Just got my ASM 300 back from the McFarlane signing and the case is cracked along with a grossly uncentered book in the inner sleeve. 1 1

[Kissfan79]

Hello.....

I just received my books back from the McFarlane signing and the case on my ASM 300 is cracked in the corner. On top of that, the book is grossly uncentered in the inner sleeve to the point where the lower right corner appears pinched in the seam which looks to have caused a crease in the cover corner that was not there. The last picture shows the misalignment in the inner sleeve from the backside along with the crease it appears to have caused. Do I return it for a mechanical defect submission and...1-What is the turnaround time a mechanical defect return, 2-Will it have the same grade or will the grade change as it looks like the placement in the inner sleeve damaged the corner (if not....will I what kind of compensation will I receive for the damage to the book?), 3-I will be in Tampa, FL next week for the Florida State Fair for 2 weeks. Can I return the book in person rather than mailing it back through FedEx? Currently not happy about the situation to say the least!

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[CrystalM CS]

Hello! We are sorry to hear you received a damaged slab and possibly a damaged book. Unfortunately, there is an inherent risk when a collectible is subjected to additional handling from a signing event, which might result in additional defects and a lower grade.  This is a risk that the customer acknowledges and accepts when they agree to our waiver and the terms and conditions on the submission form.

This being said, we will review the book for the damages claim. Please return the book by using the Mechanical Error form and it will provide a pre-paid return label. We are a closed facility and do not allow comic drop offs to members at this time. Mechanical Error submissions usually take about two weeks are so but because this is a review of damage it can take longer if needed. Please let us know if you have any additional questions. 

[Kissfan79]

Thanks for the reply…..I appreciate the help. This is my first mechanical defect return. When I go into submit the book via mechanical defect, do I declare the value of the book for insurance purposes just as submitting a book normally? Also….do I need to request the book be inspected for damage or will that be done automatically? I do understand there is always a danger of a book getting damaged in a private signing but the lower right corner of this book is actually pinched in the seam of the inner sleeve which looks to have caused that bend or crease on the back of the cover where it’s caught in the seam. Once the book is inspected for damage, will someone from CGC contact me with options on how to proceed or what will happen next? Thanks again for your help with my book….I really do appreciate it.

[MattM CS]

Hello @Kissfan79,

To answer your questions please find your answers below. If you have any other questions, please let us know!

1. Yes please declare the value like when filling out a regular submission form. You can update the declared value from what it previously was before sending it in to us.

2. In the reason for the return section, please write "BOOK DAMAGED IN SHIPPING-PINCHED INNER WELL- BLB". This will alert our team of the issue. They will then review the book for damages. If we can fix this with CCS, we will send it through CCS first. Then the book will be returned to our graders to review the current grade. If there is a grade change needed our graders will inform our claims team to reach out to you. This process can take 6-10 weeks because the book will need to go to pressing and go through a regrade. 

We know this can be a long time frame with little information. We appreciate you being patient while we work to have your book returned to its best possible condition. 

 

[Kissfan79]

Thanks! That was exactly what I needed to know. On writing "BOOK DAMAGED IN SHIPPING-PINCHED INNER WELL- BLB"…..should it say “DAMAGED IN SHIPPING” even though it appears to have happened in the encapsulation process (and not shipping) rather than simply writing“BOOK DAMAGED-PINCHED INNER WELL-BLB”? Thanks again for your help.

[MattM CS]

Hello @Kissfan79,

Although it looks like this occurred in encapsulation, this damage actually happens in the shipping process. The evidence of this is by how part of a side the book has shifted outside of the inner well but not all of it. Had this happened in encapsulation, the ENTIRE side of the book would be outside of the inner well and the book would not be rotated as in the images you shared. Damage like this occurring during encapsulation is EXTREMELY rare. Unfortunately, this damage happens when a package takes a bad drop or hit in the shipping process back to our customers. Rest assured, we will take care of this once the book has been returned to us. If you have any other questions, please let us know.