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I almost made a huge mistake this week — Parallax Forums

I almost made a huge mistake this week

4x5n4x5n Posts: 745
edited 2014-12-14 09:02 in General Discussion
So, a couple of weeks ago I placed an order with Parallax and it arrived while I was out of town during the Thanksgiving break. Getting back I was busy with other things but opened the box, took out what I ordered and put the box with popcorn aside with the intent of using the box for storage of other "stuff" I have.
A couple of days ago I went to pour out the popcorn and saw something that wasn't popcorn go into the garbage. I didn't think much of it at first but a few minutes later got curious and checked it out. To my surprise it was the ws2812b led board that Parallax is giving away free with every order.

Don't make the mistake I almost did and be sure to look carefully for the led that Parallax is putting in every box they ship out these days!

Comments

  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2014-12-07 06:19
    I had a similar experience. I thought someone forgot to include the LED board in my order.

    I just recieved a new order, with the LED, and notice how small the LED package was. I thought to myself, "could I have missed it in all the peanuts on my last order?"

    Sure enough. Carefully went through the peanuts, and there it was!
  • GadgetmanGadgetman Posts: 2,436
    edited 2014-12-07 12:20
    I overlooked a 15pin to RJ45 network adapter once, and didn't realise it was there until after I had ordered another one on eBay...
    (It was for my Tadpole laptop that I still haven't gotten up and running, years after I got it... )

    After that, I have been careful to examine the packaging for small items that might have 'wandered off'.
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2014-12-07 19:17
    Most distributors will place the entire order into a large plastic bag before it goes in the box with the "peanuts" or whatever. This makes it very unlikely that you'll miss or overlook a small item.
  • GadgetmanGadgetman Posts: 2,436
    edited 2014-12-08 06:15
    Most Chinese eBayers will do whatever suits them the best.
    (Some will break open packaging and insert smaller items into the largest package... I once got 10 endmils in a box made for 5. )

    Most people selling used computers on eBay have no clue as to how to pack something securely...
  • Ken GraceyKen Gracey Posts: 7,392
    edited 2014-12-08 12:33
    If anybody makes this mistake, we'll grant you another try by placing another order.

    Nah, seriously, I could always drop one in an envelope for you if it were accidentally thrown out. We chose this absolutely minimal packaging in order to keep our costs down and not to attract attention in overseas packages where customs fees or various forms of delivery extortion may exist.

    And, we figure it's cheaper to send a few more out than use 10,000 20-cent bags that are big enough they're never overlooked.

    Ken Gracey
  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2014-12-08 13:30
    Gosh,

    Just got another Priority today. The LED was below, (inside) the little flap on the bottom. If I didn't dismantle the whole box, I would have never found it.

    I know it's a freebie, but how about put a 1" x 2" label on it so i sticks out.
  • dmagnusdmagnus Posts: 271
    edited 2014-12-08 15:06
    Darn! I bet I threw mine out with the peanuts when my Activity Bot came last week. Unfortunately, I can't find out for sure cause the garbage guy picked it up Saturday...
  • 4x5n4x5n Posts: 745
    edited 2014-12-08 18:35
    Ken Gracey wrote: »
    If anybody makes this mistake, we'll grant you another try by placing another order.

    Nah, seriously, I could always drop one in an envelope for you if it were accidentally thrown out. We chose this absolutely minimal packaging in order to keep our costs down and not to attract attention in overseas packages where customs fees or various forms of delivery extortion may exist.

    And, we figure it's cheaper to send a few more out than use 10,000 20-cent bags that are big enough they're never overlooked.

    Ken Gracey

    Almost wish I was a little honest so I could claim I didn't get my LED board! :) I do have to admit I forgot that you were giving them away and didn't look for it. I saw it by accident but I found it.

    I would like to suggest that you staple or tape the little bag to the invoice. That would make it easier to see and I hope that everyone pulls the invoice out prior to dumping the popcorn in the box.
  • dmagnusdmagnus Posts: 271
    edited 2014-12-10 08:24
    dmagnus wrote: »
    Darn! I bet I threw mine out with the peanuts when my Activity Bot came last week. Unfortunately, I can't find out for sure cause the garbage guy picked it up Saturday...

    Yup, went dumpster diving but there was a whole bunch of other stuff on the top of the peanuts. Looked thru what I could reach but I wasn't gonna dive any further than that. :-} I was going to order some of those to play with anyway though, but I was waiting to put my AB together before I did that.
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,256
    edited 2014-12-14 09:02
    4x5n wrote: »
    Almost wish I was a little honest so I could claim I didn't get my LED board! :)

    I'm Brian, and so is my wife! :)
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