This is 100% correct with Amazon!! I love them I hate them! I have calls them I have even receive some of my items for free but I just want better packing. You need to share this video with them, then again they won’t watch or listen. Great Job!
I’m the same way. They have always taken care of me including giving me the item for free, reducing the cost, or even crediting my account. While all of that is nice, all I really want is my stuff to arrive undamaged.
The question is, why do you continue to order from Amazon? I completely agree with you, they take zero effort in packaging. I received an LP a few weeks ago they literally just put into a plastic bag, and not even a bubble bag. The thing was bent all over so I sent it back for a refund, no point in asking for another because they will do the same thing. But what's worse about the scum that is Amazon, I am a record label and last year Amazon required a further 10% off the wholesale price to sell my releases. Selling products through distribution, you're already lucky to get maybe $1 or $2 profit before that 10%. Now, Amazon changed their 10% to 13%, and I found I was literally losing money to have my items sold on Amazon. I have since asked my distributor to block Amazon from stocking my items. And once their current stock is out, they will not get anything further. The fact that they were making approximately $7 on the sale of one of my items when I was actually losing money is criminal. Amazon should be boycotted from every angle.
I avoid buying from Amazon at all costs. The problem is tracking down other sources for cd's. Some titles are not for sale anywhere else, or problematic to purchase in physical form.
That’s my problem too. So many albums I’ve only found on Amazon and so I’m forced to use them. Yes I do try to buy from other sources as well but it’s not always an option.
I’m always so anxious when opening and then inspecting to make sure it isn’t damaged. That should not be your first thought when opening a deliver….seeing if it’s damaged or not.
Interesting topic Brendon. It obviously behooves all of us to send the unacceptably damaged product right back to them. I've done that and generally it has all been good when the replacement arrives. However that's never because the packaging is actually better, it's just luck and, for want of a better term, the numbers game that dictates you'll be OK if they send you another. Frankly I think they have no interest in improving. Their business is all about vast product turnover and they just don't care if you request a replacement. Another frequent observation is how often a single CD will arrive in a huge box. Not exactly environment-friendly. Correct packaging would indeed solve 90% of the issues.
Chris you’re a 100% right! It is just a numbers game. Often times they don’t even want the CD back because the cost of it doesn’t do anything for them. And it is completely random when my times are damaged. It’s the mail system that is hard on the shipping. But Amazon should provide better packaging so it always arrives in good condition. If they didn’t have the enormous selection and fast delivery I’d stop buying from them. Other smaller music companies that have sent me things that arrived damaged. That’s it I move on. But there are albums on Amazon that no one has and it’s my only option.
i agree %100...from my experience...the majority of cds ordered through amazon have damaged cases...whilst the majority of cds ordered through smaller record companies are in perfect shape, usually in a tight fitting cardboard sleeve...i am also finding the same with books...rarely does amazon deliver a book to me that doesn't have a corner crunched...
Amazon used to shipping in the right cardboard mailer too. That’s what annoys me is that they used to be great at protecting CD’s and then they stopped. In their minds CD’s are worth anything and are no longer valuable because pop culture moved on to vinyl. But they’re forgetting the people who still buy it are the collectors and it means even more to use than the random person buying vinyl because it’s cool again.
Totally agree on the damage factor. Every cd I get from them in a jewel case, is cracked. Spindles that hold the disc in place are often broken and fall out upon opening them. If I were to send them back I would have a constant stream of stuff going back and forth. It’s not worth it. Good video👍
I’m sending things back nearly every week and sometimes 5-6 or more a month. Of course I buy a lot too but still that amount of damage and that often doesn’t have to happen. They just need to be more inventive in their packaging. If you sell something have the right method for shipping it.
Brendon, timely video. I just picked up from Amazon the picture disc LP of the Police’s Ghost In The Machine. They had it in a proper LP mailer flat, but the mailer was packed in a box one size too small, so it was poking out of the side of that box! Ironically, it would have been better if they just left it in the mailer(!) Idiots!
Yeah the people packing really don’t have a clue sometimes. It’s crazy how bad it can get. I’ve heard stories where they just put a shipping label on the record and it’s not in a box even. Crazy.
Yeah we can probably write a whole book about Amazon. 😂 They are indeed the cheapest (at some point, mostly on offer), but if they are saving on packaging material at the same time: what's the point for us then, right?😉 Yesterday I received three CD's from Amazon Germany. Two of the three are cracked. I have new jewelcases to replace those, but still. One of them is a "brilliant 2cd jewelcase", and I have a few new ones as a replacement, but they are more expensive than the standard ones. So I'm asking myself: should I return or should I keep and replace the cases. Both solutions will cost me energy (again 😠) and that's what I don't like about Amazon/online shopping. Getting tired of sending all the stuff back. 😅
You and me both! I’m so tired of the whole thing. The disappointment from damage, the aggravation from having to ship back, the waiting to get the replacement that should have been in your hands already. I wish Amazon would see this video and the feedback on it and really take note. But for them it’s a numbers game and it’s not worth it.
@@BrendonSnyder Haha, that's so true indeed. 👍🏻 I think Jeff Bezos is still investing in quantity instead of quality. And that's a shame. And we can't blame the warehouse workers either, because they have to work hard for low salaries.
Their packaging is probably my number one issue with them. A year ago I had ordered Scream Factory's Friday The 13th blu-ray box set. Amazon placed it in a box too large with zero packing material. I'm still impressed there wasn't any damage considering the way the outer box looked when I got it. My other favorite is when they pack a cd or 2 in an brown envelope not much better than brown paper lunchsack. If nothing else, my collection of cracked cases is growing... lol.
It’s crazy how they think customers receiving damaged product is acceptable. A class action lawsuit should happen. I’m sure some rights in some way are being violated…haha! 😂
Amazingly, I have never 🤞🤞🤞had a problem with Amazon in the sense that I have always received what I have ordered and in a timely fashion. My biggest complaint is, like you mentioned, the packaging of the merchandise. The last item I received from them was a box set which was placed in an oversized box without any padding so the box set was sliding around in the package box. Thank God the Wall Immersion box wasn’t damaged at all. I think that Amazon doesn’t care about mailing damaged products because they make so much money that if they screw up now and then they don’t take it seriously. They still make enough money from so many customers, who cares if they lose one here and there. If we ALL boycotted Amazon, I’m sure their ears would perk up and they would try to provide better customer service. Bunch of well-heeled, big wheel, filthy rich, fat cats.
I’m glad to hear your Wall box arrived in damaged. That would have been heartbreaking if it had. Says the huge Pink Floyd fan who spent $350 buying The Later Years boxset and the first one arrived with a spilt corner and I had to return it. It killed me. Here I was a big Floyd fan getting something new and the moment was ruined by it arriving damaged.
If there is one thing that Amazon packages worst than CDs, are books. They put them in an oversize box with no protection and you're lucky if you receive them with no dents.
You’re absolutely right. And since I can still get new books easier than CD’s, for the most part I won’t order from Amazon because books always come damaged. What’s insane is that books is the original bread and butter for Amazon. You’d think they get it but they don’t. I guess there are lots of people who don’t care about the condition of the new products they order and don’t complain. Because otherwise this would be a real issue for Amazon.
@@BrendonSnyder In my experience they tend to handle vinyl better than cds. They usually put the vinyl in vinyl mailers and then they put them inside a box.
I often pay a little extra on eBay for CDs because of Amazon's lack of quality shipping. A trick I learned from ordering CDs from Amazon is to order other items and choose a specific day for them to deliver. They often package the CDs with the other items with premium boxes
That CD-R shit they pull pisses me off. I bought a Leslie West CD from them was on a CD-R because I didn’t see the fine print. I ended up keeping it, but I pay more attention now.
But it’s also not just the CD-R discs there are other regular albums that labels have removed the inner books and limited what used to be contained inside the CD. That drives me nuts too.
Amen Brendon! One time I received a package that had Gallon size carpet cleaner solution and 5 CD mix of digipaks and hard cases. Had to replace them all.
Yeah it’s nuts what they do. I also hate that they will throw multiple items in the same shipping envelope or box with no protection between them. By the time they arrive they have been jostled together and pressed against each other that they cases are cracked or the digipaks are all dented on their faces and corners because of the other items. It’s very frustrating.
I am 100% with you I hate those bubble mailers I get so many damaged Jewel cases I got to by Jewel cases just to have replacement on hand and I tell Amazon over and over it doesn't do any good
I’ve logged so many complaints. Even suggesting they should add an option to pay for extra protection when mailing. I’d honestly pay more if I knew my stuff was going to arrive undamaged. Plus they would not only make more money but save too because we wouldn’t all be shipping back damaged items. Seems like a no brainer.
Hey Brendon, well put. I totally agree about better packaging, I think for the most part, they just don't understand the collector mentality, and are used to shipping too many varied products, and cheap goods like you mentioned, but no logic behind what they package well and what they don't. 2 times I had ordered very limited box sets, only to have it arrive damaged, and when I try and get a replacement, they've sold out or it's no longer in print. That is hugely frustrating.
I had that happen with my Thin Lizzy boxset as the first run was very limited. Mine arrived damaged but they said it was currently unavailable and they could only refund the order not replace it. I was pretty upset about that one too.
Well put indeed. This neverending problem with Amazon packaging. Imagine how bad it is in my case since returning is not really an option (it would be more expensive and difficult than just accepting the product with damages). So for my CDs I had to find sources of jewel cases and even digipag trays (I have a pile of them) and I found a technique to replace even these ones (very carefully removing the damaged tray from the cardboard and then gluing a new one in its place). So at least I got new skills. 😆
@@BrendonSnyder I had another CD arrive today I ordered, and this one had a little hole drilled through the case and artwork, I don't know what that was about....
I concur on all your points made. I also wish they would stop sending small items in packages much larger than the item, which in turn leads them to get thrown around inside and damaged. Sellers on the marketplace, for the most part, package the items better and more appropriate to the contents, though couriers or general mail do their utmost to make sure if it is labelled fragile, it arrives box bust or torn. Also, hate it when vinyl/cd arrives with shrink wrap too tight warping/cracking or tearing corners.
All the above additional points I agree with it. I hate getting 5 or 6 CD’s in a big envelope or box loosely packed and by the time they arrive each one has damaged the one it was next too so half the order has to be returned. It’s so frustrating.
Anytime I order from eBay, the individual sellers do such a good job and it’s minimal. 2 pieces of cardboard slightly bigger and wrapped around the CD in a bubble envelope. It wouldn’t take much for Amazon to add the step of cardboard around the CDs.
I'd say approx. 30-40% of the CDs that I receive have some kind of damage to the jewel case. But I've had ones with little protection arrive OK while others (that are packed well) are broken. One just came today in a bubble mailer between two pieces of cardboard, but the back of the jewel case was cracked almost in half. With how often it happens, I've wondered if my carrier has gotten sick of delivering all of these CDs and gives the envelopes an extra shot before tossing them into my mailbox. As for Amazon, I used to send back CDs that arrived with cracked cases. But it was such a pain, I just ended up buying a case of replacement jewel cases (from Amazon of course) and switch them out as needed. Ah...the joys of collecting physical media. Great topic, Brendon. I'm sure you'll get lots of feedback on it.
Yes the damage from shipping is also a product of how the mail system handles our goods. But Amazon should understand this and package better. I feel it’s on them, regardless if the mail carrier gets more aggressive with the delivery or not. I see mail guys tossing boxes off the back of trucks 8 ft high, slamming into the group with no concern for what’s inside. It’s a bigger problem at its core, but I wish Amazon would try and protect what they sell better.
@@BrendonSnyder I agree that Amazon should do more to try to protect the music they sell/ship. But I'm guessing the profit margin on most pre-recorded music (excluding expensive box sets) is relatively small for them. So, they don't really have a strong motivation to spend more on packing. Sure, they'd probably get back fewer damaged items, but I'm guessing a lot of folks just live with (or replace on their own) cracked jewel cases. It all comes down to the $. Do you know if Amazon packages vinyl differently from CDs? Maybe Chris Propfe can chime in on it...
You can replace the plastic parts of digipacs. There are spare parts available on online shops with vinyl/cd accessories. But you're absolutely right about the packaging.
Great topic! I am very passionate about this topic...I have returned tons of cd's this year alone because of either how they pack my orders or factory flaws from a certain record company....as far as their packing goes I have had a single cd in a box rolling around with a gallon of liquid I ordered and the cd was like in a rock tumbler...totally destroyed...or like you said the bubble wrap only routine...they are immediate returns....if I get the next one in and it sucks I send it back too...they usually just send me a refund on the 2nd one so I just order it again and try for one copy I can live with...I will not accept damaged items..one reason to collect cd's is the artwork and packaging..its alot of the fun besides the great music...they other thing I have enountered is factory flaws from Frontiers records..over and over and over.....they had a batch this last summer that was one release after another that the covers were creased in the factory..this was not damage in shipping..the box arrived fine..jewel cases were find...item still sealed but how the inserts were shoved in were horrible....I return them until I get one I am happy with...I even messaged Frontiers records and talked to one of the bosses about the factory issues...and after I sent pics they said there wasn't anything they could do...however every release after that was actually improved and better...bottom line is do not accept even minor damage...if Amazon or the factory causes issues send it back until you get one you like...,I will accept cracked jewel cases as I can return them if there is not hype stickers on it or it doesn't damage the artwork when being cracked....if enough cd's get returned things might change some day...
I knew this topic has affected us all in some way but I didn’t expect so many others to agree and feel exactly as I do. This post has been eye opening to see how many people are being affected. But it’s also saddening because here we all are music lovers and the things we love are being damaged. The whole thing is unfortunate and disheartening.
Totally with you on the cracked CD jewel cases and damaged Digipaks. Oddly, I recently bought a box of 25 replacement CD jewel cases from Amazon and they were shipped perfectly in a box and secured with bags of air. Of course a week later I bought 4 CD's and they came loose in a bubble mailer and all had case damage. Really can't stand it.
I've had pretty good luck with them, as far as most items, including CD's and DVD's. One time I ordered a spindle of 50 blank CDR's, and when they arrived, the packaging had split open and they weren't on a plastic spindle, it was just a shrink wrapping, so that had broken and they were all loose in the mailing envelope. I checked them out and they weren't damaged or scratched up or anything, and so I kept them. Another time I ordered an external DVD drive, but when it arrived the door would not open and close properly, and it would not play, so I had to send that back. I don't think it was anything that happened during shipping, it was a manufacturing problem, but I had no problem sending it back and getting another one. My son is like you with his book collection. He looks for certain covers, certain editions, etc., and he wants them all in pristine condition. I'm not quite as fussy, but if something is damaged, I will return it.
I don’t think it’s that you’re getting any better packaging though. It’s just your mail carrier handles things better so you get them less damaged. I’ve gotten CD’s in the bubble mailers that are totally fine. So in general they would be fine but the mail system is horrendous on packages and the can end up damaged and it seems like being in NYC it happens more often because of the volume of mail. IDK but Amazon could help us all and provide better packaging.
@@BrendonSnyder Yes, definitely fragile items should be packaged better. I've gotten CDs in the brown envelopes with the bubbles inside, and the white and blue ones also. The brown ones seem to work better, as they are snugger. I think sometimes it depends on whatever warehouse worker you get, who ships your order. Some are more careful than others. Getting an expensive boxed set all banged up is unacceptable.
Dude, you voiced my frustrations spot on! Thanks so much! In my case, the CDs are fine, but the cases are cracked (or have slight scratches on them), which sucks because I love taking pictures of my album covers when I do reviews. I always thought the reason why Amazon is so careless with music products is because the workers are overworked. As long as they're getting paid for what they do, they don't care whether or not the products/CDs we receive are cracked. It is very frustrating ordering from Amazon, but I still order from them because it's convenient for me since I don't drive and the record stores in my area are far away.
There could be some truth to that as well. I’ve seen how the mail carriers handle packaged and it’s not good. I’m sure overworked and underpaid employees from Amazon play into it. Because sometimes the packaging is better on one than another and I have to figure that’s the person working deciding how to do it.
@@BrendonSnyder This discussion is definitely more serious than just our CDs getting cracked. It's also about the poor conditions of the Amazon workers, which until something is done about that, the workers will continue to handle our products with poor care.
Amazon sent me a box set without any packaging. Just slapped a shipping label on the box set itself and off it goes. Amazing that they think that is acceptable.
You’re the second person to mention they here which blows my mind! I’ve never had that happen but if I did I’d be absolutely furious! Completely shocked anyone would think that is ok. Music be a young kid who doesn’t even know what a CD is and has no comprehension of the point to physical media.
I bought a CD from Amazon and I received, looking forward to hearing, open it up and NOTHING was in the package. They sent and empty envelope. But I still buy there. You figure.
I think in the UK, Amazon sends all our music in cardboard packaging, all in different sizes, but I did order a digipack CD from them along with two Vinyl once, and the back of the CD case wasn’t damaged, but had a bit of wear where some of the spine of the case is white when it’s meant to be black, but then again, that’s probably due to how I stacked it at home, because it was in a sealed plastic as we all get in the UK, but all our Amazon stuff arrives in Cardboard Boxes in the UK, so everything is safe with us.
That’s another thing I had with digipaks and after time the packaging can wear off leaving blank white paper and that’s bothersome too. I wish digipaks were never invented.
Amazon used to send everything in a box, shrink wrapped to a piece of cardboard larger than the item. It was MUCH harder for items to get damaged, especially corner dings, etc. Sometime in the past ten years they must have decided it was cheaper to just throw things in a box or bag and send it, because very few people will actually return it. If I get anything that is not perfect, I send it back and complain about the lack of care. I just ordered all the Cars expanded edition digipaks, and they shipped them loose in a bubble mailer. They arrived in great shape, but no thanks to Amazon. It's an hour to the closest record store or else I would be getting everything there.
It is a hassle. They don´t care. It is about shipping and selling things fast. Returns and refund is calculated, hence "keep it, it is cheaper for us, if you keep it".
Exactly! They have calculated the cause of damaged items and it’s cheaper to cut down on shipping because most won’t complain. This tactic unfortunately hurts the rest of us who are willing to stand up and say something. This week’s new purchased sent more damaged product and now I’ll have to deal with it taking out of my valuable time and I don’t get reimbursed for that.
Hi Neddy, yes there is plenty of blame to go around. The bands and labels for choosing to use digipaks, Amazon for not protecting the CDs in shipping, and the mail service for being too rough with everything in general. The whole thing needs to be rethought.
I agree with you on the shape in which some cd's arrive, but then again maybe if amazon workers were given more time (and reward), maybe (just maybe) that wouldn't happen that often. Amazon is a giant who doesn't care much about its workers, and as a costumer, if you don't like it, you can return it (their return policy is epically easy)...I'm just as guilty as you, I order a lot on Amazon-although for brand new releases I try to go as much as I can to my local music store, but if we were more aware of the work conditions, we'd maybe have more sympathy, or maybe we wouldn't be buying off of amazon that much...Cheers!
I agree with all of that regarding the worker, but just because their experience working for a company isn’t good (by the way they can quit and go somewhere else) it shouldn’t be acceptable for them to take their frustrations out on my order.
Amazon seem to be much the same over on this side of the pond. They offer unparalleled choice and by and large, really fast delivery. I am cutting down on my use of them though because of the horrendous way that they treat their employees. I'm at the point where I can't justify someone else having to work in crappy conditions just so that I can easily get a hold of a CD. I know that with our global economy this is an issue that effects almost everything we buy but hey, we do what we can.
Yeah I may be doing the same. The problem is it’s hit or miss. Today I got a digipak from Amazon and it was perfectly fine…go figure. The thing is, it’s not Amazon that’s damaging them. It’s the postal service. But Amazon could protect better to prevent it. That’s the reality of the situation. I hope they eventually see this video and read everyone’s comments! Wouldn’t that be a trip! Still I’m sure it won’t change a thing.
Amazon is a hate/love thing for me, Brendon. Try to avoid buying from them just from their shitty packaging; Import CDs is my go to secondary vendor as just go direct to their webstore. And avoid the ass rape of Amazon's $3.99 charge for ship of one disc. You're spot on with this. Thank you. 👍
$3.99 is cheap for shipping…they’re certainly not over charging for that. I just hate that for the $3.99 I don’t at least get the product arriving in tact.
it comes down the the people packing and shipping them at that A place. the workers most likely don't care and try to get their quota for the day by taking shortcuts. large companys don't care about little mistakes.
I agree with the damage comments. The only real problem I ever had was with a third party seller. You can get those clear cases from Bags Unlimited. They sent me the Yes 50th Anniversary collector's vinyl set In a cardboard box only the box had five sets. They didn't want it back and I ended up giving away three copies. They're sloppy about shipping DCD's too.
Yeah the whole thing is very sloppy. What it needs is some thought and consideration. It just shows they don’t actually care about their customers. Because if they loose one there is always another. Too big to care, to large to fail.
Hello Brendon!!! Thank you for doing the video on Amazon's poor packaging review. It happens to me all the time. Recently, I bought the new Kiss Destroyer box set. It arrived to me damaged and I refused to keep it. I sent it back expecting to receive a full refund. Amazon did not issue the full refund of $200 plus tax. As a matter of fact, I got charged a restocking fee of 20% ($40) because Amazon would not be able to resell due to the poor condition. I was penalized due to Amazon's lack of care or concern. BTW, the Kiss box set was NOT delivered in the usual Amazon box, but in a grey Amazon bag (NOT envelope) without any bubble wrap. I called several times to complain without any luck. I lost $40 down the drain and no Kiss box set to show for it. I'm not in a position to waste hard earned money. Hopefully, Amazon will make needed changes, but I've tried for several years and haven't seen any improvement except for vinyl packaging. Happy New Year 2022!!! Rick
I hope you fought that? Make sure to always select the return category that says “damaged”. I’ve never had any issue or been charged a restocking fee. It’s their mistake so they need to eat it. Not you.
I purchase a lot from Amazon and also eBay however, the thing I’m really tired of with Amazon is a lot of the stuff you can only get through their third-party sellers and they jack up the price so much that it’s not even worth purchasing. As much as I love buying music I do have my limits.
Amazon thinks they are saving the environment with bad packaging but ironically short sighted in how wasteful it is to damage so much merchandise. My most frustrating experience is the blue and white mailers are arriving heavily scented with a fabric softener scent but 1000 times stronger and it’s permanently scenting media. DVR is a burned disc and is a garbage format with a short shelf life, completely different from stamped CDs
And then think of the added gas/oil from vehicles to ship back and ship new. So they are spending 3 times as much on shipping costs and fossil fuels to save money on cheap packaging.
Love a good deal possible cheaper than my record store? But not always best to wait and see and way prices up ? Only had one bad experience with Amazon it was Sg peppers box set 150€ badly damaged I was furious ! Very bad packaging set but I got my money back in the end ! Paul in Ireland 🇮🇪
Hi Brendon: True all. Thanks. BTW, I return EVERYTHING that does not meet my condition requirements. Kohl's is free for returns. You get a $5.00 coupon from Kohl's. My returns get refunded practically before I get home from dropping off the item. I continue to order on amazon since I have virtually nothing local for finding CDs other than my local flea market. Local record stores are vinyl oriented which I do love. Bomp Records online and the Oldies website have stellar packing. I purchase from them often. They care! Amazon could take that care. CD sales (less than 4% of music industry revenues in 2020) are not a priority for amazon and it shows in how amazon treats the merchandise shipped. It is not respectful of the consumer who pays her hard earned money. My next amazon order (3 CDs and 4 Blu-Rays) is due today at 3-5 pm. Ugh. - Heather
Yeah that’s the issue I use Amazon because I don’t have many other options and those options don’t always provide me with what I’m looking for. In the end of the day I’m grateful we have an online retailer like Amazon that provides such a big catalogue of music. I just wish the shipping was better.
I just very recently have started purchasing vinyl through Amazon. In the past year I've ordered 5 albums and all of them have come in a very sturdy cardboard Box. After Watching this video and reading the comments I'm starting to think maybe I've just been lucky so far.
Generally speaking they are currently protecting their vinyl far better than their CDs. But some people have mentioned a few horror stores so it might not be long before they reduce the packaging on vinyl too.
Many years ago, Amazon will ship CDs (maybe if it isn't a bulk purchase comprising many CDs) in a cardboard type box that hugs the CD tightly. Although still subject to damage, at least the box is the right size and the CDs are not floating around inside an oversized envelope.
Prime in UK is supposed 24 hrs but not always and get a lot of mp3 downloads which fills up my mp3 player.The vinyl i have ordered have been well packed.Cracked cases and cd clips broken are a bugbear though.
I’ve noticed that too. That they are protecting vinyl really well. How long until vinyl is old hat again and they ditch the packaging there too?! They need to bring that level of protection back to the CD. The issue is even when the CD is limited edition or deluxe costing more than a vinyl they still don’t protect it any better.
Hi Brandon. Like you I have a love/hate relationship with Amazon although my hate for them isn't quite as bad as yours. First off. Up here in Canada Sunrise Records is about the only chain were you can buy new cds. HMV Tower Records Music World and Sam the Record Man are long gone. I have occasionally used CD Universe in Connecticut. They're selection isn't as good as it used to be. If you don't use FedEx or UPS it takes a month to get here by USPS. Then there's the exchange on the dollar. As far as Amazon goes.there selection and prices are good and delivery is excellent. The bad. Their packaging. I've been lucky in that there has only been minor damage to my cds due to those padded bags. I agree that Amazon needs to change the way they ship product.
3 good and bad things about Amazon The good 1. Selection 2. Prime ( although I've ordered new releases lately a lot come as late as Tuesday or even Wednesday in some cases) 3. They deliver on Sunday's don't like a day off from my music orders. The bad 1. As I said before the fact and some new releases a lot during Covid more even since Covid so down some that come as late as Tuesday or Wednesday even with time. 2. I can't trust The condition of the secondhand vinyls the used ones. 3. I also agree with you on the cd's that are made to order dvd and blu ray the CD R's. I'd really prefer not to get those pesky CD R's.
Yeah that’s true, the Sunday deliveries and holidays too, is great. A big bonus. But dang man the amount of damage is getting to be too much too often.
It does sound good and I’m happy with it as a whole. Just wish I could get the one they said they were selling and have the packaging match the other Sony albums I have by the band.
The last few times I had Amazon ship me CDs in 2020 (I don't have prime) they didn't use the same courier service. One was their own courier service and one was UPS.... There were no issues. Lately I've been ordering my music digital download...
I recently bought Shout at the Devil by Motley Crue, it was supposed to be the original release on Electra but I was sent the remaster that the the put out on their own label. I wanted the original.
Boycott Amazon. Better to wait a couple of days more and support independent music sellers. The reason independent dealers are closing is because of Amazon. They don’t pay their employees properly and treat them poorly. Buy directly from the bands website or find another dealer.
I agree and in the past bought from a number of independent music places but they have closed. But here is the catch-22, Amazon has an enormous catalogue that these smaller retailers don’t. So there are items I can only buy from Amazon. So boycotting is not an option and would make any difference to the billion dollar corporation even if I did.
I have the EXACT same issues. I have complained about how they ship media for years. They are not going to change it and it stinks!!! It just blows my mind. I have many things in my collection where a paid for brand new, but its because of the poor packaging. I for one am tired of settling.. I have the same thing shipped to my 5 times, and they were all worst than the first time... Very sad!!
Yeah this has been going on for probably 10 years now. The first few years they swore up and down things would be fixed and change. But it never has and I can’t image ever will. I miss the days of going to a record store and picking which copy of a new album was in the best condition so I could get a pristine new release every time.
The only thing I don't like about Amazon is the packaging. Received items that have cracks in CD cases. Bends and dings in the corners of the vinyl. Yea I rather go to a record store and pick my own mint copy.
If I know it’s something that may be damaged easily I’ll wait to do a bigger order and have it shipped in fewer boxes or all at one time. I’ve had much better luck with that.
I have issue that way as well because they still don’t add protection between items and then each one damages the other. In general I find single item shipping is the best for me.
When I ordered the donnas spend the night reissue yellow vinyl in advance. Got my record three day early before the released date. So that’s plus on Amazon
Correct when I got my the donnas double vinyl almost 2 years ago the box was half open it’s like ok why did I receive box half open they send me two copies of spend the night the donnas vinyl. Just ordered one. It’s like they don’t care
Last month ordered electric guitar in the mail it came by fedx next day the box was damaged. Drivers don’t care says on the box fragile. Lucky the guitar work great
Oh yeah in October I ordered Chris Cornell super deluxe box set. Guess what happened. The shrink wrap was half off the box set. Missing a lithograph picture. Scratch dvd I called them up told them send me a new one. The second box set works perfectly. My friend said you make a big deal about it I said yes
Well, I thought packaging for the domestic order in US is different one from international order. As a non-US buyer, I have had so many experiences of frustration and irritation for more than 10 years cause by such a terrible packaging. I suggested and complain about this issue many times, but they never gave me a feedback nor improve the packaging. I assume there are several reasons, but the problem is there's not many choices any more.
For Amazon it’s a numbers game. Save on the packaging and the number of returns from damaged items is less than how much they save. If they were losing money you can bet they would fix the problem.
I’ve been lucky so far with Amazon but it may vary from country to country. I’m also lucky that I’ve got a decent local record store which I prefer to purchase from.
Well a lot of it has to do with how good your local mail service is. Amazon doesn’t provide any more packaging when shipping in one country over the next. But if the mail handles it better then it doesn’t matter how little the package is.
our amazon packages come in cardboard envelopes not in the ones you have shown and not had any problems. i would be mad if i had issues like you had especially if you get returned worse like you said
That would be a great start too! I hate digipaks because if they get damaged I can’t replace it like a jewel case. While I hate getting a cracked case, I’d rather that than a bent cover.
My biggest problem with Amazon is the delivery. 1 package on 3 get stolen cause the delivery man left the package in the entrance of my building where everyone pass.
Amazon isn’t always the cheapest. eBay is cheaper on many CDs, Blu-rays & DVDs. What I do, is I check both websites for the item I want and buy the cheapest.
When it comes to brand new releases bought at the time they come out and you factor in free shipping, it’s always the cheapest that I’ve found. And we’re not comparing someone selling a used copy vs. a brand new sealed copy. Just my experience.
whenever i order a guitar pedal it comes in 2 boxes - and sometimes foam and a bag - these are 100% metal and you could run a car over one and not break it - yet yeah amazon ships cds in paper lol
From what I hear they are sold from all kinds of places. My issue is that they are flimsy and don’t feel as sturdy as the original jewel cases from the 80’s and 90’s that are much more robust.
You are preaching to the choir. Imagine this, you order an LP and it arrives in a padded mailer, damaged of course. Return it and the replacement is not in any type of mailer, just a label on the shrink wrap!!! Return that too. 3rd one comes in just a plain plastic envelope. 4th copy they finally figured out to send it in a box.
I’ve even gone online to chat with a representative to explain the damage and why it’s being returned asking them to make sure it’s package better so the same damage doesn’t happen. They assure me it will but when it arrives it’s either the same or less protected. So annoying! Ugh!
Unfortunately the plastic jewel cases sold today are weak by comparison to the original tough more durable ones of the 80’s and 90’s. I won’t buy those because they just feel flimsy in my hand and I don’t like it. This is where used CD’s come into play for me. I will swap the flimsy ones to a used album and put the more durable ridged case on the newer items one that had a broken case.
I stopped buying on amazon. Damage , orders do not arrive ... The shipping + the import taxes have become too expensive (I live in Belgium) to order on the American amazon ... The German and Dutch Amazon's offer is much smaller...
Iw worked with Amazon thirteen years ago and I packaged alot of cds it was my second job I worked five am to three thirty pm at a machine shop and worked five pm to one thirty am at Amazon my first job was forty miles away it was another sixty one miles farther to Amazon and then I had to drive back home told you I didn't need much sleep it shows what package to use ona computer after you scan the tote it was in
Totally agree Brendon! It is so obvious that they have no set standards for the packaging they use to mail cds. Sometimes I get them in an oversized white and blue amazon bubble mailer and sometimes they come in a smaller brown mailer. Everytime one arrives I need to hold my breath as I am opening it until I see the condition. The return policy is great though. For me, I take the return to my local Kohls and they mail it back for me without me having to package it. Just curious, do you have a store like that in the city you can drop it or do you need to actually package it back up and take it to UPS or the post office?
Yeah I hate the part about holding my breath praying the CD won’t be damaged and I won’t have to go through a big hassle getting it replaced. That’s why for a long time I didn’t do live unboxings because of what I go through opening it. Now I will just share my misters with all of you live as it happens haha!
I’ve solved that problem by joining Amazon Prime so my packages for the most part and pre-pandemic never take more than 2 days. Lots of things are one day and some are same day. But also I live in NYC with a distribution center that makes it easier to get things.
you can get a refund too on the ones that are broken i dont like amazon for there movies the region is all wrong on where it will play in north America or another continent
For me a broken case isn’t worth sending back. I have more of an issue with things that are damaged that can’t be replaced like when it comes to digipaks.
I only review things I own. While I do have some Melvins in my collection, I don’t simply buy anything just to review it. I have to first feel very passionate about the album and then it gets reviewed. Keep any eye out perhaps there will be other videos I do that you’ll be interested in.
@@BrendonSnyder I shouldn't be worrying, but I do, and it's often. When companies get political, it just rubs me the wrong way. That's just me. I did like the TWO Rush tees I got from Amazon, though the All The Logos tee was only printed on one side and NOT on BOTH sides like the one I saw at Hot Topic which was WAY too small for me.
What I don't like about Amazon is Jeff Bezos. He's a clown. In fact, he's a Clown In Action, meaning C.I.A. I told that to my mom. She laughed, only I wasn't joking.
@@BrendonSnyder I only use Amazon as a last possible resort. Bezos (Bozos?) is the richest guy in the world, yet he pays his workers peanuts. They ought to be driving to work in Rolls Royce's and dining on steak and caviar at break time.
This is 100% correct with Amazon!! I love them I hate them! I have calls them I have even receive some of my items for free but I just want better packing. You need to share this video with them, then again they won’t watch or listen. Great Job!
I’m the same way. They have always taken care of me including giving me the item for free, reducing the cost, or even crediting my account. While all of that is nice, all I really want is my stuff to arrive undamaged.
The question is, why do you continue to order from Amazon? I completely agree with you, they take zero effort in packaging. I received an LP a few weeks ago they literally just put into a plastic bag, and not even a bubble bag. The thing was bent all over so I sent it back for a refund, no point in asking for another because they will do the same thing.
But what's worse about the scum that is Amazon, I am a record label and last year Amazon required a further 10% off the wholesale price to sell my releases. Selling products through distribution, you're already lucky to get maybe $1 or $2 profit before that 10%. Now, Amazon changed their 10% to 13%, and I found I was literally losing money to have my items sold on Amazon. I have since asked my distributor to block Amazon from stocking my items. And once their current stock is out, they will not get anything further. The fact that they were making approximately $7 on the sale of one of my items when I was actually losing money is criminal. Amazon should be boycotted from every angle.
I explained in the video. There are lots of items that you can’t get from small retail places.
I avoid buying from Amazon at all costs. The problem is tracking down other sources for cd's. Some titles are not for sale anywhere else, or problematic to purchase in physical form.
That’s my problem too. So many albums I’ve only found on Amazon and so I’m forced to use them. Yes I do try to buy from other sources as well but it’s not always an option.
Oh yes, those cracked cd cases delivered by Amazon are very frustrating!
I’m always so anxious when opening and then inspecting to make sure it isn’t damaged. That should not be your first thought when opening a deliver….seeing if it’s damaged or not.
Interesting topic Brendon. It obviously behooves all of us to send the unacceptably damaged product right back to them. I've done that and generally it has all been good when the replacement arrives. However that's never because the packaging is actually better, it's just luck and, for want of a better term, the numbers game that dictates you'll be OK if they send you another. Frankly I think they have no interest in improving. Their business is all about vast product turnover and they just don't care if you request a replacement. Another frequent observation is how often a single CD will arrive in a huge box. Not exactly environment-friendly. Correct packaging would indeed solve 90% of the issues.
Chris you’re a 100% right! It is just a numbers game. Often times they don’t even want the CD back because the cost of it doesn’t do anything for them. And it is completely random when my times are damaged. It’s the mail system that is hard on the shipping. But Amazon should provide better packaging so it always arrives in good condition. If they didn’t have the enormous selection and fast delivery I’d stop buying from them. Other smaller music companies that have sent me things that arrived damaged. That’s it I move on. But there are albums on Amazon that no one has and it’s my only option.
i agree %100...from my experience...the majority of cds ordered through amazon have damaged cases...whilst the majority of cds ordered through smaller record companies are in perfect shape, usually in a tight fitting cardboard sleeve...i am also finding the same with books...rarely does amazon deliver a book to me that doesn't have a corner crunched...
Amazon used to shipping in the right cardboard mailer too. That’s what annoys me is that they used to be great at protecting CD’s and then they stopped. In their minds CD’s are worth anything and are no longer valuable because pop culture moved on to vinyl. But they’re forgetting the people who still buy it are the collectors and it means even more to use than the random person buying vinyl because it’s cool again.
@@BrendonSnyder well said...
Totally agree on the damage factor.
Every cd I get from them in a jewel case, is cracked. Spindles that hold the disc in place are often broken and fall out upon opening them. If I were to send them back I would have a constant stream of stuff going back and forth.
It’s not worth it.
Good video👍
I’m sending things back nearly every week and sometimes 5-6 or more a month. Of course I buy a lot too but still that amount of damage and that often doesn’t have to happen. They just need to be more inventive in their packaging. If you sell something have the right method for shipping it.
Brendon, timely video. I just picked up from Amazon the picture disc LP of the Police’s Ghost In The Machine. They had it in a proper LP mailer flat, but the mailer was packed in a box one size too small, so it was poking out of the side of that box! Ironically, it would have been better if they just left it in the mailer(!) Idiots!
Yeah the people packing really don’t have a clue sometimes. It’s crazy how bad it can get. I’ve heard stories where they just put a shipping label on the record and it’s not in a box even. Crazy.
Yeah we can probably write a whole book about Amazon. 😂 They are indeed the cheapest (at some point, mostly on offer), but if they are saving on packaging material at the same time: what's the point for us then, right?😉 Yesterday I received three CD's from Amazon Germany. Two of the three are cracked. I have new jewelcases to replace those, but still. One of them is a "brilliant 2cd jewelcase", and I have a few new ones as a replacement, but they are more expensive than the standard ones. So I'm asking myself: should I return or should I keep and replace the cases. Both solutions will cost me energy (again 😠) and that's what I don't like about Amazon/online shopping. Getting tired of sending all the stuff back. 😅
You and me both! I’m so tired of the whole thing. The disappointment from damage, the aggravation from having to ship back, the waiting to get the replacement that should have been in your hands already. I wish Amazon would see this video and the feedback on it and really take note. But for them it’s a numbers game and it’s not worth it.
@@BrendonSnyder Haha, that's so true indeed. 👍🏻 I think Jeff Bezos is still investing in quantity instead of quality. And that's a shame. And we can't blame the warehouse workers either, because they have to work hard for low salaries.
Their packaging is probably my number one issue with them. A year ago I had ordered Scream Factory's Friday The 13th blu-ray box set. Amazon placed it in a box too large with zero packing material. I'm still impressed there wasn't any damage considering the way the outer box looked when I got it.
My other favorite is when they pack a cd or 2 in an brown envelope not much better than brown paper lunchsack. If nothing else, my collection of cracked cases is growing... lol.
It’s crazy how they think customers receiving damaged product is acceptable. A class action lawsuit should happen. I’m sure some rights in some way are being violated…haha! 😂
Amazingly, I have never 🤞🤞🤞had a problem with Amazon in the sense that I have always received what I have ordered and in a timely fashion. My biggest complaint is, like you mentioned, the packaging of the merchandise. The last item I received from them was a box set which was placed in an oversized box without any padding so the box set was sliding around in the package box. Thank God the Wall Immersion box wasn’t damaged at all. I think that Amazon doesn’t care about mailing damaged products because they make so much money that if they screw up now and then they don’t take it seriously. They still make enough money from so many customers, who cares if they lose one here and there. If we ALL boycotted Amazon, I’m sure their ears would perk up and they would try to provide better customer service. Bunch of well-heeled, big wheel, filthy rich, fat cats.
I’m glad to hear your Wall box arrived in damaged. That would have been heartbreaking if it had. Says the huge Pink Floyd fan who spent $350 buying The Later Years boxset and the first one arrived with a spilt corner and I had to return it. It killed me. Here I was a big Floyd fan getting something new and the moment was ruined by it arriving damaged.
If there is one thing that Amazon packages worst than CDs, are books. They put them in an oversize box with no protection and you're lucky if you receive them with no dents.
You’re absolutely right. And since I can still get new books easier than CD’s, for the most part I won’t order from Amazon because books always come damaged. What’s insane is that books is the original bread and butter for Amazon. You’d think they get it but they don’t. I guess there are lots of people who don’t care about the condition of the new products they order and don’t complain. Because otherwise this would be a real issue for Amazon.
@@BrendonSnyder In my experience they tend to handle vinyl better than cds. They usually put the vinyl in vinyl mailers and then they put them inside a box.
Great topic ! I get shampoo bottle delivered in thick card bubble wrap etc and like you get CD s in flimsy wrapping , go figure !
Right?! That’s crazy! Who is in charge at Amazon making these kind of determinations? It’s very frustrating.
I'm actually surprised when my Amazon CDs arrive WITHOUT a damaged case or packaging.
I know it’s more the norm that they’re damaged in some way. It’s cause for a celebration of they’re not damaged! Haha
I often pay a little extra on eBay for CDs because of Amazon's lack of quality shipping.
A trick I learned from ordering CDs from Amazon is to order other items and choose a specific day for them to deliver. They often package the CDs with the other items with premium boxes
That CD-R shit they pull pisses me off. I bought a Leslie West CD from them was on a CD-R because I didn’t see the fine print. I ended up keeping it, but I pay more attention now.
But it’s also not just the CD-R discs there are other regular albums that labels have removed the inner books and limited what used to be contained inside the CD. That drives me nuts too.
Amen Brendon! One time I received a package that had Gallon size carpet cleaner solution and 5 CD mix of digipaks and hard cases. Had to replace them all.
Yeah it’s nuts what they do. I also hate that they will throw multiple items in the same shipping envelope or box with no protection between them. By the time they arrive they have been jostled together and pressed against each other that they cases are cracked or the digipaks are all dented on their faces and corners because of the other items. It’s very frustrating.
I am 100% with you I hate those bubble mailers I get so many damaged Jewel cases I got to by Jewel cases just to have replacement on hand and I tell Amazon over and over it doesn't do any good
I’ve logged so many complaints. Even suggesting they should add an option to pay for extra protection when mailing. I’d honestly pay more if I knew my stuff was going to arrive undamaged. Plus they would not only make more money but save too because we wouldn’t all be shipping back damaged items. Seems like a no brainer.
amazon completely ruined the magic you felt when you went to the shops or to the record fairs
Yes I agree completely. And I miss that feeling and experience so much.
Hey Brendon, well put. I totally agree about better packaging, I think for the most part, they just don't understand the collector mentality, and are used to shipping too many varied products, and cheap goods like you mentioned, but no logic behind what they package well and what they don't. 2 times I had ordered very limited box sets, only to have it arrive damaged, and when I try and get a replacement, they've sold out or it's no longer in print. That is hugely frustrating.
I had that happen with my Thin Lizzy boxset as the first run was very limited. Mine arrived damaged but they said it was currently unavailable and they could only refund the order not replace it. I was pretty upset about that one too.
@@BrendonSnyder that has happened to me many times and its so frustrating!!
Well put indeed. This neverending problem with Amazon packaging. Imagine how bad it is in my case since returning is not really an option (it would be more expensive and difficult than just accepting the product with damages). So for my CDs I had to find sources of jewel cases and even digipag trays (I have a pile of them) and I found a technique to replace even these ones (very carefully removing the damaged tray from the cardboard and then gluing a new one in its place). So at least I got new skills. 😆
I totally agree I bought a pack of Jewel cases just to replace the broken ones when this s*** happens and it happens often
That’s the thing, we should have to buy jewel cases as replacements to fix their problems.
@@BrendonSnyder so far I've been fortunate none of the digi packs have been damaged it's all the jewel cases that get cracked
@@BrendonSnyder I had another CD arrive today I ordered, and this one had a little hole drilled through the case and artwork, I don't know what that was about....
I concur on all your points made. I also wish they would stop sending small items in packages much larger than the item, which in turn leads them to get thrown around inside and damaged. Sellers on the marketplace, for the most part, package the items better and more appropriate to the contents, though couriers or general mail do their utmost to make sure if it is labelled fragile, it arrives box bust or torn. Also, hate it when vinyl/cd arrives with shrink wrap too tight warping/cracking or tearing corners.
All the above additional points I agree with it. I hate getting 5 or 6 CD’s in a big envelope or box loosely packed and by the time they arrive each one has damaged the one it was next too so half the order has to be returned. It’s so frustrating.
Couldn’t agree more. Had the same problems so annoying!! Put it in a box with bubble protection at least
Anytime I order from eBay, the individual sellers do such a good job and it’s minimal. 2 pieces of cardboard slightly bigger and wrapped around the CD in a bubble envelope. It wouldn’t take much for Amazon to add the step of cardboard around the CDs.
I'd say approx. 30-40% of the CDs that I receive have some kind of damage to the jewel case. But I've had ones with little protection arrive OK while others (that are packed well) are broken. One just came today in a bubble mailer between two pieces of cardboard, but the back of the jewel case was cracked almost in half. With how often it happens, I've wondered if my carrier has gotten sick of delivering all of these CDs and gives the envelopes an extra shot before tossing them into my mailbox. As for Amazon, I used to send back CDs that arrived with cracked cases. But it was such a pain, I just ended up buying a case of replacement jewel cases (from Amazon of course) and switch them out as needed. Ah...the joys of collecting physical media. Great topic, Brendon. I'm sure you'll get lots of feedback on it.
Yes the damage from shipping is also a product of how the mail system handles our goods. But Amazon should understand this and package better. I feel it’s on them, regardless if the mail carrier gets more aggressive with the delivery or not. I see mail guys tossing boxes off the back of trucks 8 ft high, slamming into the group with no concern for what’s inside. It’s a bigger problem at its core, but I wish Amazon would try and protect what they sell better.
@@BrendonSnyder I agree that Amazon should do more to try to protect the music they sell/ship. But I'm guessing the profit margin on most pre-recorded music (excluding expensive box sets) is relatively small for them. So, they don't really have a strong motivation to spend more on packing. Sure, they'd probably get back fewer damaged items, but I'm guessing a lot of folks just live with (or replace on their own) cracked jewel cases. It all comes down to the $. Do you know if Amazon packages vinyl differently from CDs? Maybe Chris Propfe can chime in on it...
You can replace the plastic parts of digipacs. There are spare parts available on online shops with vinyl/cd accessories. But you're absolutely right about the packaging.
Not without some series work and possibly damaging the digipak. The plastic trays are glued in.
Great topic! I am very passionate about this topic...I have returned tons of cd's this year alone because of either how they pack my orders or factory flaws from a certain record company....as far as their packing goes I have had a single cd in a box rolling around with a gallon of liquid I ordered and the cd was like in a rock tumbler...totally destroyed...or like you said the bubble wrap only routine...they are immediate returns....if I get the next one in and it sucks I send it back too...they usually just send me a refund on the 2nd one so I just order it again and try for one copy I can live with...I will not accept damaged items..one reason to collect cd's is the artwork and packaging..its alot of the fun besides the great music...they other thing I have enountered is factory flaws from Frontiers records..over and over and over.....they had a batch this last summer that was one release after another that the covers were creased in the factory..this was not damage in shipping..the box arrived fine..jewel cases were find...item still sealed but how the inserts were shoved in were horrible....I return them until I get one I am happy with...I even messaged Frontiers records and talked to one of the bosses about the factory issues...and after I sent pics they said there wasn't anything they could do...however every release after that was actually improved and better...bottom line is do not accept even minor damage...if Amazon or the factory causes issues send it back until you get one you like...,I will accept cracked jewel cases as I can return them if there is not hype stickers on it or it doesn't damage the artwork when being cracked....if enough cd's get returned things might change some day...
I knew this topic has affected us all in some way but I didn’t expect so many others to agree and feel exactly as I do. This post has been eye opening to see how many people are being affected. But it’s also saddening because here we all are music lovers and the things we love are being damaged. The whole thing is unfortunate and disheartening.
Totally with you on the cracked CD jewel cases and damaged Digipaks. Oddly, I recently bought a box of 25 replacement CD jewel cases from Amazon and they were shipped perfectly in a box and secured with bags of air. Of course a week later I bought 4 CD's and they came loose in a bubble mailer and all had case damage. Really can't stand it.
Hey well at least they didn’t break the cases that are there to replace other things they break! Haha 😂
@@BrendonSnyder LOL, exactly!.
I've had pretty good luck with them, as far as most items, including CD's and DVD's. One time I ordered a spindle of 50 blank CDR's, and when they arrived, the packaging had split open and they weren't on a plastic spindle, it was just a shrink wrapping, so that had broken and they were all loose in the mailing envelope. I checked them out and they weren't damaged or scratched up or anything, and so I kept them. Another time I ordered an external DVD drive, but when it arrived the door would not open and close properly, and it would not play, so I had to send that back. I don't think it was anything that happened during shipping, it was a manufacturing problem, but I had no problem sending it back and getting another one. My son is like you with his book collection. He looks for certain covers, certain editions, etc., and he wants them all in pristine condition. I'm not quite as fussy, but if something is damaged, I will return it.
I don’t think it’s that you’re getting any better packaging though. It’s just your mail carrier handles things better so you get them less damaged. I’ve gotten CD’s in the bubble mailers that are totally fine. So in general they would be fine but the mail system is horrendous on packages and the can end up damaged and it seems like being in NYC it happens more often because of the volume of mail. IDK but Amazon could help us all and provide better packaging.
@@BrendonSnyder Yes, definitely fragile items should be packaged better. I've gotten CDs in the brown envelopes with the bubbles inside, and the white and blue ones also. The brown ones seem to work better, as they are snugger. I think sometimes it depends on whatever warehouse worker you get, who ships your order. Some are more careful than others. Getting an expensive boxed set all banged up is unacceptable.
Dude, you voiced my frustrations spot on! Thanks so much! In my case, the CDs are fine, but the cases are cracked (or have slight scratches on them), which sucks because I love taking pictures of my album covers when I do reviews. I always thought the reason why Amazon is so careless with music products is because the workers are overworked. As long as they're getting paid for what they do, they don't care whether or not the products/CDs we receive are cracked. It is very frustrating ordering from Amazon, but I still order from them because it's convenient for me since I don't drive and the record stores in my area are far away.
There could be some truth to that as well. I’ve seen how the mail carriers handle packaged and it’s not good. I’m sure overworked and underpaid employees from Amazon play into it. Because sometimes the packaging is better on one than another and I have to figure that’s the person working deciding how to do it.
@@BrendonSnyder This discussion is definitely more serious than just our CDs getting cracked. It's also about the poor conditions of the Amazon workers, which until something is done about that, the workers will continue to handle our products with poor care.
Amazon sent me a box set without any packaging. Just slapped a shipping label on the box set itself and off it goes. Amazing that they think that is acceptable.
It happened to me once too
You’re the second person to mention they here which blows my mind! I’ve never had that happen but if I did I’d be absolutely furious! Completely shocked anyone would think that is ok. Music be a young kid who doesn’t even know what a CD is and has no comprehension of the point to physical media.
happened to me as well!
I bought a CD from Amazon and I received, looking forward to hearing, open it up and NOTHING was in the package. They sent and empty envelope. But I still buy there. You figure.
I had the exact thing happen to me too. So frustrating having to them wait another few days to get it when you should have already had it.
I think in the UK, Amazon sends all our music in cardboard packaging, all in different sizes, but I did order a digipack CD from them along with two Vinyl once, and the back of the CD case wasn’t damaged, but had a bit of wear where some of the spine of the case is white when it’s meant to be black, but then again, that’s probably due to how I stacked it at home, because it was in a sealed plastic as we all get in the UK, but all our Amazon stuff arrives in Cardboard Boxes in the UK, so everything is safe with us.
That’s another thing I had with digipaks and after time the packaging can wear off leaving blank white paper and that’s bothersome too. I wish digipaks were never invented.
Amazon used to send everything in a box, shrink wrapped to a piece of cardboard larger than the item. It was MUCH harder for items to get damaged, especially corner dings, etc. Sometime in the past ten years they must have decided it was cheaper to just throw things in a box or bag and send it, because very few people will actually return it. If I get anything that is not perfect, I send it back and complain about the lack of care. I just ordered all the Cars expanded edition digipaks, and they shipped them loose in a bubble mailer. They arrived in great shape, but no thanks to Amazon. It's an hour to the closest record store or else I would be getting everything there.
Yeah it’s just a numbers game now. It’s cheaper to replace damaged items then spend extra money on packaging.
It is a hassle. They don´t care. It is about shipping and selling things fast. Returns and refund is calculated, hence "keep it, it is cheaper for us, if you keep it".
Exactly! They have calculated the cause of damaged items and it’s cheaper to cut down on shipping because most won’t complain. This tactic unfortunately hurts the rest of us who are willing to stand up and say something. This week’s new purchased sent more damaged product and now I’ll have to deal with it taking out of my valuable time and I don’t get reimbursed for that.
Agreed Amazon are terrible but some of the blame has to go the manufacturer's paper packaging too, absolutely useless. I want Jewel cases back.
Hi Neddy, yes there is plenty of blame to go around. The bands and labels for choosing to use digipaks, Amazon for not protecting the CDs in shipping, and the mail service for being too rough with everything in general. The whole thing needs to be rethought.
I agree with you on the shape in which some cd's arrive, but then again maybe if amazon workers were given more time (and reward), maybe (just maybe) that wouldn't happen that often. Amazon is a giant who doesn't care much about its workers, and as a costumer, if you don't like it, you can return it (their return policy is epically easy)...I'm just as guilty as you, I order a lot on Amazon-although for brand new releases I try to go as much as I can to my local music store, but if we were more aware of the work conditions, we'd maybe have more sympathy, or maybe we wouldn't be buying off of amazon that much...Cheers!
I agree with all of that regarding the worker, but just because their experience working for a company isn’t good (by the way they can quit and go somewhere else) it shouldn’t be acceptable for them to take their frustrations out on my order.
Amazon seem to be much the same over on this side of the pond. They offer unparalleled choice and by and large, really fast delivery.
I am cutting down on my use of them though because of the horrendous way that they treat their employees. I'm at the point where I can't justify someone else having to work in crappy conditions just so that I can easily get a hold of a CD.
I know that with our global economy this is an issue that effects almost everything we buy but hey, we do what we can.
Yeah I may be doing the same. The problem is it’s hit or miss. Today I got a digipak from Amazon and it was perfectly fine…go figure. The thing is, it’s not Amazon that’s damaging them. It’s the postal service. But Amazon could protect better to prevent it. That’s the reality of the situation. I hope they eventually see this video and read everyone’s comments! Wouldn’t that be a trip! Still I’m sure it won’t change a thing.
Amazon is a hate/love thing for me, Brendon.
Try to avoid buying from them just from their shitty packaging; Import CDs is my go to secondary vendor as just go direct to their webstore. And avoid the ass rape of Amazon's $3.99 charge for ship of one disc. You're spot on with this. Thank you. 👍
$3.99 is cheap for shipping…they’re certainly not over charging for that. I just hate that for the $3.99 I don’t at least get the product arriving in tact.
it comes down the the people packing and shipping them at that A place. the workers most likely don't care and try to get their quota for the day by taking shortcuts. large companys don't care about little mistakes.
I’m sure that plays into it as well.
I agree with the damage comments. The only real problem I ever had was with a third party seller. You can get those clear cases from Bags Unlimited. They sent me the Yes 50th Anniversary collector's vinyl set
In a cardboard box only the box had five sets. They didn't want it back and I ended up giving away three copies. They're sloppy about shipping DCD's too.
Yeah the whole thing is very sloppy. What it needs is some thought and consideration. It just shows they don’t actually care about their customers. Because if they loose one there is always another. Too big to care, to large to fail.
Great topic 🎉
👍
Hello Brendon!!! Thank you for doing the video on Amazon's poor packaging review. It happens to me all the time. Recently, I bought the new Kiss Destroyer box set. It arrived to me damaged and I refused to keep it. I sent it back expecting to receive a full refund. Amazon did not issue the full refund of $200 plus tax. As a matter of fact, I got charged a restocking fee of 20% ($40) because Amazon would not be able to resell due to the poor condition. I was penalized due to Amazon's lack of care or concern. BTW, the Kiss box set was NOT delivered in the usual Amazon box, but in a grey Amazon bag (NOT envelope) without any bubble wrap. I called several times to complain without any luck. I lost $40 down the drain and no Kiss box set to show for it. I'm not in a position to waste hard earned money. Hopefully, Amazon will make needed changes, but I've tried for several years and haven't seen any improvement except for vinyl packaging. Happy New Year 2022!!! Rick
I hope you fought that? Make sure to always select the return category that says “damaged”. I’ve never had any issue or been charged a restocking fee. It’s their mistake so they need to eat it. Not you.
I purchase a lot from Amazon and also eBay however, the thing I’m really tired of with Amazon is a lot of the stuff you can only get through their third-party sellers and they jack up the price so much that it’s not even worth purchasing. As much as I love buying music I do have my limits.
Amazon thinks they are saving the environment with bad packaging but ironically short sighted in how wasteful it is to damage so much merchandise.
My most frustrating experience is the blue and white mailers are arriving heavily scented with a fabric softener scent but 1000 times stronger and it’s permanently scenting media.
DVR is a burned disc and is a garbage format with a short shelf life, completely different from stamped CDs
And then think of the added gas/oil from vehicles to ship back and ship new. So they are spending 3 times as much on shipping costs and fossil fuels to save money on cheap packaging.
Exactly!
Love a good deal possible cheaper than my record store? But not always best to wait and see and way prices up ? Only had one bad experience with Amazon it was Sg peppers box set 150€ badly damaged I was furious ! Very bad packaging set but I got my money back in the end ! Paul in Ireland 🇮🇪
In all Amazon always takes care of me and fixes the problem. But I hate the unnecessary hassle of it all when proper protection would prevent it all.
Hi Brendon: True all. Thanks. BTW, I return EVERYTHING that does not meet my condition requirements. Kohl's is free for returns. You get a $5.00 coupon from Kohl's. My returns get refunded practically before I get home from dropping off the item. I continue to order on amazon since I have virtually nothing local for finding CDs other than my local flea market. Local record stores are vinyl oriented which I do love. Bomp Records online and the Oldies website have stellar packing. I purchase from them often. They care! Amazon could take that care. CD sales (less than 4% of music industry revenues in 2020) are not a priority for amazon and it shows in how amazon treats the merchandise shipped. It is not respectful of the consumer who pays her hard earned money. My next amazon order (3 CDs and 4 Blu-Rays) is due today at 3-5 pm. Ugh. - Heather
Yeah that’s the issue I use Amazon because I don’t have many other options and those options don’t always provide me with what I’m looking for. In the end of the day I’m grateful we have an online retailer like Amazon that provides such a big catalogue of music. I just wish the shipping was better.
I just very recently have started purchasing vinyl through Amazon. In the past year I've ordered 5 albums and all of them have come in a very sturdy cardboard Box. After Watching this video and reading the comments I'm starting to think maybe I've just been lucky so far.
Generally speaking they are currently protecting their vinyl far better than their CDs. But some people have mentioned a few horror stores so it might not be long before they reduce the packaging on vinyl too.
That round thing in the middle that keeps CD fixed...It ends with lots of those teeth gone when the package arrives.
Yeah that’s another thing I hate is having all of those broken when they CD arrives. It’s as bad as a cracked case.
Many years ago, Amazon will ship CDs (maybe if it isn't a bulk purchase comprising many CDs) in a cardboard type box that hugs the CD tightly. Although still subject to damage, at least the box is the right size and the CDs are not floating around inside an oversized envelope.
I know they used to do a good job and I almost never received anything damaged. Now it’s like 1 out of 3 come damaged.
Prime in UK is supposed 24 hrs but not always and get a lot of mp3 downloads which fills up my mp3 player.The vinyl i have ordered have been well packed.Cracked cases and cd clips broken are a bugbear though.
I’ve noticed that too. That they are protecting vinyl really well. How long until vinyl is old hat again and they ditch the packaging there too?! They need to bring that level of protection back to the CD. The issue is even when the CD is limited edition or deluxe costing more than a vinyl they still don’t protect it any better.
Hi Brandon. Like you I have a love/hate relationship with Amazon although my hate for them isn't quite as bad as yours. First off. Up here in Canada Sunrise Records is about the only chain were you can buy new cds. HMV Tower Records Music World and Sam the Record Man are long gone. I have occasionally used CD Universe in Connecticut. They're selection isn't as good as it used to be. If you don't use FedEx or UPS it takes a month to get here by USPS. Then there's the exchange on the dollar. As far as Amazon goes.there selection and prices are good and delivery is excellent. The bad. Their packaging. I've been lucky in that there has only been minor damage to my cds due to those padded bags. I agree that Amazon needs to change the way they ship product.
3 good and bad things about Amazon
The good
1. Selection
2. Prime ( although I've ordered new releases lately a lot come as late as Tuesday or even Wednesday in some cases)
3. They deliver on Sunday's don't like a day off from my music orders.
The bad
1. As I said before the fact and some new releases a lot during Covid more even since Covid so down some that come as late as Tuesday or Wednesday even with time.
2. I can't trust The condition of the secondhand vinyls the used ones.
3. I also agree with you on the cd's that are made to order dvd and blu ray the CD R's. I'd really prefer not to get those pesky CD R's.
Yeah that’s true, the Sunday deliveries and holidays too, is great. A big bonus. But dang man the amount of damage is getting to be too much too often.
I agree had same problems
Great video
I wish this wasn’t such a common project but it seems to be.
I have the same Buddha Records remaster of American Woman and it sounds great.
It does sound good and I’m happy with it as a whole. Just wish I could get the one they said they were selling and have the packaging match the other Sony albums I have by the band.
The last few times I had Amazon ship me CDs in 2020 (I don't have prime) they didn't use the same courier service. One was their own courier service and one was UPS.... There were no issues. Lately I've been ordering my music digital download...
Yeah they use a lot of different services. US postal service is the worst followed by UPS. But the Amazon couriers themselves are relatively good.
@@BrendonSnyder Lasership is the worst courier service out there
I recently bought Shout at the Devil by Motley Crue, it was supposed to be the original release on Electra but I was sent the remaster that the the put out on their own label. I wanted the original.
Yeah I had them do a similar thing on other albums. It’s a shame when that happens.
Boycott Amazon. Better to wait a couple of days more and support independent music sellers. The reason independent dealers are closing is because of Amazon. They don’t pay their employees properly and treat them poorly. Buy directly from the bands website or find another dealer.
I agree and in the past bought from a number of independent music places but they have closed. But here is the catch-22, Amazon has an enormous catalogue that these smaller retailers don’t. So there are items I can only buy from Amazon. So boycotting is not an option and would make any difference to the billion dollar corporation even if I did.
I have the EXACT same issues. I have complained about how they ship media for years. They are not going to change it and it stinks!!! It just blows my mind. I have many things in my collection where a paid for brand new, but its because of the poor packaging. I for one am tired of settling.. I have the same thing shipped to my 5 times, and they were all worst than the first time... Very sad!!
Yeah this has been going on for probably 10 years now. The first few years they swore up and down things would be fixed and change. But it never has and I can’t image ever will. I miss the days of going to a record store and picking which copy of a new album was in the best condition so I could get a pristine new release every time.
@@BrendonSnyder agreed!
The only thing I don't like about Amazon is the packaging. Received items that have cracks in CD cases. Bends and dings in the corners of the vinyl. Yea I rather go to a record store and pick my own mint copy.
I miss the days of being able to go right when the record store opened and pick out the most perfect pristine copy for my collection.
Definitely!
👍
If I didn't care about the condition of the physical media, I would have bought the downloadable file.
If I know it’s something that may be damaged easily I’ll wait to do a bigger order and have it shipped in fewer boxes or all at one time. I’ve had much better luck with that.
I have issue that way as well because they still don’t add protection between items and then each one damages the other. In general I find single item shipping is the best for me.
When I ordered the donnas spend the night reissue yellow vinyl in advance. Got my record three day early before the released date. So that’s plus on Amazon
Correct when I got my the donnas double vinyl almost 2 years ago the box was half open it’s like ok why did I receive box half open they send me two copies of spend the night the donnas vinyl. Just ordered one. It’s like they don’t care
Yeah I’ve had the happen to getting things early before release date. Doesn’t happen often but when it does it’s great!
Last month ordered electric guitar in the mail it came by fedx next day the box was damaged. Drivers don’t care says on the box fragile. Lucky the guitar work great
Oh yeah in October I ordered Chris Cornell super deluxe box set. Guess what happened. The shrink wrap was half off the box set. Missing a lithograph picture. Scratch dvd I called them up told them send me a new one. The second box set works perfectly. My friend said you make a big deal about it I said yes
Well, I thought packaging for the domestic order in US is different one from international order. As a non-US buyer, I have had so many experiences of frustration and irritation for more than 10 years cause by such a terrible packaging. I suggested and complain about this issue many times, but they never gave me a feedback nor improve the packaging. I assume there are several reasons, but the problem is there's not many choices any more.
For Amazon it’s a numbers game. Save on the packaging and the number of returns from damaged items is less than how much they save. If they were losing money you can bet they would fix the problem.
I’ve been lucky so far with Amazon but it may vary from country to country.
I’m also lucky that I’ve got a decent local record store which I prefer to purchase from.
Well a lot of it has to do with how good your local mail service is. Amazon doesn’t provide any more packaging when shipping in one country over the next. But if the mail handles it better then it doesn’t matter how little the package is.
our amazon packages come in cardboard envelopes not in the ones you have shown and not had any problems. i would be mad if i had issues like you had especially if you get returned worse like you said
Glad to hear you’re not having any issues.
They need to clarify if the CD is jewel case or digipack.
That would be a great start too! I hate digipaks because if they get damaged I can’t replace it like a jewel case. While I hate getting a cracked case, I’d rather that than a bent cover.
@@BrendonSnyder check out eBay they have imported jewel case editions and pictures of the product.
My biggest problem with Amazon is the delivery. 1 package on 3 get stolen cause the delivery man left the package in the entrance of my building where everyone pass.
Amazon isn’t always the cheapest. eBay is cheaper on many CDs, Blu-rays & DVDs. What I do, is I check both websites for the item I want and buy the cheapest.
When it comes to brand new releases bought at the time they come out and you factor in free shipping, it’s always the cheapest that I’ve found. And we’re not comparing someone selling a used copy vs. a brand new sealed copy. Just my experience.
whenever i order a guitar pedal it comes in 2 boxes - and sometimes foam and a bag - these are 100% metal and you could run a car over one and not break it - yet yeah amazon ships cds in paper lol
Haha…exactly!! 😂😂😂😂
😎👍
In addition, it is virtually impossible today to purchase jewell cases to replace damaged shipments.
From what I hear they are sold from all kinds of places. My issue is that they are flimsy and don’t feel as sturdy as the original jewel cases from the 80’s and 90’s that are much more robust.
@@BrendonSnyder Exactly
You are preaching to the choir. Imagine this, you order an LP and it arrives in a padded mailer, damaged of course. Return it and the replacement is not in any type of mailer, just a label on the shrink wrap!!! Return that too. 3rd one comes in just a plain plastic envelope. 4th copy they finally figured out to send it in a box.
I’ve even gone online to chat with a representative to explain the damage and why it’s being returned asking them to make sure it’s package better so the same damage doesn’t happen. They assure me it will but when it arrives it’s either the same or less protected. So annoying! Ugh!
I never had any problems with bubble mailers
You’re a lucky person. Maybe you have really good mail handlers where you live.
Hate the cracked cases. I have a box of replacement cases that I switch out right away I don’t want cracked cases in my collection.
Unfortunately the plastic jewel cases sold today are weak by comparison to the original tough more durable ones of the 80’s and 90’s. I won’t buy those because they just feel flimsy in my hand and I don’t like it. This is where used CD’s come into play for me. I will swap the flimsy ones to a used album and put the more durable ridged case on the newer items one that had a broken case.
@@BrendonSnyder Good idea 👍
thank u sir
You’re welcome! Let’s unite! 👍
I stopped buying on amazon. Damage , orders do not arrive ... The shipping + the import taxes have become too expensive (I live in Belgium) to order on the American amazon ... The German and Dutch Amazon's offer is much smaller...
I can totally understand that.
@@BrendonSnyder I have a question ... what do you do when the hype sticker sticks to the plastic film around the CD?
Iw worked with Amazon thirteen years ago and I packaged alot of cds it was my second job I worked five am to three thirty pm at a machine shop and worked five pm to one thirty am at Amazon my first job was forty miles away it was another sixty one miles farther to Amazon and then I had to drive back home told you I didn't need much sleep it shows what package to use ona computer after you scan the tote it was in
Man, if I knew you worked for them I’d have interviewed you for this segment! Haha
@@BrendonSnyder your subs would go up in the millions lol I ordered four more cds one of thems initials is pm you will never guess
Totally agree Brendon! It is so obvious that they have no set standards for the packaging they use to mail cds. Sometimes I get them in an oversized white and blue amazon bubble mailer and sometimes they come in a smaller brown mailer. Everytime one arrives I need to hold my breath as I am opening it until I see the condition. The return policy is great though. For me, I take the return to my local Kohls and they mail it back for me without me having to package it. Just curious, do you have a store like that in the city you can drop it or do you need to actually package it back up and take it to UPS or the post office?
Yeah I hate the part about holding my breath praying the CD won’t be damaged and I won’t have to go through a big hassle getting it replaced. That’s why for a long time I didn’t do live unboxings because of what I go through opening it. Now I will just share my misters with all of you live as it happens haha!
Amazon takes too long when ordering stuff your looking for.
I’ve solved that problem by joining Amazon Prime so my packages for the most part and pre-pandemic never take more than 2 days. Lots of things are one day and some are same day. But also I live in NYC with a distribution center that makes it easier to get things.
you can get a refund too on the ones that are broken
i dont like amazon for there movies the region is all wrong on where it will play in north America or another continent
For me a broken case isn’t worth sending back. I have more of an issue with things that are damaged that can’t be replaced like when it comes to digipaks.
@@BrendonSnyder or when it says only one left and you get it damaged
Can you buy a Amazon the melvins album from 1994 💿 and review it on you Chantal.🙏🤟🏻✌️
P.s. I got the album 💿 it was ok . But I fill you.
I only review things I own. While I do have some Melvins in my collection, I don’t simply buy anything just to review it. I have to first feel very passionate about the album and then it gets reviewed. Keep any eye out perhaps there will be other videos I do that you’ll be interested in.
@@BrendonSnyder all be subscribe
Those bubble envelopes are lousy. Also ecologically unfriendly.
You would think so. I hope it’s some special material that breaks down easier the regular plastic.
They should never went to digipac
I agree. However they did it because it cost less and is better for the environment. So I get it. But I don’t like it.
I do NOT care for Jeff Bezos. I do NOT want to make that guy ANY wealthier, especially when he donates to politicians.
If you worry about that then you can’t use any big corporation and they are everywhere.
@@BrendonSnyder I shouldn't be worrying, but I do, and it's often. When companies get political, it just rubs me the wrong way. That's just me. I did like the TWO Rush tees I got from Amazon, though the All The Logos tee was only printed on one side and NOT on BOTH sides like the one I saw at Hot Topic which was WAY too small for me.
I cancelled my Amazon account
Couldn’t do it. Too much great stuff delivered lighting fast plus not to mean Yoon free streaming. That’s why it’s a love/hate thing.
What I don't like about Amazon is Jeff Bezos. He's a clown. In fact, he's a Clown In Action, meaning C.I.A. I told that to my mom. She laughed, only I wasn't joking.
I’m laughing too 😂
@@BrendonSnyder I only use Amazon as a last possible resort. Bezos (Bozos?) is the richest guy in the world, yet he pays his workers peanuts. They ought to be driving to work in Rolls Royce's and dining on steak and caviar at break time.
To tell you the truth I wouldn't order from Amazon. I like eBay better because they have good electronics that I ordered of recent.
I can’t get everything I want from eBay. That’s the reality of it.
@@BrendonSnyder really? For me I still wouldn't trust Amazon.