So my new custom Nobilette frame arrived Saturday, and FedEx managed to damage the paint on the right seat stay. The tube isn't damaged, but there are four places (one not visible in the photo), obviously caused by the box being punctured by something sharp. The hole in the box lines up perfectly with the chipped area. The bike was packaged quite well, BTW.


I understand that it's not that bad, and the painter sent a touch-up bottle with the frame, so I can probably make it look OK - I'm reasonably adept at that stuff. Every bike I own has some paint chips here and there, but geez, it'd sure be nice to start out with something fresh and perfect. "Can't have nothin' nice", as my father used to say. The thing is, this bike represents at least 10 years of saving, parts collecting, and planning. I'm quite sure I'm overreacting, but I'm a little sick about the whole thing.


I did a little research on the web and read a few other horror stories involving FedEx and bikes. It appears it's almost impossible to get them to cough up any money on damage claims. The painter, who's also understandably upset, has offered to fix it at a big discount. So, if I wanted to spend another $200+ with shipping and all, and wait another month, I could get it made right.


Anyway, my question to the panel is "What would you do?"