Another Overhaul Packaging Advisory

Hello Everyone. This post is a friendly reminder of the best methods for proper overhaul packaging. Poor damper packaging is unfortunately still happening to this day. Consumers are still reminded over the phone to pack up the damper/s well being sent in for the service as to avoid any missing, or in worst cases, damaged components.

 

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Both images shown above were not sufficiently packed, allowing for the damper/s to move about during freight, more so seen on the top image as the box completely broke open and was just placed in a box by the USPS delivery driver.
Although not all consumers can be completely reached regarding this, we still try our best to inform them all. The best suggestion I can give to anyone sending in their damper/s for a service would be as follows:

If the damper/s packed have some amount of movement inside, the damper will more than likely tear through the box. Packing peanuts and bubble wrap are your friends. Pack it to the point that the damper/s do not move around in the packaging. This would prevent the weight shifting back and forth as well as side to side which, with the weight of the dampers, can break through.

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Packing peanuts are always a good way to fill in empty gaps in boxes.

Sharp points on the damper/s should be padded to avoid bends or breaks and/or tearing through the box.

Only send what is needed for service or inspection. Any unnecessary components such as springs, seat locks, spring seats, and/or upper mounts (unless you are looking to have them repaired or inspected) should be removed from the damper and/or packed along side the damper/s.

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Seat locks and spring seats can be sent along with the damper for service but can also be removed.

Compressing and tethering down the piston shaft can also be done to save package size as well as allowing for more dampers/ components to be added to the shipment. Keep in mind though when doing this to avoid at all cost scratching the piston shaft surface as it may get damaged requiring a replacement then be required.

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OEM replacement struts and shocks commonly come packaged like the image above to both help with packaging in a smaller box as well as help in protecting the piston shaft as it would be compressed into the body.

Package insurance is recommended. Should any product happen to be damaged during freight, the insurance would cover at least the declared cost. Please contact us if you need to determine the declared cost/value of an item. That way, should the damage be covered by the freight forwarder, you will have sufficient value to get a replacement.

Following these suggestions should at least give you the peace of mind that the damper/s being sent in for service will not incur any damage on its way to our facility. Unfortunately I cannot guarantee that the package and contents will be received in undamaged condition. There are times that the freight courier may not have the best consideration for care of packages being shipped. Avoid any of these headaches and take further consideration when packaging and sending in your damper/s for service.

 

 

WHAT THE PACK-AGING?

Hello to all. Some products have new packaging, basically we have gone colorless.

The EDFC Control Units have changed overall packing eliminating the previous packing into a smaller box. The box still says “TEIN EDFC” but is only stamped on the top section of the box. It still uses the same part numbers and all parts inside the box are still be the same.

Another change to the packaging was to the damper boxes. The older damper boxes have green in the logo and on Dampachi.

The new style packing has all solid black printing, the overall look remains unchanged. The other change is that the part number label also had a Dampachi printed in black on some damper boxes, Dampachi is now gone.

Thus far these would be the only product box changes. Hopefully these pics would better help future purchasers questioning whether the item is genuine or not.

Overhaul Packing Recommendations

Alright future TEIN service customers,  just wanted to let everyone know about packing products which are being sent in for services to either TEIN East or West facilities. I’m one of the main staff members that checks in overhaul repairs and have came across some poorly packed packages.  I would like to give everyone a few tips which could save you some headaches and money.

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TIP #1 BOX SIZE and PACKING MATERIAL – Be careful with the box size and packing materials used to avoid any damaged product or package refusal. Be wary of the freight companies because once the package leaves your hands to when it arrives in ours we dont know what the package has gone through.

The product received here in this picture was a bit heavier then what the box could handle.

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TIP #2 DO NOT COMPRESS THE DAMPER – Never try to use any type of hard wire cable or custom metal bracket to compress and hold in the piston rod of the damper to fit into a smaller size box as this could break  free and tear through the box possibly create damage on the piston rod or any other pieces included in the package. Times are tough but not tough enough that you cant get a bigger box or pay the differnce in costs for using a bigger box.

This package arrived open as shown in the photo. Because it was packed with newspaper it didn’t offer any cushioning or padding which burst through the box.  When asked “What happened to the box?” the delivery driver claimed, ” That’s the way we got it.”  This is a perfect example of a package that would be refused as we cannot know what was supposed to be in the box.

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TIP #3 PROPER PACKING MATERIALS – Extra cardboard for more cushion or padding on top, bottom and all four sides is recommended. Packing peanuts, bubble wrap and foam packing are always good packing materials that can be used (Note: Newspaper is not a great choice of packing material).

The ends of the box where the piston rod rest is a great area to place extra padding or cardboard

Bubble wrapping is a great way to add some more protection. Sending only what is needed for inspection or service will save money on shipping and reduce the chances for damage or loss during shipping.

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TIP #4 USE A SUITABLE BOX – Be sure prior to packing and sending out the repairs the box can handle the weight of the product being sent in. The boxes usually have a box certification detail marked at the bottom of the box with maximum weight, size limit, bursting test, etc….

Be careful with any boxes that may not provide those specifications as they may not be able to take the weight. Use these packing recommendations and you should be in great shape.

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I hope you use my tips because I would hate to call and tell you that we did not receive all the parts you sent in or worst case that your package was refused.