While retail orders are often smaller, large items (like heavy fermenters or brew systems) require freight delivery. Even though you aren't under a wholesale contract, you are still responsible for the LTL fees and the condition of the delivery.
Your 5-Minute Inspection
When the truck arrives at your home or shop, you have a limited window to protect your purchase.
Look for "Hidden" Damage: Even if the box looks okay, listen for broken glass or shifting metal.
Write it Down: Never sign the paper without looking at the boxes. If you see a hole in the box, write "Box damaged, hidden damage suspected" on the receipt.
Avoid "Subject to Inspection": This phrase has no legal weight. Carriers will deny claims based on this note. Always use the word "DAMAGED."
Review the BOL and Delivery Receipt
Before the truck driver leaves, they will ask you to sign a Delivery Receipt or a Bill of Lading as a final statement of the delivery.
Write it Down: Never sign the paper without looking at the boxes. If you see a hole in the box, write "Box damaged, hidden damage suspected" on the receipt.
Check for add-ons, fees, and boxes checked. Make sure that all notes on the Delivery receipt are truthful for the services you received. Common things to look for are Liftgate, Inside Delivery, Detention Fee, Limited Access, among others.
Ask the driver to remove or amend the Delivery Receipt until it matches the reality of the delivery.
Different carriers have different rules for Limited Access, so be sure you know what you may be paying for and why.
Accepting the Delivery
If your order arrives damaged, your instinct might be to tell the driver to take it back. Please do not refuse the delivery. * Refusing a shipment can trigger expensive "return to sender" and "re-delivery" fees that the carrier will charge back to you.
Instead: Accept the delivery, make sure the driver sees you write "Damaged" on the receipt, and take high-quality photos of the pallet on the truck and on the ground. Then, send those photos and a copy of your receipt to info@moreflavor.com. We will help you file the claim and get your gear fixed or replaced.