What should be the policy on dented steelbooks?

[richieb1971]

I've been collecting since May 19th 2008 (according to the release of UK Sweeney Todd).

Over the years I have often bought doubles since Zavvi always puts up a ridiculous fight, and often I get steels from overseas like the USA and Canada which also come with some blemish.

Its my understanding that most of us just take a hit when it comes to a lackluster service. Since the retailers know this product is made from metal and its value is in the tin, not the disc, I find it crazy that you often don't get a refund policy that covers you.

If the product is limited to 2000-3000 pieces and goes out of stock and you get a dented one, your screwed. Sometimes we pay a premium for this stuff and I just feel there is an injustice here. Currently I have a Pocahontas (dented on the spine) and The great and powerful Oz (Squished) and I'm not happy with them. Their value is determined by their condition and their condition was sold to me in the region of 3/10. In any other business world a 3/10 product could easily be returned, no questions asked with a full refund policy.

I know I am not alone, but is there anything we can do about it? Are you playing Steelbook Russian roulette?

[mikesncc1701]

If a spare is available, an even exchange. If one is not available, a full refund and whether or not you have to return it are they allow you to keep it (I've seen both happen before). There is absolutely no excuse for mishandling product. I know shit happens but for example in the case of Target, shoving them in coffins or numerous websites that ship in shitty packaging, they should be held fully accountable for it. Let's include spine slashes as well. It's simple negligence that could be avoided if not for laziness.

[casperuk]

I've had 2 recently that have been dented or scratched, both from Zavvi

if they pulled their finger out i would have gotten a replacement for the scratched one but they didn't so i got a 20% discount from them. they started at 5% and worked their way up.

the second one was only slightly dented. got a swap for it and it was painless. was really surprised.

ebay is the worst for it because sometimes you really have to fight the seller. i bought one ages ago and they said it was in perfect condition. when i got it, it looked like it was dragged through sand on the back. had to argue for a bit

[imawin]

All those reasons are pretty much why I stopped collecting SteelBooks. There's too much 'worry' with them. They look nice but it's just not worth it to me anymore. I was in Best Buy like a month ago, picked up a few of the steels of movies I already owned (some even in a different steel). Walked through the rest of the movie section and wondered why I was going to buy these movies again when there are so many that I don't own and would like to have. I walked back to where they had the steels and put them back.

[Bliggick]

Since May 30 I have purchased 3 Best Buy Steelbooks that were damaged. Transformers: Age of Extinction was dented behind the back cardboard liner. I didn't bother returning it. Lego: Batman was the worst; front and back squished in one corner, the inside holder broken in two. I returned it and was lucky to find a pristine copy in another nearby BB. Today I bought Kong Skull Island and carefully inspected it and felt for dents under the back cardboard; it seemed okay. Sure enough under the cardboard were a couple of nice dents. No use to try to exchange it, I know they will be sold out; me and another guy bought two of their five copies as soon as they opened the doors.

I like the "Mondo" Steelbooks I have for Total Recall and Terminator 2. They have a thick clear plastic protective slip cover that contains extra graphics and necessary info; no loose cardboard back that won't fit inside yet you don't want to throw it away.

This story will demonstrate how little a Best Buy employee cares about your Blu-ray purchase: A couple of weeks ago I was buying Wolf Of Wall Street in a standard blue plastic case with a smart looking cardboard slip cover. The kid at the check out actually tore the back window of the slip cover before my eyes to get at the UPC. I told him to get me another copy.

[bashman1]

Mine have generally been in good condition from Best Buy even when shipped. I prefer buying in person. But lately steelbooks like Birds of Prey, etc. are only being shipped due to stores being curbside/limited at this time.