn’t use that box, I would have had to go up to my “single 1/200 747” box which is 15x15x5, which is actually not that bad, but why waste the space and increase shipping costs?

If I can slide at least one layer of bubblewrap between the model box and the shipping box, I go with it (I always try to waterproof as much as practical). In this case there was still a small gap above and on the side so I filled those in with some foam inserts recycled from other shipments that I have received.

IMG_6905.jpeg
IMG_6906.jpegIMG_6909.jpegIMG_6911.jpeg


On the smaller side of things, even my smallest box, and a single 12x12 sheet of bubble wrap offer a lot of extra padding for a 3DD CRJ-200.



IMG_6914.jpegIMG_6916.jpeg

And then my most used box, for your average 1/400. Offers some room on the sides, but since it is sized to fit two if needed, some filler is needed on top and bottom.

IMG_6918.jpegIMG_6919.jpegIMG_6921.jpeg


Again, I know that the excessive padding that you @TrijetBlast consider ideal it is probably not worth the hassle, but I do know that it feels good to receive a model packed in a careful, and waterproof, way.

Time for a UPS run.

IMG_6922.jpeg
 
Ok, I hope I am okay to use these photos. These are photos posted by a member from the DAC side. They arrived from ARD (Aviation Retail Direct).

I am sorry to see that. This is what I hate to see as a mint-mint box advocate. The "shoved in" packing is definitely bad to what's inside and causing damages like creases and torn corners
rolleyes.gif


If retailers are being cheap and don't want to spend $ on shipping perhaps they should at least give customers an option of paying a fee to get much better packing material, like a bigger and more sturdy packing box with cushion space all around and stuffed with packing materials.

I be blood boiling if I get a package with a model box like that, which I have before
evil.gif


IMG-5515.jpg

IMG-5518.jpg
IMG-5520.jpg
IMG-5521.jpg
 
I'd also like to add to the above:

First of all, that type of soft packing box material is real bad. I have received packages with that type of packing box material because it's so soft most of the times the content inside gets beaten up or damaged
rolleyes.gif
Also as you can see there's no cushion space around each side of the item and the box outside is soft as tissue it has no protection at all.
 
I do understand the importance of proper packing. But I think you are overreacting.

First, there is no need to be so condescending and call retailers cheap and poor. Based on my experience, it seems it is the high-volume retailers (the ones more likely to be making real profits out of airplane models) the ones who pack without a lot of care. It could be due to the high volume of packages they process. Yes, I know JetCollector is the exception to this rule (though, even they don’t protect against water). And yes, some retailers just don’t know how to pack, but don’t generalize.

Second, even models packed in a frugal way arrive in good shape most of the time. The cradles and foam inserts are quite protective.

Do you know that the majority of models are shipped from China with nothing more than the wall of a cardboard box separating them from the outside world? Granted, since they are shipped in bulk adjacent models provide some protection, but still, they are quite exposed.

Honestly, my main concern is waterproofing. I have only had one model that got delivered out in the rain once (from Waffle, so newspaper wasn’t gonna do much), luckily, I picked it up before the water got to the model box. But I do know one retailer who got an entire shipment from China damaged by rain.

I was packing a variety of models today so decided to show some behind the scenes.

I run a small operation so I only have 6 standard sizes of boxes, sometimes a model has plenty of room around it, sometimes they are tight.

Here is a 1/200 767-300 packed in a 12x12x5 box. If I didn’t use that box, I would have had to go up to my “single 1/200 747” box which is 15x15x5, which is actually not that bad, but why waste the space and increase shipping costs?

If I can slide at least one layer of bubblewrap between the model box and the shipping box, I go with it (I always try to waterproof as much as practical). In this case there was still a small gap above and on the side so I filled those in with some foam inserts recycled from other shipments that I have received.

View attachment 54861
View attachment 54862View attachment 54863View attachment 54864


On the smaller side of things, even my smallest box, and a single 12x12 sheet of bubble wrap offer a lot of extra padding for a 3DD CRJ-200.



View attachment 54865View attachment 54867

And then my most used box, for your average 1/400. Offers some room on the sides, but since it is sized to fit two if needed, some filler is needed on top and bottom.

View attachment 54868View attachment 54869View attachment 54870


Again, I know that the excessive padding that you @TrijetBlast consider ideal it is probably not worth the hassle, but I do know that it feels good to receive a model packed in a careful, and waterproof, way.

Time for a UPS run.

View attachment 54871
were these photos taken today? if so, I see my order 😂😂
 
To be fair, as a retailer, a good deal of our shipments coming China direct are shoved in boxes with some filler. But the outer sleeves of the boxes are not going to be minty. And we run a retail store, so boxes get handled by retail customers, models are looked at, so from a retailer standpoint we would want you to message us asking box condition before shipping. Though we have never actually had anyone ask about the boxes either.
 
To be fair, as a retailer, a good deal of our shipments coming China direct are shoved in boxes with some filler. But the outer sleeves of the boxes are not going to be minty. And we run a retail store, so boxes get handled by retail customers, models are looked at, so from a retailer standpoint we would want you to message us asking box condition before shipping. Though we have never actually had anyone ask about the boxes either.

Thanks for bringing this up, Scott.

I mentioned it too:

Do you know that the majority of models are shipped from China with nothing more than the wall of a cardboard box separating them from the outside world? Granted, since they are shipped in bulk adjacent models provide some protection, but still, they are quite exposed.

Many boxes already come "worn" from the factory. Sometimes I feel stupid wrapping a damaged box in bubble wrap, but hey, at least it won't be even more damaged when it gets to the end customer.

This is one of the problems of this hobby: The boxes are part of the collectible (they add value to the model), but they are not treated as such. Not a battle worth fighting in my opinion.

Ok, I hope I am okay to use these photos. These are photos posted by a member from the DAC side. They arrived from ARD (Aviation Retail Direct).

I am sorry to see that. This is what I hate to see as a mint-mint box advocate. The "shoved in" packing is definitely bad to what's inside and causing damages like creases and torn corners
rolleyes.gif


If retailers are being cheap and don't want to spend $ on shipping perhaps they should at least give customers an option of paying a fee to get much better packing material, like a bigger and more sturdy packing box with cushion space all around and stuffed with packing materials.

I be blood boiling if I get a package with a model box like that, which I have before
evil.gif


View attachment 54882

View attachment 54883
View attachment 54884
View attachment 54885

Yeah, that is some precarious packaging. BUT, I went to DA.C and saw that the member who posted those photos said the models were in good condition. It does suck when a box is not mint, I get it, but I think the best way to handle it is just getting over it, as long as the model is fine.

If you are looking to make a big purchase at ARD (I read your post at DA.C), I am guessing it is because they have something that you can't find in the U.S. If one of the models you are after is getting scarce, you might need to overlook the box condition. ARD is quite chaotic; models get handled a lot, especially the ones that have been in stock for a while. I have gotten three models from them, two in person, and none were mint.

I have gotten a few requests from customers to check a model for very specific things before ordering. You could try doing that, but I doubt ARD will be willing or even able to accommodate such a request. State-side, JetCollector is the only big store that I would recommend for such accommodations, and of course, Squatchy's, since he chimed in here.

Not sure if I have in stock anything you are after. I'll take that donation you mentioned, and you tell me the exact number of packing peanuts you want 🤣 (just kidding, I'm out of packing peanuts, using packing paper right now).
 
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