Around ten days ago I finally got around to ordering a copy 150th Civil War Anniversary edition of Battle Cry by Richard Borg. I have a couple of cunning plans to go with this acquisition but for now I was looking forward to some Blue and Grey action in an attempt to try and galvanise some enthusiasm. The ACW as a gaming period has had a chequered history with me - I think my feelings of apathy were as much a result of the rules in use rather than not being interested in the war between the states. Acquiring a copy of the game would enable me to fight the battles of the period in a style I would be comfortable with.
The parcel arrived yesterday morning and that is where the problems started.
There was nobody in at chez Crook so the postman - who obviously thought he was doing me a favour - chose to leave the parcel by our front door (which is actually a side door leading on to the drive). Unfortunately we then had around five hours of heavy rainfall....
My son came home and placed the parcel in the house. We arrived home around 8pm and I immediately spotted the large padded envelope and knew what was inside. I should have known that things were slightly awry when water started to pour from out of the envelope. I opened the package and mercifully the box was shrinkwrapped. This protected it from the worst of the water but there was a small hole in this that allowed water to seep in and essentially ruin the side of the box that was in contact with the ground. Luckily the contents are in a plastic storage tray so were not in the least bit damaged.
To say I was less than impressed with the post office is perhaps an understatement. I duly completed the online claim form and took copious amounts of photographs by way of supporting evidence and now have to wait up to 30 days for them to hold their hands up and compensate me. The game itself is fine and undamaged but this is hardly the point. I would have preferred the inconvenience of a visit to the Post Office to collect the package rather than having to go through a tedious claim process - all because the Postman could not be bothered to take it back to the depot or even try one of our neighbours, both of which are retired and seldom out and about.
Still, the main components are OK so I can start using them sooner rather than later.
Ack! That is a pain in the neck.
ReplyDeleteHello Mr Kinch,
ReplyDeleteI am probably more annoyed about the hassle this has caused me from somebody not doing their job than the damage itself. I really feared the worst when the water poured out of the envelope to form a large pool on the hall floor but the shrinkwrap saved the day. All the components - including the board and terrain tiles - are absolutely fine but the box is damaged.
I expect the PO to reimburse me in full for this - and when they do I shall be buying a second copy - again for a cunning plan I have.
BTW sorry to have missed you at Waterloo 200 - I was really looking forward to the day.
All the best,
DC
It was top notch. You were missed.
DeleteWhat are your plans for battle cry?
I think I'd be a little miffed too!! At least there was no damage in the end though.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear it was undamaged, we have an egg box outside and we encourage our postman to put stuff in it, it is Ireland for fecks sake.
ReplyDeleteThat's very unfortunate. Post office over here would've given the parcel to the neighbouring business or else left a note saying to call when we were ready for them to re-deliver. It's easy to take that level of service for granted. I think I shall make it a policy to be especially pleasant to the delivery folk from now on!
ReplyDeleteAm looking forward to seeing what your Battle Cry project is, too...
Cheers,
Aaron
That is quite vexing but at least is not a total write off.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the PO!
Hi Ray,
ReplyDeleteThe damage is only to the box but I am really ticked off with the post office for the hassle this has caused me. Assuming I get a full refund I will try and buy another copy as I have a need for two sets.
All the best,
DC
Hi Fran,
ReplyDeleteI still cannot get over the fact that he did not even bother to try either of my neighbours. It is very poor indeed and by all accounts the amount of rain we had yesterday would make even an Irishman feel at home....;-)
All the best,,
DC
Hi Aaron,
ReplyDeleteI have a number of cunning plans with this game and will need to get another set but most importanatly it will enable me to get back into some gaming.
I seldom have problems with the PO but this episode was really frustrating because at the end of the day it was sheer laziness.
All the best,
DC
Hi Paul,
ReplyDeleteI was truly vexed - especially coming at the end of a very long, tiring and emotional day as it did. On Friday we took Holly to University at Reading with all the trauma that entails saying goodbye to your young offspring!
All the best,
DC
Top marks to the Post Office again, what with them and useless couriers we don't stand a chance. However, I hope you enjoy the game, I do. Looking forward to your project with it.
ReplyDeleteHi TheDiomedef16,
ReplyDeleteI am sure that I will enjoy the game despite the best efforts of the Post Office to do otherwise!
The project I am planning with this will be a little different for sure but I reckon it has some mileage.
All the best,
DC
Hi Mr Kinch,
ReplyDeleteI have emailed you with some thoughts about life, the universe and what to do with Battle Cry.
All the best,
DC