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Reliable Tool offered a Miyano CNC machining center
on eBay (130123197864) with the following guarantee:
"We are so confident in this unit that we are offering a full
return freight paid money back guarantee on this if not
completely satisfied!!!"
(extract from eBay listing reproduced below)
Thus encouraged I bid to win, but on arrival in New Zealand, the machine is missing
its underslung coolant system with pump and filtration components, assembled as a unit
on castors (outline as indicated) and sadly, was inoperable due to damage caused by
another machine packed by Reliable Tool crashing into it.
Obviously I am not satisfied and have asked Reliable Tool to make good on their
return freight paid money back guarantee.
There has been no response from any of the several personnel emailed at this company,
nor from 'claims@reliabletools.com' when directed there by automated telephone reply.
A reply to adverse feedback said 'claim with shipper', but no shipper nor insurer
will cover for irresponsible and dangerous loading, muchless pay for items not there.
This second machine, a Shizouka CNC Mill destined for Wallace Weideman had been
placed in the container with NO blocking to prevent movement or it tipping over.
It was extensively damaged with broken castings and crushed drive components.
The Miyano machine suffered substantially with the Fanuc CNC controller wrecked
and the machine casing stoved in.
The Shizouka CNC mill has broken castings, crushed motor, a bent ballscrew and damaged
variable speed drive. The Dynapath controller was wrenched from the machine,
breaking connectors and tearing wiring.
We paid Reliable Tool's $450.00 fee for loading these two machines, but no attempt
was made by them to follow our instructions re securing the machines to wide stable
pallet (skid) bases, as had been paid for and provided before.
Excerpts from emails below:
> > To: freight@reliabletools.com
> > Sent: Wed 20/06/07 21:39
> > Subject: MIYANO MSV 21 MACHINING CENTER to New Zealand
> > When making up the pallet base, could the bottom timbers run the length of
> > the machine, thus making it easier for loading in and out by forklift?
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> To: Reliable Tools Freight Department [freight@reliabletools.com]
> Sent: Fri 6/07/07 21:25
> Subject: Container Shipping to New Zealand
> Miyano and Shizouka machines will be secured to large stable pallets and shrink-wrapped.
> I shall telephone you at 2pm Friday, July 6 (Los Angeles time) to discuss/confirm these
> arrangements [Did so - but could only leave recorded message]. When items are ready
> to ship, we shall advise liaison details for loading of container at your premises.
> As previously, would you prepare the appropriate certificate confirming any lumber used
> is treated to be free of pests.
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From: Reliable Tools Freight Department [freight@reliabletools.com]
Sent: Wed 11/07/07 06:56
Subject: Fw: Container to New Zealand
Hello gentlemens
All payments are cleared, items are ready to go. Please arrange your
container to be dropped off at our facillity at your convenience.
Bernardo Lemus
Reliable Tool, Inc.
________________________________________________________________
This is a previous container received from Reliable Tool with machines
steel banded to wide stable pallets and with plastic wrap.
________________________________________________________________
Shipping cost from Irwindale, California to New Zealand by container
(with two machines and accessories inside) $4600.00
(raised to $4900.00 to extricate machines and remove spilled oil)
________________________________________________________________
Update: Nov 7, 2007
Mediation was sought via SQUARE TRADE. Reliable Tool did not answer
the mediator and ignored issues raised, so closed with no resolution.
Despite the passing of time beyond normal eBay intervention, the
mediator recommended placing this matter before eBay.
Comment about this, or any other Reliable Tool matter can be posted to
the Google discussion group:
reliabletools@googlegroups.com
Group home page:
http://goups.google.com/reliabletools?hl=en