How To Deal With Damaged Metal
If your business orders a shipment of metal, receiving low-quality or damaged shipments can be costly. Whenever this happens, you must take appropriate steps to safeguard your investment. In this blog, we will explore a few steps that you can take to make sure you get the metal you paid for.
Take Photos or Make Videos
What proof do you have to show that the metal you received was damaged? As soon as you notice any damage, document the extent of damage by taking photos and videos of the shipment, including any packaging materials, labels, and delivery documentation. This is evidence and helps you build a strong case when communicating with your supplier or vendor. After keeping a visual record of the damage through documentation, it is best to speak with your metal supplier or vendor. They may have incorrectly recorded your product specifications or missed a step in the QA process. Either way, they’ll know the product’s condition when it leaves their facility. This can help you resolve the issue quickly.
Get In Touch with Your Vendor
Contact the seller or manufacturer of the metal product. If you sourced the material through a vendor, they’re also responsible for addressing the issue. But if you directly arrange the shipment yourself, it’s your responsibility to initiate the claims process. Nowadays, most freight carriers document transit damage before unloading the shipment. Tracking such issues on a Bill of Lading (BOL) or packing paperwork is usually a part of the company’s operations. If you suspect the damage occurred in transit, you must mention it on the paperwork before signing off. So, if you want to file a claim, the document will prove it. You must file a complaint with the shipping company if the metal was damaged before shipping. This way, you’ll be able to get a replacement or reimbursement. Check the terms and conditions of your shipping contract and provide the necessary documents, such as delivery receipts and photographs.
Think About Other Options
Now that you’ve contacted your vendor, filed a claim with the manufacturer’s shipping company, or spoken to the manufacturer, you’ll have to consider how you’ll move forward. You’re probably wondering if getting a replacement or reimbursement at this time is best — this depends on the extent of the damage. You may need expedited shipping if there’s an urgent project to take care of. Re-check your requirements for the metal product, such as the quantity, quality, and grade. If the damage has affected the quality of the metal, it might be necessary to adjust your project plans or seek a different type of metal product altogether.
Prevention In The Future
You’ll need to communicate your expectations to your seller to prevent this from happening down the line. Make sure to specify the type of shipment you need and document any agreed-upon specifications to avoid problems down the line. This way, you’ll be able to ensure that the product meets your requirements.
Contact Markham Metals For Quality Metal Needs In New England
Need help receiving low-quality metal shipments from the manufacturer? Markham Metals can help you in this regard by providing consistent quality. Our expert metal fabricators have many years of experience assisting people to pick the best metal for their projects. We are located in Wilmington, Massachusetts, but we serve all areas of New England. Contact us here today for a free quote on your next metal project.