Brand New Mapex M Birch Arrived Damaged!

O.K.- I ordered them last Saturday (my first brand new kit) from Zzounds. I anxiously waited all week and they finally arrived today. It was like Christmas in August as I unboxed the drums! I started with the toms, which are a beautiful emerald green finish, carefully inspecting each one as I went. Upon inspection of the bass drum, I noticed a dent on the front bearing edge. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that the wood on the inside near the "dent" was cracked! AAARRRGGGG! (Plus, a few other choice words).

I immediately called Zzounds who were totally cool about it. The guy told me that they would send shipping labels next week so that I could send them back. However, They have a back order on this paticular set and would not be about to send me another one until sometime after Sept. 1st!
I asked if I could just send the bass drum and have that replaced. He advised that I would have to return the whole kit. He did say that I could contact Mapex to see about their warranty and go that route.
Anyone have any suggestions as to which route to take or any experiece dealing with Mapex directly in a similar situation? I keep teeling myself, Patience, Grasshopper" but it's going to be a nightmare packing this kit back up!

Sounds like all parties involved just want you to proceed in the normal manner when something like this happens. You will be totally covered is my feeling but will have to use some patience as the whole thing gets sorted out. Sorry to hear about the damage by the way.

Yeah, I'm just bummed about the whole thing. Again, I have total faith that Zzounds will take care of it, so this is not about them. It's just frustrating..........#%&! happens!

I've heard that there is a back order on all stuff coming out of China because of the increase in price of gas and falling dollar. The Chinese want to renegotiate pricing on goods that they are exporting to N. America. So what happens if they tell you, "we won't have them until after the first of the year," while this hold on exporting is happening?

I've been piecing together a Mbirch Green emerald on ebay. I just need a floor tom, and I am in about 320.00 with shipping. It's a nice kit; but is has been frustrating waiting for the floor tom. I could imagine that after the long wait and now this, it is big disappointment for you. Going the Mapex route may allow you to keep your kit and just send back the BD, so it may be worth looking into, esp if you have a replacement BD for the time being.

That's interesting info., Deltadrummer. With my luck, I wouldn't be suprised if I don't get the BD until after the first of the year!
I'm going to attempt to get ahold of Mapex today and see what they say. I'll let you know what I find out. Best of luck with that floor tom.