The Courier Guy gross negligence

Gross negligence from The Courier Guy

Let me start of by saying that I resolve matters like this in private, but this level of neglect, disrespect and nonchalant refusal to take responsibility needs to be made public. I have given The Courier Guy time to rectify this issue.

Client opened their parcel (which is accompanied by detailed instructions for safe removal) and found that the sculpture had been broken clean of its four feet. The stone base has four holes drilled to a depth of 15mm and each hoof is epoxied into positions and made part of the base. Though not recommended one can lift the whole sculpture by its body.

It is clear that this damage happened in transit because the sculpture has abrasions on the side that it came to rest on once it was broken free from the base.

The level of care I take in packaging is evident from the client's photos. The sculpture is fixed in place and cable tied to the base so there is no movement. What is not visible is that the sculpture is protected by a wooden frame and 4mm hardboard sides that ensure that nothing can pierce the box. The box was also marked as fragile, this side up and do not stack. According to the "The Courier Guy" this is insufficient packaging and they will neither reimburse my client or pay for the courier fees to transport a new sculpture and return the damaged one.

To call my packaging insufficient is insulting. The exact same packaging has transported sculptures safely to Europe! This sculpture was ruined from Bredasdorp to Cape Town!!! (Just to touch a point that is not really applicable, but to be thorough, I don't use chips inside the box. Firstly it ads unnecessary single use plastics, it does nothing to protect the sculpture and it rubs the surface of the sculpture).

The staff at the Bredasdorp branch has given me good over the counter service this year, but @thecourierguy has inconceivable destroyed one of my artworks and shruged off responsibility. Hiding behind TCG's is just not going to cut it.

If you had a similar experience please comment below. Please also feel free to make any recommendations for trustworthy courier services.