Amazon Shipping Sucks

I just received my Canon 70-200mm f/4 L IS via UPS from Amazon and I can't wait to look for some ducks!

My complaint is with the way Amazon packaged the lens. The Canon box was simply cushioned on one side of the box by one of those twin, air-filled bags. One of the bags had collapsed due no doubt to the rough handling dealt out by UPS (judging from the looks of the shipping container). Amazon might as well have just placed a postage stamp on the Canon box without a shipping container and dropped it in the nearest mail box. Before opening the container, I mildly shook it and could hear the Canon box slip sliding around.

I usually buy from B&H but I paid no tax or shipping costs through Amazon; saved much $.

What are your experiences with Amazon packing methods?

Exactly the same. I buy from Amazon constantly as I kinda live in the boonies. While they'll shrinkwrap a book to a cardboard sheet so it CAN'T move around, they often do little more than what you mentioned for $500 and up items. Never fails to amaze me. Of course, I've ordered stuff at 7pm at night and got it the next day, too. Since I'm a prime member, I always get two-day shipping for free. And they don't charge sales tax for California. All good reasons to deal with them. Plus the return policy is second to none. It adds up in their favor.

Ill ho in here and play devils advocate

I shop at amazon a lot as well cuz I find their shipping rates less pricey than lets say B&H and adorama.

And so far I have been pleased with their shipping.
I bought my 5D from them and it was packaged in there pretty damn well. No problems with the camera either.

The rock so far and this is probably the 20th piece of something Ive bought from them.

I'm an Amazon addict, but their shipping does indeed suck lemons. I've had two external hard drives shipped to me, both DOA. On the other hand, I've not had to return a single photographic equipment (or anything else for that matter), presumably because the mfrs do a better job of packaging (in anticipation of UPS playing football with the packages). I do wonder, however, if all that knocking about doesn't cause camera or lens calibration to get knocked out of whack.

i have shopped mostly from amazon. while the packaging isn't the best, for those frequent customer i suggest getting amazon prime, for a year fee of $70 (?) you get free 2nd day shipping. if you are a frequent customer, it will pay for itself plus more.

I order a lot of different things from Amazon and have purchased camera stuff as well. I have seen somethings poorly package but most are done very well. I suspect it depends on which of their many warehouses it comes from. I've never gotten anything that damaged enough that it to an extent that it needed to be returned.

If you buy a fair amount of stuff from them then Prime is the way to go. Love that 2 day delivery.

I've had good and bad from Amazon. Most of the time its okay. Once I order a pretty big book and I came home that evening with the package sitting in front of my house. Firstly it wasn't packed properly, secondly it should never have been left there because thirdly, it was raining. I understand the second 2 were the delivery peoples fault and not theirs but anyway. I've just recently received a book from them in which the front cover had a tear in it, and it wasn't the first time.

Then again, I've bought a lof of stuff from them and most of them time they are good

Bought numerous lenses and bodies from Amazon.
I see OP's point. But so far everything checks out OK.

They do pack a $19.95 book better than a $1000 lens. But they probably have an assembly line for shrink wrapping those books...

Amazon Prime is great. My co-workers bug me to get them some stuff. They usually pay me a couple of dollars for the trouble. The membership fee is easily made up for...plus I had it for free for their long trial period.

Great stuff!

Louis solomon wrote in post #3738152
What are your experiences with Amazon packing methods?

First hand. Literally. I worked at one as a packer and then labeler. Things are so fast paced and you can get fired if you don't meet a certain quota of packages shipped per hour. They don't let you care, even if you want to.

I've also had things shipped with the item flush against the bottom of the package and air packs or other protective material all over the top. I've always thought it's stupid to pack it that way. Put packing material on the bottom then the item, then more packing material! No wonder CD cases are cracked when I receive them.

Oh, dear... I just ordered a 50mm f/1.8 from Amazon yesterday.

It's the first time I have bought any glass from Amazon.. Hope it arrives safely!

So your lens wasn't damaged?

Aldwyn wrote in post #3739361
Oh, dear... I just ordered a 50mm f/1.8 from Amazon yesterday.

It's the first time I have bought any glass from Amazon.. Hope it arrives safely!

I wouldn't worry about it. I bought a 5D, 1D Mark II N and a ton of lenses from Amazon and have not had a single problem with them. I agree that it could be packed a little better but so far no issues.

Another prime user here. I'm a bit surprised with the packaging but I've never had any trouble with lenses or cameras. I think Canon does a good job with their own packaging so that might help a lot.

Amazon's packaging may not be the best, but they do make it painless if you do have a problem. I ordered a 70-200mm 2.8 IS from them and it had a front focusing issue. Amazon was nice enough to ship out a new unit and let me compare them side by side before returning the one with the issue. They also paid for the return shipping on the first one (which is significant because of the insurance costs). If there isn't much of a difference, I will buy from amazon.