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

Tyguy wrote in post #18233391
I feel that OP could have presented his original question without specifying who the vendor was. Does it make any difference who sent the package? The conversation could have carried on without shaming Adorama.

Couldn't you have asked Helen for a return before causing all the bad PR?

As for the package - It could have used a bit more aggregate... An expensive lens and printer without proper packaging is just bad optics (no pun intended).

I respect your opinion on this and understand where you are coming from. I do disagree, though. If there's any shaming, Adorma did it to themselves (with the possibility that there are other factors that we don't know about thaat Helen will get to the bottom of).

I'm not Anti-Adorama! Several times a year, a novice will ask me about camera gear or about how to get into photography. One of the first things I tell them is that there are two very reputable dealers on the internet that they should check out - Adorama and B&H. I've never had an issue with either of these companies and try to send business their way. I always tell them that these are great companies with great customer service, and they can buy with confidence.

Doug, you do not need to reply to those who question you as to what you did. You paid for an expensive item, and you have the right to question that packaging. The rep from Adorama agrees with you, and that's all you need. Those who thinks you acted improperly may not understand that if the lens was bounced around enough, something may come loose inside the lens. The lens may look fine and works fine now, but it could just give you an error a few months down the road. By that time, you may have the hassle of explaining to Canon; God forbids if that happens after the warranty expired.

As to the popcorn comment, I just trying to be nice without telling the poster not to be dramatic as typo happens to everyone.

I hope you get a brand new one from Adorama next day and free return on this one.

Buckeye1 wrote in post #18233439
Doug, you do not need to reply to those who question you as to what you did. You paid for an expensive item, and you have the right to question that packaging. The rep from Adorama agrees with you, and that's all you need. Those who thinks you acted improperly may not understand that if the lens was bounced around enough, something may come loose inside the lens. The lens may look fine and works fine now, but it could just give you an error a few months down the road. By that time, you may have the hassle of explaining to Canon; God forbids if that happens after the warranty expired.

As to the popcorn comment, I just trying to be nice without telling the poster not to be dramatic as typo happens to everyone.

I hope you get a brand new one from Adorama next day and free return on this one.

Thanks, Buckeye1. I appreciate that.

sandwedge wrote in post #18233427
I respect your opinion on this and understand where you are coming from. I do disagree, though. If there's any shaming, Adorma did it to themselves (with the possibility that there are other factors that we don't know about thaat Helen will get to the bottom of).

I'm not Anti-Adorama! Several times a year, a novice will ask me about camera gear or about how to get into photography. One of the first things I tell them is that there are two very reputable dealers on the internet that they should check out - Adorama and B&H. I've never had an issue with either of these companies and try to send business their way. I always tell them that these are great companies with great customer service, and they can buy with confidence.

I respect that, but we will have to agree to disagree on this point... What I can agree with is that you should have no problem from Adorama getting a refund or return - with the cost of shipping covered!

Cheers, Tyler

For the price of an L lens, no that is definitely not acceptable. Bubble wrap bought in bulk in the amounts their shipping dept would purchase would likely cost a couple cents to properly package your item. I'd be irritated for sure, but if it's in working/excellent condition then I'd just send an email to their customer service dept letting them know you're disappointed (although it looks like they're already aware of this thread). Not a fan of Adorama myself, had a couple bad experiences with them including shoddy packaging like that in the past, but not nearly as sparse as yours...been buying from B&H ever since the last one and I can say that everything I've ever bought from them has a ton of that big inflatable packaging (not the tiny bubble wrap stuff, and definitely not a 1 sq ft sheet of it). Maybe give them a try if you're unhappy with Adorama's shipping.

I'd be pretty upset if I had received my L lens in a box with hardly any protection! ANY lens shouldn't be packaged in such manner that it'd be bounced around all over with lots of room in the box. Lenses can get damaged this way. It's just terrible for a customer to pay so much hard earned money for something as special as 70-200L II, it's got to be an awful feeling.

I think it was poor packing and just an oversight. Often orders are picked by one person and packed by another. When busy, like the holidays, the process can be rushed with less attention. I still have Adorama's packing for an 24-70 2.8L II shipped two months ago and was very pleased. Three or four other shipments including strobes since then and no issues. But today, I received two continuous light units packed much the same as OP's photo. Too large a box with virtually no padding inside. It is not the company's normal practice, but happens.

As for OP's post, I don't see any spiteful intent but rather a genuine concern having just spent $1800 or whatever. It's a big enough company that he was not trying to malign anyone or damage their reputation. More like checking with a large number of supportive fellow photographers to see if there is some pattern. You know, it's not like anyone here is going to get their panties in a twist if you write something they disagree with that has no lasting effect on their lives at all.

DreDaze wrote in post #18233351
Just curious, what's the outcome you're looking for here...the lens works, the box is in good shape...you're not returning it...are you after a discount, or just want someone in packaging to get chewed out?

I'm just confused as to what the point of it all is...

If I was him, I'd be looking for an assurance that - with his help plus the input from anyone else who has received a similar package - that we will pinpoint the packer(s) responsible and take immediate and effective steps to insure this doesn't happen again!

sandwedge wrote in post #18233382
.......I contacted Canon USA today to try to confirm this. The technician I spoke with said that he has worked there for 18 years and he has not heard that the lens could be shipped inside its own box alone. He said, as we all know, that when Canon ships a lens to a customer, they put it inside another box with plenty of cushioning.....

I am failing miserably to upload a picture of how Canon products come into us.....sent it to you by email

NDAPhoto wrote in post #18233640
I think it was poor packing and just an oversight. Often orders are picked by one person and packed by another. When busy, like the holidays, the process can be rushed with less attention. I still have Adorama's packing for an 24-70 2.8L II shipped two months ago and was very pleased. Three or four other shipments including strobes since then and no issues. But today, I received two continuous light units packed much the same as OP's photo. Too large a box with virtually no padding inside. It is not the company's normal practice, but happens.

As for OP's post, I don't see any spiteful intent but rather a genuine concern having just spent $1800 or whatever. It's a big enough company that he was not trying to malign anyone or damage their reputation. More like checking with a large number of supportive fellow photographers to see if there is some pattern. You know, it's not like anyone here is going to get their panties in a twist if you write something they disagree with that has no lasting effect on their lives at all.

Really, I ordered the xplor 600 and a few Speedlite, came in just like the TS stuff, minimal packing, lots of empty space. Works, not obviously broken.

NDAPhoto wrote in post #18233640
I think it was poor packing and just an oversight. Often orders are picked by one person and packed by another. When busy, like the holidays, the process can be rushed with less attention. I still have Adorama's packing for an 24-70 2.8L II shipped two months ago and was very pleased. Three or four other shipments including strobes since then and no issues. But today, I received two continuous light units packed much the same as OP's photo. Too large a box with virtually no padding inside. It is not the company's normal practice, but happens.

Can I get your order #? Helen@adorama.com

tdlavigne wrote in post #18233490
For the price of an L lens, no that is definitely not acceptable. .....

You are 100% correct. It is

Just wanted to add that my package from Adorama came Tuesday afternoon the exact same way, I did the 100-400 II deal like this with the printer and accessories. I did not take a picture of the box though I still have it and the single bubble wrap sheet. But was a bit shocked when I opened it. The first thing I usually do is grab all the little air sacks or bubble wrap out of the box and pop it so it confirms it's still inflated and so it will fit in the trash. Didn't have much to do with this one. Just one small sheet of bubble wrap. Everything seems fine and unbroken, won't keep me from Adorama again. However they may want to look into it so it doesn't break someone else's order in the future.

I find that bringing something up like this isn't to complain, but to let management know that there could possibly be a problem. If they don't know it can't get fixed! No ill intent involved broken or not.

Let Helen know with the above email address she listed. I let her know about my packaging of the 100-400 kit and was well satisfied with her handling of the situation.

Don't worry people, Helen will get to the bottom of this issue.

For a behind-the-scenes look:
https://youtu.be/LoaEy​7CCC1E