Yesterday, I received the Pink Panther pachinko that I got from Arby. It was one of those "gotta have"s for me, since I grew up watching and loving those cartoons (with all of the sides, like Ant and the Aardvark, etc.). Even now, I still watch them with my grandson on Boomerang... and we both get laughing pretty good... sometimes at the cartoons, and sometimes at each other for laughing so much. :lmao:

Some people have troubles with FedEx... some with UPS... some with both. Around here, I'd take FedEx. Since FedEx Ground has independents that make their deliveries, its a question of your local company and their people that determine how they handle your package as it finally gets to you. My FedEx driver is always careful, carries it up my porch stairs (only four), and always offers to bring it inside. He's very polite.

UPS around here is a completely different story. You can pretty much expect ANYTHING you get over 10 pounds will be kicked, dropped, and abused. It's as if they are rebelling against anything heavier.

I watched the tracking closely when Arby shipped that Pink Panther. After seeing it make it's way through no less than EIGHT terminals (only four states away?), I was worried. Then when I saw it "out for delivery", and knowing how UPS has treated pachis in the past, I stayed close by the window and kept watch all day.

Finally, I heard the rumble of the big brown monster. But it wasn't from their usual spot just off the street... they were backing up my driveway!

I ran out on the deck, just in time to see him literally drop slide it off the back!!! OMG!!! The bottom of the box was crushed, and it rocked back and forth until it came to rest. When I got to the back of the truck, he said, "There's your box". I asked if he was going to leave it there, or at least carry it up to the porch, and he said, "I got a dolly... but it's strapped in. Besides, it doesn't have skids to go up stairs".

I went completely ballistic.
Neighbors even came out... and I think some even had popcorn to watch the show. I don't normally get to shouting, but... I ripped this guy a new one. Along with the bottom crush, the top four corners were each smashed... and there were skid marks on two sides of the box as well.

There was no reason for them to handle this like they did... Arby had plainly put fragile and high claim item stickers all over the thing, and it was sealed like a cube with reinforced packing tape.

I told him to make note of the damaged box, and get the hell out of my driveway. I got my own dolly and moved it up to my front porch... then walked it up the four stairs and into my foyer.

I expected the worst... but you know what? The machine survived all of that... ONLY because of Arby's packing. Layers and layers of extra foam, protective cardboard in the right places, bagged and shrinkwrapped. On top of all of that, it was as full as possible with additional packing. I've never seen a packing job like that one!

The box is totally worthless, but the hell with the box now. This pachinko is MINT!!! It survived the worst handling possible, and came through like a gem. WOW... it is beautiful!!!!!!!! I got it unwrapped, and stood there in awe. Not only couldn't I believe that it survived those apes... but I have never seen a more perfect machine! When Arby said it was cherry... he was underestimating the condition!

The bottom line is that I'm glad I chose a seller that truly cares about these machines. Someone that looks at them as the treasures they are, and not just a few dollars. The condition was immaculate, and the packing was perfect!

Thank you, Arby! I'll be back!!!