broken gift comes in mail -- what do you do?

mka06 Posted: Sep 27, 2005 05:35 PM

broken gift comes in mail -- what do you do?

I was incredibly excited to get home at the end of last week and find an engagement gift from my high school buddy and his wife waiting for me at the doorstep. I open it... and it's Waterford toasting flutes. Very pretty and a very generous gift! I'm thrilled. But, one is broken. The base is completely separated from the stem and in a billion pieces (read not fixable), even though the rest is intact.

Now -- they put some bubble wrap in the box, but not a lot... and it didn't say fragile on the box. I don't know if they insured it, but I don't necessarily think so bc I didn't have to sign for it and I am under the impression that you have to sign for an insured package. Who knows whether they could or would return it?

Do I tell them it was broken? I think I would want to know... but I certainly don't want them to think that they need to replace the gift if it wasn't insured... so I am willing to just say TY and leave it at that. But, then I started to worry that they would wonder why we didn't use them at the wedding or why they don't see them in our china closet when they come to visit. What would you do -- tell or not tell? TIA!

cpeiris Posted: Sep 27, 2005 05:42 PM

Re: broken gift comes in mail -- what do you do?

I would tell them. That was a very nice gift and one that I am sure they would want to see you using. And you never know they might have even gotten it insured.

mka06 Posted: Sep 27, 2005 05:46 PM

Re: broken gift comes in mail -- what do you do?

Keep the replies coming! I need more opinions. Also would love to know how you ladies that think I should tell them think the best way to bring it up is. Heads up - I did already call and leave a message thanking them for the gift... So, I will have to wiat until they call me back or call again and tell them that I didn't want to tell them it had gotten broken over voice mail (which is true).

Soon2BMrsA Posted: Sep 27, 2005 05:53 PM

Re: broken gift comes in mail -- what do you do?

I would let them know, Im sure they wouldnt want to pay for something that got damaged and that you cant use.

I know if I sent a gift and it was broken that I would want the person to let me know!

SomethingBlu Posted: Sep 27, 2005 05:53 PM

Re: broken gift comes in mail -- what do you do?

Yes, tell them. I would want to know. If it was me and I didn't insure the package and decided to wrap myself I would feel silly not replacing it and would want to know so that I could do so.
Does it definitely look like they sent it? Could they have ordered online or have the store ship directly?
Tell them you love it and you're sorry and are not sure how to bring it up but...one was broken. Wait for their response and go from there.

Good luck!

mka06 Posted: Sep 27, 2005 05:55 PM

Re: broken gift comes in mail -- what do you do?

Thx - yes, they definitely sent it. It was wrapped in that brown paper and my address was handwritten in their (her) handwriting.

I guess I just feel bad telling them. I really hope they insured it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

eogara Posted: Sep 27, 2005 06:06 PM

Re: broken gift comes in mail -- what do you do?

If the store sent it, I would 100% tell them because it would be up to the store to replace. But, if you think they sent it, I wouldn't tell them. I'd feel like a dope and then be annoyed that I had to pay 2x for such an expensive gift. Maybe you get get the second flute off of ebay or something?

N.Y.bride Posted: Sep 27, 2005 06:11 PM

Re: broken gift comes in mail -- what do you do?

I would not tell them. Even when you insure your packages its a pain in the butt to get your $$ back...

AlliNMatt06 Posted: Sep 27, 2005 06:12 PM

Re: broken gift comes in mail -- what do you do?

I would go buy the second flute if the couple where the ones who sent it. I don't think I would tell them.

If it was the store, I would definitely tell them.

mka06 Posted: Sep 27, 2005 06:17 PM

Re: broken gift comes in mail -- what do you do?

Thx for the feedback. I appreciate all the advice. I truly am torn. The situation stinks!!!!!!!!!

The flutes come in a set... so unless I can find one on ebay (that's a good idea - i will check it out), I will have to buy the full set.
They're gorgeous... but I really don't want to spend the $ on buying another full set, when I can easily put toasting flutes on my registry and probably get them as a gift for my shower or something.

KvsGrl Posted: Sep 27, 2005 06:27 PM

Re: broken gift comes in mail -- what do you do?

Did they buy it off your registry? Just exchange it and don't tell them.

My white wine glasses were broken when delivered and BBB took them right back!

mka06 Posted: Sep 27, 2005 06:32 PM

Re: broken gift comes in mail -- what do you do?

not registered yet -- otherwise that'd be a great idea. guess i could check and see if BBB carries them and try to return and see what happens?

Mrs. dleeny Posted: Sep 27, 2005 06:34 PM

Re: broken gift comes in mail -- what do you do?

find out where they bought it from. if the store wrapped it and shipped it, you should be able to go there and exchange it.

stephanielyse Posted: Sep 27, 2005 06:37 PM

Re: broken gift comes in mail -- what do you do?

Were the flutes on your registry? If so, you might be able to go in and exchange them without your friend ever knowing. Most stores won't even give you a problem. If not, tell your friend, they should be able to get a replacement set (or at least send you the receipt so you can exchange them) at no cost. I'm sure they wouldn't mind and would want you to have an actual gift to enjoy rather than never mentioning the gift again.

Tracy06 Posted: Sep 27, 2005 07:16 PM

Re: broken gift comes in mail -- what do you do?

I would definately tell them..

Faith Posted: Sep 27, 2005 07:56 PM

Re: broken gift comes in mail -- what do you do?

I think you should definitely tell them, as they may have some recourse such as insurance. If it was me that sent it, I would want to know. Like you said, what if it comes up someday and they find out, they would be like 'Why didn't you tell me?'

roxyspark Posted: Sep 27, 2005 08:02 PM

Re: broken gift comes in mail -- what do you do?

Something similar happened to me.
I had registered for a knife set and someone gave it to us for our engagement.
When I opened it, I realized 4 of the knives were missing.
I live out of state, so I called the store and told them what happened. They had me send the original package to them and three weeks later they sent me a new set that was complete.
I told the person what happened, but I told them I would take care of it.

mka06 Posted: Sep 28, 2005 07:15 AM

Re: broken gift comes in mail -- what do you do?

bump

oakslady Posted: Sep 28, 2005 07:28 AM

Re: broken gift comes in mail -- what do you do?

tell them - you dont have to sign for insured parcels unless they are over a certain amount
even if they didnt insure them with a receipt they can return them
definately tell them