How I lost more than $300 returning knives to BladeHQ [RESOLVED]

[WilliamEdward]

The fact that you were honest and didn't try to spin this away from you is why most(if not all) believe you are telling a true story.
However the last nail in the coffin was the prepaid shipping label with the reduced weight. So now you have set up a return for 1 knife(instead of the 2) and the shipping weight reflects 1 being sent back-even though that was a mistake also. It is just going to be hard for them to buy the story enough to give you money when all physical evidence points to 1 knife. No idea if you ever got the second knife, if it was overlooked at their return department, or pocketed, but without it being logged in what can they say. Unfortunate situation, but I can't blame them.

Just to clarify this is why I had hoped they could check their account with USPS for a charge because of this weight discrepancy. USPS likely didn't let a 1.2 pound package pass through on a 7oz label without some correction, so I thought anyway.
But in any case I realize this is largely moot, and would not definitively prove anything. The broader point you are making is well taken though.

 

[Peter Hartwig]

Just to clarify this is why I had hoped they could check their account with USPS for a charge because of this weight discrepancy. USPS likely didn't let a 1.2 pound package pass through on a 7oz label without some correction, so I thought anyway.
But in any case I realize this is largely moot, and would not definitively prove anything. The broader point you are making is well taken though.

I don't know that USPS would ever weigh it. Maybe if it was 1st class. It would have been no where near the priority limits.
This certainly isn't going to help you, but maybe it will remind the rest to not make the same mistakes or they too may not have a pleasant ending.
Thanks for sharing

 

[Ajack60]

There’s certainly nothing wrong with a preprinted label. I do it for all my shipping. Then I go to the P.O. and drop it off at the counter so I can get an acceptance receipt.
On the receipt, it shows the weight of the package, time it was received and destination. It takes a little longer, but when I read threads like this one, it’s worth it. I hang on to it until the package is delivered and feedback is given from the buyer.

 

[cigarrodog]

There’s certainly nothing wrong with a preprinted label. I do it for all my shipping. Then I go to the P.O. and drop it off at the counter so I can get an acceptance receipt.
On the receipt, it shows the weight of the package, time it was received and destination. It takes a little longer, but when I read threads like this one, it’s worth it. I hang on to it until the package is delivered and feedback is given from the buyer.

Couldn’t agree more. It seems like many sellers prefer the convenience of just dropping the package in the bin. It seems to increase the chances of things going wrong. IMHO, go to the counter. I think it’s safer.

 

[Danke42]

As shipments go through various hubs the carriers check them for weigh vs. volume (cube). Not to protect the shipper or consignee but to make sure the carrier isn't being shorted on their fees. To access that info though you normally need some sort of insider contact.

 

[craytab]

This can also be looked at in isolation.

First, it can't. What they may or may not have done would not have happened without your error(s).

Without getting into the messy details I think a classic sports analogy is appropriate here.

You need to play better than referees officiate. You did not do so many many many times over. Can't really compare their possibly 1 or 2 mistakes to your laundry list of mishaps. It reads of exactly how not to buy stuff and return it on the internet.

Take the hit and learn the lesson. It does no good here to continue and blame the seller.

 

[craytab]

There’s certainly nothing wrong with a preprinted label. I do it for all my shipping. Then I go to the P.O. and drop it off at the counter so I can get an acceptance receipt.
On the receipt, it shows the weight of the package, time it was received and destination. It takes a little longer, but when I read threads like this one, it’s worth it. I hang on to it until the package is delivered and feedback is given from the buyer.

Couldn’t agree more. It seems like many sellers prefer the convenience of just dropping the package in the bin. It seems to increase the chances of things going wrong. IMHO, go to the counter. I think it’s safer.

I always drop at the counter now days. Get that receipt!

 

[jlauffer]

I always drop at the counter now days. Get that receipt!

Same!

 

[King of the Cheese]

First, it can't. What they may or may not have done would not have happened without your error(s).

Without getting into the messy details I think a classic sports analogy is appropriate here.

You need to play better than referees officiate. You did not do so many many many times over. Can't really compare their possibly 1 or 2 mistakes to your laundry list of mishaps. It reads of exactly how not to buy stuff and return it on the internet.

Take the hit and learn the lesson. It does no good here to continue and blame the seller.

I think you’ve misunderstood the OP. They acknowledge what they did contributed to this mess, and I understood the story as more a “lessons learned” event, not a criticism of BladeHQ as a company. There are lessons to be learned on both sides here, and your response amounting to basically a “shut up and take the loss” approach isn’t exactly helpful.

 

[craytab]

I think you’ve misunderstood the OP. They acknowledge what they did contributed to this mess, and I understood the story as more a “lessons learned” event, not a criticism of BladeHQ as a company. There are lessons to be learned on both sides here, and your response amounting to basically a “shut up and take the loss” approach isn’t exactly helpful.

One and only response to you here. Keep your trolling to your W&C troll thread please. Thanks bud!

 

[King of the Cheese]

One and only response to you here. Keep your trolling to your W&C troll thread please. Thanks bud!

It’s a shame that merely disagreeing with you given your misunderstanding of the OP’s post makes you default to accusations of “trolling”. Effective way to avoid responding on topic, however.

 

[benchwarmer380]

It’s a shame that merely disagreeing with you given your misunderstanding of the OP’s post makes you default to accusations of “trolling”. Effective way to avoid responding on topic, however.

I don't think he misunderstood the OP.

He was responding to this comment: "This can also be looked at in isolation."
Where the OP was suggesting to just look at BladeHQ's actions in what amounts to a vacuum.

That is not really a fair thing to do as many of those actions were very likely based on what the OP had done.

What is the point of only looking at one side's mistakes if not an attempt to be critical of their actions?




I do agree this was a learning experience for all.

 

[craytab]

I don't think he misunderstood the OP.

He was responding to this comment: "This can also be looked at in isolation."
Where the OP was suggesting to just look at BladeHQ's actions in what amounts to a vacuum.

That is not really a fair thing to do as many of those actions were very likely based on what the OP had done.

What is the point of only looking at one side's mistakes if not an attempt to be critical of their actions?




I do agree this was a learning experience for all.

Exactly. BHQ would not have found itself in such a position without the OP's many errors first. Absolutely no way to look at this in some sort of scientific outer-space vacuum. The OP asking us to do so, amounts to placing blame on the seller, where IMO, it ultimately does not belong.

Sometimes S happens and mistakes are made. In this instance, the OP made far more mistakes in a perfect S storm. He's going to take the hit for that unfortunately. That is how things shake out at times. Nothing can really be done but learn and move on.

 

[WilliamEdward]

Exactly. BHQ would not have found itself in such a position without the OP's many errors first. Absolutely no way to look at this in some sort of scientific outer-space vacuum. The OP asking us to do so, amounts to placing blame on the seller, where IMO, it ultimately does not belong.

Sometimes S happens and mistakes are made. In this instance, the OP made far more mistakes in a perfect S storm. He's going to take the hit for that unfortunately. That is how things shake out at times. Nothing can really be done but learn and move on.

A lot of emphasis on my many errors. What I meant in isolation was not to exclude them but to look at the one or two matter to how this mistake happened.
It is a virtual certainty both knives were in that box, based both on the shipping weight and BladeHQ paper trail. Had I opened it to confirm, as I should have done, what would my word be worth to them any more than it was before?

What I meant for a vacuum is this: I processed a return on the website for one item when I meant to do it for both. That's the relevant mistake. I send in the return, they overlook the other item in the box. Did I make a mistake? yes. Did they? yes. Was it only because of a series of many many many mistakes on my part that this was able to happen? Not in my opinion.

 

[King of the Cheese]

I don't think he misunderstood the OP.

I do, given how he responded so harshly.

He was responding to this comment: "This can also be looked at in isolation."
Where the OP was suggesting to just look at BladeHQ's actions in what amounts to a vacuum.

“Can” doesn’t mean “should”. We can learn by looking at both. Craytab has voiced his intent to look at “isolation” as well… by hammering on the OP.

That is not really a fair thing to do as many of those actions were very likely based on what the OP had done.

It’s equally unfair to put this entirely on the OP. Customers make mistakes. A company should have a QC on the return process that alleviates some of these issues. BHQ is in the shipping business. Their model is “distribution”. You expect every customer to have a flawless return process? Why?

What is the point of only looking at one side's mistakes if not an attempt to be critical of their actions?

Good point. Why can’t we look at BHQ’s? Constructive criticism isn’t blasphemy.

I do agree this was a learning experience for all.

Good. So we should talk about all involved to ensure it remains that.

Exactly. BHQ would not have found itself in such a position without the OP's many errors first.

That doesn’t excuse their failures.

Absolutely no way to look at this in some sort of scientific outer-space vacuum. The OP asking us to do so, amounts to placing blame on the seller, where IMO, it ultimately does not belong.

Why can’t we criticize the efficiency of their returns process? Is it sacrilege? Don’t be ridiculous.

Sometimes S happens and mistakes are made. In this instance, the OP made far more mistakes in a perfect S storm. He's going to take the hit for that unfortunately. That is how things shake out at times. Nothing can really be done but learn and move on.

No, absolutely not. Something CAN be done here… and the customer shouldn’t be out hundreds of dollars on something that could’ve been caught during the return.

I think you two need to understand that if The returns process worked properly, this wouldn’t have happened. It would actually be MORE advantageous for BHQ to improve their process rather than blaming one person for the entire failure. One is a business, one is a customer. I’m not of the mindset “the customer is always right”… but you should respect them, which means helping correct a mistake (even if they are heavily responsible) if there is ANY liability on the business end.

 

[craytab]

A lot of emphasis on my many errors. What I meant in isolation was not to exclude them but to look at the one or two matter to how this mistake happened.
It is a virtual certainty both knives were in that box, based both on the shipping weight and BladeHQ paper trail. Had I opened it to confirm, as I should have done, what would my word be worth to them any more than it was before?

What I meant for a vacuum is this: I processed a return on the website for one item when I meant to do it for both. That's the relevant mistake. I send in the return, they overlook the other item in the box. Did I make a mistake? yes. Did they? yes. Was it only because of a series of many many many mistakes on my part that this was able to happen? Not in my opinion.

The only thing we know for certain are your errors and what we don't know, which is if there were two knives. There is no getting past these points. Sorry.

As BHQ has done with the situation, I'll bow out as well and leave you with the result. Learn from it what you will.

 

[King of the Cheese]

The only thing we know for certain are your errors and what we don't know, which is if there were two knives.

So the assumption that OP just made the whole thing up? Then why respond at all?

There is no getting past these points. Sorry.

As BHQ has done with the situation, I'll bow out as well and leave you with the result. Learn from it what you will.

“Appeal to BHQ authority”? Just because BHQ made a decision, doesn’t mean it was the “correct” one. We shouldn’t just automatically default to the decision of a respected distributor in ALL cases, that is illogical.

 

[Gastonknife]

I wouldn't characterize it as blame, but rather a failure to protect yourself as the customer. It was very unlikely they were going to recognize that you never opened the original package. And while the shipping weight could be confirmed, how can you expect them to simply take your word that the other item, which was never found, was a $300 knife? The employee that opened the box only found one knife. The other one was probably buried under the packing material. He dug down until he found the one knife slated for return and tossed the box. I recently had to return two knives to one dealer and I was concerned about this very possibility. I wrapped both knife boxes together with rubber bands to defend against such a scenario. Also, I always call my returns in to customer service and let them fill out the info on their end. Your order activity would have looked suspicious, so calling them to apologize and explain your intent may have prevented this. They can make notes in the system that can later be referenced. Again, I'm sorry you lost so much money on the transaction. I know I would be pissed.

This seems like a very plausible answer and would make sense as the employee would have only been looking for one knife. I hate it for the OP, as they seem sincere and I assume they are certainly being truthful, being out $300 is never good.
But, I just don't see how it's logical for anyone to lay much of any blame on the vendor here.

 

[Pete1977]

Not to insinuate anything about the OP but if I were BHQ I would have been confused as well. The OP’s actions were confusing and in my opinion could quite possibly have been the precursor to a scam. BHQ doesn’t know you, and can only judge based on your actions.

You ordered two knives, cancelled an order, bought a knife then returned the unopened box with a misprinted shipping label.

Before you accuse someone at BHQ of theft, it can just as easily be assumed that they expected one knife back, processed the return as one knife and moved on with their day.

Craytab is correct in stating that had your comedy of errors not occurred BHQ would not have been confused in processing the return.

I think this is just an unfortunate perfect storm of miscommunications and errors and in no way think that you attempted a bait and switch with BHQ nor do I believe that they are trying to con you out of $300. BUT- none of this would have happened had you paid more attention to the return label.

Before the troll (i know he posted here even though he is on ignore) accuses me of being a BHQ shill, i have never bought a knife from them due to concerns about their shipping times.

Good luck OP and unless BHQ refunds you due to further investigation after the holiday weekend or out of the kindness of their hearts, this is in no way their fault. Unfortunately it was an expensive lesson.

 

[WilliamEdward]

Yes, I also would not blame BladeHQ if they felt confused or suspicious. I understand I don't have a leg to stand on because of the mistake with the return quantity of 1 instead of 2. I understand them not feeling there is sufficient, if any, evidence to refund me.

A distinction I want to make, I don't think any of their potential confusion or mistrust played into what happened with the return. As said several times, in my original posts and in replies by others, they got the box as a return. It came up as a 1 knife return in their system. They likely pulled out the one knife, and threw the rest away, other knife still inside. This wasn't because of my suspicious order activity, more likely it was a simple lack of thoroughness in their return process. Did I make this mistake possible by messing up the return information? Absolutely.

Blade HQ insists they would have checked the package in its entirety for any other items, that it is customary. An employee remembered the return and said there was only one item. She may, however, have been thinking of the single knife sent back separately. So again, I understand their confusion, really, but I don't think it was their suspicion and confusion that led to the mistake. It may have been a basis for their decision to not move forward with any reimbursement, which I understand.

Is it the vendor's fault for not checking the box thoroughly, to avoid situations like this? I'm not saying it's entirely their fault, but it would be good operating procedure to catch people like me who make a careless mistake.

I posted this to share my stupid experience, I am not seeking any compensation from BladeHQ. I messed up, but feel they could have a more robust system to catch these things.
I've had some great advice from this post. Calling in returns to avoid any confusion, rubber banding the items together when returning more than one item, and of course, opening the darn box.