FedEx Is Killing My Fish :-(

[cybermeez]

I ordered some fish from LiveAquaria.com - a Geometric Pygmy Hawk, a mated pair of Sharknose Gobies and a mated pair of Tiger Gobies.

I was particularly keen on getting the Hawk from them because LA holds wild caught fish for several weeks to make sure they are healthy and will eat in captivity. I've been told collection collection mortality for this species is very high due to the depths from which they are taken. I've had no success with these little Hawks surviving more than 24 hours after acclimation to my tank.

I paid extra deliberately so these fish would be delivered on Saturday when I'd be home. When they didn't show up this morning I checked the FedEx site and discovered the fish we stuck at the hub in Memphis.

I called FedEx, and one agent told me they were delayed because of a storm (I checked the weather - not storm) and another said the plane had mechanical problems. Do they think these innocent little fish flew in from Yemen?

I explained to them what was in the box and urged them to get it on a plane today so they would arrive by tonight or tomorrow. They said that probably wouldn't happen and because FedEx doesn't work on Sunday. WTF are they the friggin' post office? That means the fish wouldn't be delivered before Monday morning when I'll be at work.

They are going to die and I'm pissed. Sure, I can get my money back but these fish can't get their lives back. They came all the way from the South Pacific only to die in a box stuck at the airport in Memphis.

 

[THEDLO]

damn. id be flipping out right now. y didnt u wait till monday to place the order?

 

[jaa1456]

Sorry to hear, this is one of the reasons I will not buy anything live and have it shipped. Also you never know exactly what you are getting unless you see it in person.

 

[marrone]

This is why you shouldn't have things shipped for a delivery date of Friday or Saturday. If something goes wrong you're going to have to wait the whole weekend to get the package, which is usually too long for most live items.

If you're not home during the week you can always have the package delivered to your job or to a center, where you can pick it up.

 

[fallenlordz]

that sucks, at least you get your money back.

on the + side you might get free fish if they survive the trip

 

[cybermeez]

This is why you shouldn't have things shipped for a delivery date of Friday or Saturday. If something goes wrong you're going to have to wait the whole weekend to get the package, which is usually too long for most live items.

If you're not home during the week you can always have the package delivered to your job or to a center, where you can pick it up.

I've ordered many animals this way. This is the first time I've ever had anything like this happen. These critters were Diver's Den animals too so I was buying specific individuals. I have a Coral Croucher coming in Tuesday. This better not happen again.

I had no idea FedEx wouldn't deliver on Sunday is the screwed up. How can they not have a backup plan?

I have a doorman so the idea behind having them delivered on Saturday was so they wouldn't sit in the box all day until I got home from work. Now instead they sit in the box all weekend. Lesson learned at these poor little fishes expense.

LiveAquaria said there is the outside chance that the fish might make it because temperature is the primary issue. I honestly do think it's possible, especially for the Hawk. You guys who know me, know that I'm very sad about this happening.

 

[jaa1456]

I've ordered many animals this way. This is the first time I've ever had anything like this happen. These critters were Diver's Den animals too so I was buying specific individuals. I have a Coral Croucher coming in Tuesday. This better not happen again.

I had no idea FedEx wouldn't deliver on Sunday is the screwed up. How can they not have a backup plan?

I have a doorman so the idea behind having them delivered on Saturday was so they wouldn't sit in the box all day until I got home from work. Now instead they sit in the box all weekend. Lesson learned at these poor little fishes expense.

LiveAquaria said there is the outside chance that the fish might make it because temperature is the primary issue. I honestly do think it's possible, especially for the Hawk. You guys who know me, know that I'm very sad about this happening.

Hopefully they make it, But I do not believe in Liveaquarias WYSIWYG, They show the same exact picture for several fish sometimes. That is not a WYSIWYG.

 

[marrone]

Most of these places aren't going to deliver on Sunday, except around the holidays as the delivery load is usually very heavy. As for them screwing up, well things do happen and they're not in the business of delivering live items. You will find that if you keep on them, and move it up to higher levels, you can get the package delivered.

You're always taking a chance by having things delivered on the weekend, as there are many things that can and do go wrong. It's best to have the package delivered during the week and let you doorman hold it. I usually let them know something is coming, and they take care of it until I get home.

In the end it's the seller or buyer responsibility when shipping, as many things can and do happen, from box breaking, and water leaking out, to flights getting delayed or even canceled. So you need to be careful and follow the tracking of the package and be prepared to get on the phone and push the delivery, if something has happen.

 

[marrone]

Hopefully they make it, But I do not believe in Liveaquarias WYSIWYG, They show the same exact picture for several fish sometimes. That is not a WYSIWYG.

I'm not sure this is true. I've order things from there(Divers Den) and have always gotten the fish or coral that I order. I also do keep picture of what I've order, so I can match it up. I've also never heard from others that they've received a different fish or coral than what was pictured, and if this was the case you would hear about it, especially since LA sells a lot of stuff out of the divers den. Now there have been cases where another fish, or coral, was sent by mistake or the picture was photo shopped or enhanced, but almost everyone does that.

 

[cybermeez]

Most of these places aren't going to deliver on Sunday, except around the holidays as the delivery load is usually very heavy. As for them screwing up, well things do happen and they're not in the business of delivering live items. You will find that if you keep on them, and move it up to higher levels, you can get the package delivered.

You're always taking a chance by having things delivered on the weekend, as there are many things that can and do go wrong. It's best to have the package delivered during the week and let you doorman hold it. I usually let them know something is coming, and they take care of it until I get home.

In the end it's the seller or buyer responsibility when shipping, as many things can and do happen, from box breaking, and water leaking out, to flights getting delayed or even canceled. So you need to be careful and follow the tracking of the package and be prepared to get on the phone and push the delivery, if something has happen.

Thanks for the advice. I just called them again said I'd even pay extra for sunday delivery. Apparently they will do it under some circumstances. It sucks when you can't even get a straight answer from a company representative. I'll keep pushing and keep my fingers crossed.

 

[marrone]

You need to keep pushing, though it's hardier on the weekends, as they have a skeleton staff on. Stress to them that it's a live thing and it's going to die. They maybe able to return it to LA, which in the end maybe a better thing.

LA does pack things very well, usually over size bags with a lot of air and water. I would be more worried about the cold, as it's sitting in some airport or on a plane.

 

[jf2381]

They don't care that it's a live item. I been there done that. Items were stuck at the local sorting center and they would not let me pick up until the following day.

 

[jf2381]

This posts makes me nervous. I'm going to be receiving fish this coming week from wetthumb.

I hope things workout. Like Marrone said if they were packed well with enough oxygen they might be ok.

 

[albano]

This is why you shouldn't have (LIVE) things shipped for a delivery date of Friday or Saturday.

+100 ... unfortunately, most of us learn this lesson, the hard way!


.

 

[guarda]

Robin, if you ever need to, you can order it to my place. My doormen can open and stick it in my tank. Just give me a call.

 

[THEDLO]

Robin, if you ever need to, you can order it to my place. My doormen can open and stick it in my tank. Just give me a call.

lmao the first part i was thinking....wow Arthur really is the nicest guy....then that last part was a smack in the kisser! lmao

 

[guarda]

thought it was implied that she could pick it up as she pleases

 

[THEDLO]

thought it was implied that she could pick it up as she pleases

lol i know

 

[D1J8Z]

am I the only one who just watched cast away?


FedEx !

 

[aznt1217]

lmao the first part i was thinking....wow Arthur really is the nicest guy....then that last part was a smack in the kisser! lmao

I think he meant putting the bag in his tank for temp...