Not read much about Smyths (UK/EIR toy retailer) packaging when it comes to delivery.  Anyone have any experience ordering larger sets though them?  I know there's a thread on this but i think its mainly read by our NA brethren so thought i might get some opinions posting in the UK forum.

As an FYI from what I've experienced:

The good:
John Lewis
Amazon
Tesco (click and collect)
Asda (Click and collect)
ToysR US

The bad:
Argos
 

Just now, GiliusThunderhead said:

Not read much about Smyths (UK/EIR toy retailer) packaging when it comes to delivery.  Anyone have any experience ordering larger sets though them?  I know there's a thread on this but i think its mainly read by our NA brethren so thought i might get some opinions posting in the UK forum.

As an FYI from what I've experienced:

The Good:
John Lewis
Tesco (click and collect)
Asda (Click and collect)
ToysR US

The Bad:
Littlewoods

Amazon

Mytoys.de

The Ugly:

Argos
 

Changed that a bit, I would disagree with Amazon, particularly where it's multiple sets.

I've had fairly good experiences with Smyths on large sets. The boxes are sometimes over-sized and filled out with those air-bag things, but I haven't had any real issues. Mine come from Galway I think, so not sure what it's like in the UK. I think with large sets, a lot depends on the handling by postal workers after it leaves the retailer.

Amazon.uk has been very hit or miss lately. I usually only get small/medium sized sets from them and they're often creased, because the corners of those crappy boxes they use have come apart or collapsed.

The last two big box items ( Sandcrawler & Batman classic TV series ) came damaged with gaping holes, but no outer box damage. Both brought back to the B&M shop for an on the spot swop. Small items are fine and often come overprotected? Go figure.

Edited September 8, 20169 yr by Alfiepops

11 minutes ago, Alfiepops said:

The last two big box items ( Sandcrawler & Batman classic TV series ) came damaged with gaping holes, but no outer box damage. Both brought back to the B&M shop for an on the spot swop. Small items are fine and often come overprotected? Go figure.

I had that once too with a Tumbler from Smyths. A big hole in the corner of the set but the shipping box was fine.

That's exactly where the damage was on both my deliveries. The girl in the shop where I brought the batcave back said it was the plastic straps they use cuts into the box. Really I was thinking. That's amazing considering the outer box was practically unblemished. Now that's magic.

My smyths orders have always been delivered without issue, boxed well, delivered by Hermes. I'd be more concerned about picking up from store, from experience in my local store the boxes always have some sort of damage!

May well be down to where your items are dispatched from. Some may be more conscientious than others. If managers had any sense they should be telling their packaging staff that big lego sets are usually bought by anal adults (self confessed) so beware. Don't send them out any old s*it.

I've ordered multiple times from Smyths and had no complaints.

They use airbags, however they dont tape the sets, they use a white plastic seal around the box.