Is this packaging acceptable? (70-200L II)

EDIT: As you read this thread, you'll see that the problem was with a packing machine. Helen and Adorama have been great in dealing with me (I asked for a replacement lens and it has been authorized). I really appreciate their professionalism. I often recommend Adorama to beginner photographers who ask me about purchasing equipment. I can happily say that I will continue to tell others that they can buy from Adorama with confidence.


I recently bought a 70-200L II and printer combo at Adorama (lens, printer, paper, filters, cleaning kit). It arrived a few minutes ago. When I opened the box, this is how it was packaged.

Am I being unreasonable in being upset with this? The lens traveled 900 miles via UPS bouncing around inside the larger box. Shouldn't there be a little more bubble wrap (other than one sheet placed below the photo paper)?

I would never consider sending a buyer a piece of camera equipment where anything had the slightest chance of moving around. I know the lens itself is inside it's own packaging, but still.

Anyway, am I being unreasonable at being upset with this?

IMAGE LINK: https://photos.smugmug​.com …i-7CVv83z-XL.jpg&lb=1&s=A

While I'm sure the lens is probably fine, I wouldn't consider that appropriate packaging.

I'll go with "not acceptable". Not sure how much or what could be done...

hey, I recently got back a repaired laptop from Dell. I would love to have had packaging that good. It's amazing these companies know they are shipping thousands of dollars worth of goods, but can't see the need to add soft padding to the boxes.

everything looks fine...enjoy your lens...

These large companies weigh the historical returns rate vs. cost of additional packaging.
In the end the complaints/damage are less of a cost then replacing a few things if/when they are damaged.
Sad, but true.

Also be aware that their shipping contracts with the large carriers are better than what average Joe pays because of the volume.

Amazon has been really bad lately with things they ship to me. When you ask them to combine packages into less shipments they are forced to use larger boxes and fit a bunch of items in them that do not nest properly.

I had the exact same "packaging" with an L lens I bought from Amazon. Since then, I either buy from Canon Direct (for refurbished lenses) or from Allen's Camera in PA. Both package their shipments well.

Allen's Camera has the same pricing I'd get from the big three and the staff there are all photographers.

A few weeks ago, I commented on Amazon's packaging and several people had received packages where the product was fully secure. I'm guessing it really depends on the DC from which the product ships.

I work in a DC (Distribution Center) myself and I can tell you, camera bodies and lenses come in boxes with no additional packing material. That said, they fit tightly in the cardboard box so they can't bang around during shipment. We handle cameras/lenses from all the major manufacturers and the packaging is uniform.

Definitely not acceptable packaging.

sandwedge wrote in post #18231976
Anyway, am I being unreasonable at being upset with this?

So we now live in a world where customers complain if an item is received damaged AND if it's received in perfect condition?

In answer to your question, yes you are being unreasonable in my opinion.

Adorama did the same to me with a new camera. They shipped it fast and free, but lucky it wasn't damaged. I snapped a pic just in case.

Larry Johnson wrote in post #18232295
Adorama did the same to me with a new camera. They shipped it fast and free, but lucky it wasn't damaged. I snapped a pic just in case.

Hosted photo: posted by Larry Johnson in
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forum: Market Watch

that's some great packaging

I appreciate everyone's responses so far. Seems to be a split decision. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

98kellrs wrote in post #18232276
So we now live in a world where customers complain if an item is received damaged AND if it's received in perfect condition?

In answer to your question, yes you are being unreasonable in my opinion.

As said, I appreciate that you replied and take no offense to you saying that I am being unreasonable. However, to respond to this part of your statement, 'So we now live in a world where customers complain if an item is received damaged AND if it's received in perfect condition?":

I'm not a "complainer". I've dealt in customer service in various degrees all my adult life. I tend to give other people the benefit of a doubt. If, as a customer, I'm not happy with the service I'm receiving, I usually say nothing. Sometimes they lose my future business.

As far as "perfect condition", lets hope so. I have no idea how much bumping around the lens got during shipment.

I tell you what, I will completely accept that you are right and I am wrong if you will do the following: Re-package your best lens in its box. Make a video of you rolling it down a flight of stairs.

Larry Johnson wrote in post #18232295
Adorama did the same to me with a new camera. They shipped it fast and free, but lucky it wasn't damaged. I snapped a pic just in case.

Hosted photo: posted by Larry Johnson in
./showthread.php?p=182​32295&i=i29995395
forum: Market Watch

It's a shame that the first thought I had (and apparently you, too) is "this packaging is so poor I need to document it in case anything is damaged." I would much rather be thinking "I can't wait to take this bad boy out and get to shooting".

I got a lens from Amazon that was packaged like that. I'll never buy another lens through Amazon. Ask Helen Oster if this is acceptable.

sandwedge wrote in post #18232309
As said, I appreciate that you replied and take no offense to you saying that I am being unreasonable. However, to respond to this part of your statement, 'So we now live in a world where customers complain if an item is received damaged AND if it's received in perfect condition?":

I'm not a "complainer".

Actually I agree, someone that makes a complaint follows the correct channels to ensure any issues with the vendor or carrier service used are dealt with by the parties involved, instead you are someone that has publicly named both vendor and carrier and have suggested that they have been neglectful in their service despite receiving the goods in an undamaged state (you have actually tested the products prior to making this thread I assume).

From the vendor's site: "If the merchandise is damaged, please make a notation on the delivery manifest, and have the person delivering the merchandise sign as well. Contact us within 48 business hours to report the damage."