BikesDirect strikes again, here's my experience
10-11-07, 09:01 AM
#51
My bike is total crap
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Posts: 140
Bikes: It's a serious piece of crap. Really. I'm not kidding.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
10-11-07, 12:03 PM
#53
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: southern oregon
Posts: 2,631
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
10-11-07, 01:53 PM
#54
Less than Zero
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dirty Jersey
Posts: 79
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've had some poor experiences with every shipping company and the United Package Smashers seem to be the worst of them all. But what can you do? You only get limited choices for shipping and it's like playing Russian Roulette for us folks that ship one or two packages a month.
The thing that pissed me off most about UPS was the following a few years back. I was parked on 32nd street in K-Town, NYC. Went to meet up with someone in the building across the street. UPS truck parks in front of my car and starts throwing the packages out from the back of his truck onto the hood of my car. No joke, they were just flying out and onto the hood. There must have been a good 4 feet between our vehicles so he could have just thrown them to the ground or better yet place the boxes at the edge of the truck and unload them properly. I think this was in the middle of the summer so it wasn't a 'temp'. By the time I got out there he had locked up the truck and was gone. I waited around for a bit but he never showed up so I took down the plate number and wrote UPS. Never got a reply.
In a big company where there are so many different cogs in the chain, no one needs to take responsibility so no one gives a crap.
The thing that pissed me off most about UPS was the following a few years back. I was parked on 32nd street in K-Town, NYC. Went to meet up with someone in the building across the street. UPS truck parks in front of my car and starts throwing the packages out from the back of his truck onto the hood of my car. No joke, they were just flying out and onto the hood. There must have been a good 4 feet between our vehicles so he could have just thrown them to the ground or better yet place the boxes at the edge of the truck and unload them properly. I think this was in the middle of the summer so it wasn't a 'temp'. By the time I got out there he had locked up the truck and was gone. I waited around for a bit but he never showed up so I took down the plate number and wrote UPS. Never got a reply.
In a big company where there are so many different cogs in the chain, no one needs to take responsibility so no one gives a crap.
10-12-07, 02:06 PM
#55
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: VA
Posts: 359
Bikes: Giant, Jamis fixie, Orbea Orca; Ceverlo P2SL TT
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I did sign for it from the UPS driver, but the damage was not apparent until I actually opened the box. At that point, I chuckled and told myself "Glad I used my Mastercard!". I immediately took pics, before unpacking, and sent an email to bikesdirect. I am going to stay laid back and await a reply. If not to my satisfaction (replacement bike), trust me, the charge will be disputed with my bank. I realize this is probably the fault of UPS, but that's not my problem - I'm not the one making a profit.
All judgement reserved until bikesdirect responds. I'm thinking an upgrade is fair for my trouble and patience. I will keep everyone up to date.
All judgement reserved until bikesdirect responds. I'm thinking an upgrade is fair for my trouble and patience. I will keep everyone up to date.
When I saw the pictures... and then this post... IT almost sounds like the damage was done BEFORE is was packed... did you save the box.. what does the outside of the box look like.. IF a forklift ran over the box, there would be "evidence" on the outside of the box...
Sharon
10-12-07, 02:08 PM
#56
Banned.
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,569
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
UPDATE:
The bike arrived less than 45 minutes ago. It is severely mangled. Obviously the fault of UPS. Other than that, it looks like a great bike. I just emailed bikesdirect, because I still have no phone number for them, so I will post an update when they reply. Enjoy the attached photos of what UPS can do to a bicycle. In summary, the rear wheel, rear brake disc, and rear triangle are worthless.
The bike arrived less than 45 minutes ago. It is severely mangled. Obviously the fault of UPS. Other than that, it looks like a great bike. I just emailed bikesdirect, because I still have no phone number for them, so I will post an update when they reply. Enjoy the attached photos of what UPS can do to a bicycle. In summary, the rear wheel, rear brake disc, and rear triangle are worthless.
10-12-07, 02:36 PM
#57
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 118
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Just to keep this report up to date, BD has gone above and beyond what I expected in handling this so far. A new bike is already on the way, and the old one was picked up by UPS. If it receives the same special treatment on the return trip, I'd hate to see what the old one looks like by the time it gets back to BD! To this point, all emails to BD have been answered promptly.
10-12-07, 02:56 PM
#58
Moar cowbell
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: The 509
Posts: 12,481
Bikes: Bike list is not a resume. Nobody cares.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 29 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
5 Posts
Yet another sterling example of why I ship Fed-Ex Ground when I do a ground shipment.
__________________
RST Suspension | Canfield Bikes | 7iDP Protection | Maxxis | Renthal | Hayes | VonZipper Optics | GoPro
Originally Posted by Mark Twain
"Don't argue with stupid people; they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience."
10-12-07, 06:22 PM
#59
suburban rasta mon
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Atlanta GA
Posts: 79
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
i don't care what you guys say, this drama is entertaining. at least to kill some time while i'm at work. and especially since it seems it will turn out okay for the buyer. give us an update when the new bike arrives. 
10-12-07, 07:35 PM
#60
Still kicking.
UPDATE:
The bike arrived less than 45 minutes ago. It is severely mangled. Obviously the fault of UPS. Other than that, it looks like a great bike. I just emailed bikesdirect, because I still have no phone number for them, so I will post an update when they reply. Enjoy the attached photos of what UPS can do to a bicycle. In summary, the rear wheel, rear brake disc, and rear triangle are worthless.
The bike arrived less than 45 minutes ago. It is severely mangled. Obviously the fault of UPS. Other than that, it looks like a great bike. I just emailed bikesdirect, because I still have no phone number for them, so I will post an update when they reply. Enjoy the attached photos of what UPS can do to a bicycle. In summary, the rear wheel, rear brake disc, and rear triangle are worthless.
Takes the saying, "What can brown do for you" to a whole new level, doesn't it.
__________________
Appreciate the old bikes more than the new.
Appreciate the old bikes more than the new.
10-12-07, 07:51 PM
#61
Peace
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 136
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
10-12-07, 07:54 PM
#62
Still kicking.
10-13-07, 12:13 AM
#63
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 118
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It's funny, when the UPS driver picked it up, we started chatting about the whole ordeal. His opinion is that it got caught in a conveyor belt at the warehouse. He said that nothing else in the delivery process could have caused such damage. There was an obvious retape job on the box that, in the excitement of the delivery moment, I didn't notice. It is very reassuring to know that UPS, after completely destroying the package, at least made a half-assed attempt to cover up the damage. I will be steering clear of UPS for any packages I need to ship in the future.
Another funny unrelated story, I received another package from UPS a few weeks ago. My dogs go nuts whenever they hear the combination of diesel engine and squeaky brakes that announce a UPS delivery, so I chose not to answer the door while trying to restrain them. I watched the UPS driver through my window, as he opened my screen door and literally THREW the package on the floor from 4 feet away. That pissed me off so much I went out and said WTF (in nicer terms), and he informed me that the package was not marked fragile, so he was not worried about it. I told him that it contained electronics (a new Blue Ray DVD player) and I didn't appreciate his attitude toward my delivery. He apologized and offered to inspect the package for damage. I guess this is typical for UPS. Luckily it was packed well enough that the idiot didn't break it!
Another funny unrelated story, I received another package from UPS a few weeks ago. My dogs go nuts whenever they hear the combination of diesel engine and squeaky brakes that announce a UPS delivery, so I chose not to answer the door while trying to restrain them. I watched the UPS driver through my window, as he opened my screen door and literally THREW the package on the floor from 4 feet away. That pissed me off so much I went out and said WTF (in nicer terms), and he informed me that the package was not marked fragile, so he was not worried about it. I told him that it contained electronics (a new Blue Ray DVD player) and I didn't appreciate his attitude toward my delivery. He apologized and offered to inspect the package for damage. I guess this is typical for UPS. Luckily it was packed well enough that the idiot didn't break it!
10-13-07, 05:03 AM
#64
Less than Zero
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dirty Jersey
Posts: 79
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've never had any problems with UPS...although I call it 'oops'. There seems to be some real ###hole drivers out there. Also, my boss's second job is at UPS unloading and sorting...from how he describes the unload, I don't see how the conveyor would do that. It's not that fast, and there's a foot pedal at each station to stop or slow it down. Looks like it was run over. Glad to hear everything worked out.
10-16-07, 11:17 PM
#65
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 118
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
UPDATE:
The replacement bike arrived today, and it was in perfect condition. I was very happy to see that Bikesdirect shipped an upgraded model to compensate my troubles, the Fly Team with much XTR!!!
I opened the box in front of the UPS driver, and everything looked good at first glance, so I signed for it and felt very relieved. I did the assembly, which was very minor (install handlebars and front disk brake/rotor, seatpost, and complete tune up), and found everything to be very close to where I would have installed it myself. The front derailleur was a little high for my taste, but other than that, everything was dead on. I pulled the reflectors and the dork disk, and did a minor truing to the rear wheel, only because I'm anal, but it was well within the acceptable range for a new bike.
Overall impressions: I couldn't beat this bike for the price if I tried. I should have bought one of these for parts when I built my S-works, I could have saved a lot of money by simply swapping the parts over to my frame. The frame looked great, with nice dime-stack welds and an awesome flat finish. My wife took it out for a few miles, with me alongside, and she was grinning from ear to ear the entire time. Her comments were "smooth and fast", and "very responsive". Assembled weight was 21.2 lbs, which includes Sun platform pedals and her comfier than necessary saddle. As hardcore as she is, I can't get her over to clipless for off-road, oh well.
Bottom line: Bikesdirect is the real deal. Unbeatable value, and the problem I encountered (which was UPS's fault) was handled with speed, courtesy, and compensation for my trouble. I couldn't be happier with the experience. I whole-heartedly recommend bikesdirect if you are in the market for a great deal. Now if they would just switch to Fed-ex, they could take over the world!!!
Pics will come tomorrow.
The replacement bike arrived today, and it was in perfect condition. I was very happy to see that Bikesdirect shipped an upgraded model to compensate my troubles, the Fly Team with much XTR!!!
I opened the box in front of the UPS driver, and everything looked good at first glance, so I signed for it and felt very relieved. I did the assembly, which was very minor (install handlebars and front disk brake/rotor, seatpost, and complete tune up), and found everything to be very close to where I would have installed it myself. The front derailleur was a little high for my taste, but other than that, everything was dead on. I pulled the reflectors and the dork disk, and did a minor truing to the rear wheel, only because I'm anal, but it was well within the acceptable range for a new bike.
Overall impressions: I couldn't beat this bike for the price if I tried. I should have bought one of these for parts when I built my S-works, I could have saved a lot of money by simply swapping the parts over to my frame. The frame looked great, with nice dime-stack welds and an awesome flat finish. My wife took it out for a few miles, with me alongside, and she was grinning from ear to ear the entire time. Her comments were "smooth and fast", and "very responsive". Assembled weight was 21.2 lbs, which includes Sun platform pedals and her comfier than necessary saddle. As hardcore as she is, I can't get her over to clipless for off-road, oh well.
Bottom line: Bikesdirect is the real deal. Unbeatable value, and the problem I encountered (which was UPS's fault) was handled with speed, courtesy, and compensation for my trouble. I couldn't be happier with the experience. I whole-heartedly recommend bikesdirect if you are in the market for a great deal. Now if they would just switch to Fed-ex, they could take over the world!!!
Pics will come tomorrow.
10-17-07, 12:26 AM
#67
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 118
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
You made it to reply #70, then ask for Cliffnotes?
I figure the people that are actually interested in the experience or considering buying from bikesdirect would like a little more than Cliffnotes. Nobody made you open this thread, sorry to waste your time.
I figure the people that are actually interested in the experience or considering buying from bikesdirect would like a little more than Cliffnotes. Nobody made you open this thread, sorry to waste your time.
10-17-07, 07:15 AM
#68
Should be riding
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: S.E. Michigan
Posts: 1,602
Bikes: C-dale- moutain, Pedal Force RS- Campy Record, Quiring Ti XTR, Red line Monocog, S E F@r
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm glad it worked out for you and your lady. Sorry to hear about the original mishap but in the end, it all worked out. Still I wonder how my Record equiped bike would've been upgraded if I had the same issue.
Enjoy:
10-17-07, 07:25 AM
#69
one less horse
10-17-07, 07:37 AM
#70
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,605
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
So do I
but the bottome line is: we under promise and over deliver as policy
We have never had a badly damaged Record bike; in fact it has been a long time since I have seen a bike damaged as bad as this FLY was. One way we have helped Campy Record buyers in the past has been replacement parts [but we do that all the time for people; they crash a part and we get them the replacement at under dealer cost]
I hope to never see another bike as damaged by a shipper as this bike was.
mike
10-17-07, 01:00 PM
#71
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 118
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I had to chuckle at this. You purchased a lesser bike and were upgraded to a full XTR bike. I don't think anyone could beat that price.
I'm glad it worked out for you and your lady. Sorry to hear about the original mishap but in the end, it all worked out. Still I wonder how my Record equiped bike would've been upgraded if I had the same issue.
Enjoy:
I'm glad it worked out for you and your lady. Sorry to hear about the original mishap but in the end, it all worked out. Still I wonder how my Record equiped bike would've been upgraded if I had the same issue.
Enjoy:
10-17-07, 01:21 PM
#72
Official Website Waterboy
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,271
Bikes: a lot
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Now call and report your local UPS delivery person! I have been a hamm radio operator for years and every piece of electronics I have ever had delivered had to be signed for or UPS didn't leave it. It's their policy on electronics. Your delivery agent is sadly lacking in procedural training!
10-17-07, 05:20 PM
#73
Should be riding
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: S.E. Michigan
Posts: 1,602
Bikes: C-dale- moutain, Pedal Force RS- Campy Record, Quiring Ti XTR, Red line Monocog, S E F@r
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
LOL!
I guess I should have expected this comment.
Uh-oh Mike. You best be knocking on wood with that statement. Accidents happen to everything. I hope your record continues (no pun originally intended).
In all seriousness, I think your comments on this forum, particularly the road portion, has been beneficial to your business. Heck, even Alanbikeshouston said he might buy your new Ti bike! Now that's something! Keep up the excellent pricing/stellar value. Congrats:
B2B, I don't get this:
The OP said he signed for the package each time. If I'm not mistaken, it is dependant on the driver and/or area if a signature is required. At least it was when I asked about this years ago. This is why you can leave a note on the door to allow the UPS driver to leave something for you.
I guess I should have expected this comment.
We have never had a badly damaged Record bike;
In all seriousness, I think your comments on this forum, particularly the road portion, has been beneficial to your business. Heck, even Alanbikeshouston said he might buy your new Ti bike! Now that's something! Keep up the excellent pricing/stellar value. Congrats:
B2B, I don't get this:
Now call and report your local UPS delivery person!
10-18-07, 08:24 AM
#75
Official Website Waterboy
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,271
Bikes: a lot
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
LOL!
B2B, I don't get this:
The OP said he signed for the package each time. If I'm not mistaken, it is dependant on the driver and/or area if a signature is required. At least it was when I asked about this years ago. This is why you can leave a note on the door to allow the UPS driver to leave something for you.
B2B, I don't get this:
The OP said he signed for the package each time. If I'm not mistaken, it is dependant on the driver and/or area if a signature is required. At least it was when I asked about this years ago. This is why you can leave a note on the door to allow the UPS driver to leave something for you.
Another funny unrelated story, I received another package from UPS a few weeks ago. My dogs go nuts whenever they hear the combination of diesel engine and squeaky brakes that announce a UPS delivery, so I chose not to answer the door while trying to restrain them. I watched the UPS driver through my window, as he opened my screen door and literally THREW the package on the floor from 4 feet away. That pissed me off so much I went out and said WTF (in nicer terms), and he informed me that the package was not marked fragile, so he was not worried about it. I told him that it contained electronics (a new Blue Ray DVD player) and I didn't appreciate his attitude toward my delivery. He apologized and offered to inspect the package for damage. I guess this is typical for UPS. Luckily it was packed well enough that the idiot didn't break it!
All electronics are supposed to be signed for, as far as I know. Simply throwing them in through the window shouldn't be an accepted form of delivery. Not even in the sticks where I live.
