Has anyone else been getting there copies of Garden Railways delivered in a destroyed condition? I have read the threads of many about the content and the lack of advertisement lately. I have been a loyal subscriber for sometime and look forward to some of the articles. In particular I was looking forward to the new Snow creek Railroad of Bob Treet. Today’s delivery may have broken this camels back. Today in Massachusetts we have had on and off rain. My mailbox was completely dry. I get the mail right after the mail truck delivered it. My bills and unintended junk were crisp and dry, but my GR was soaked to the core. I could use this as a sponge to wash my car with. Yes I have tried to dry it and the pages stick together and rip into shreds! This isn’t the only time. It has happened in the past and luckly there wasn’t much I want in that issue. I have over looked the issues where I have not gotten issues on time, only to receive them after a phone call. Whatever happened to the plastic sleeve they used to come in. Maybe it’s time to hold onto my money and spend it with thoughts that value customer loyalty.
None of mine have been destroyed… but they always seem like they have been looked through.
I agree, what happened to the plastic sleeve!
Todd, I wonder if the online version is the way to go…assuming you have an ipad or tablet? I’ve been considering making the switch digital just to better organize them, but maybe this would be a solution for you too?
I would contact them online and see if they will send you a replacement. If they want your business, they should.
Todd,
I had a similar problem and was told by a postal worker that it is because my last name also starts with “W”. Apparently, the publisher bundles groups of magazines going to a zip code group (the first 3 digits) alphabetically, so those of us with names at the end of the alphabet get bundled on the bottom.
If the bundle gets tossed off a truck, the bottom gets the damage…torn pages, wet pages, etc.
In one case, when I renewed, I changed my last name by changing the “W” to “M”. The problem went away!’
Gee, mine have been arriving undamaged. If the postal carrier has the time, and wants to glance through it, I don’t care. So long as it arrives in good condition. I agree though, magazines should be wrapped in a protective bag, so they do arrive as intended.
Oh yea, my last name starts with an M too. But I find it hard to believe that there are all that many folks in each zip code who subscribe to GR.
My last name starts with a Z, and I have never had a damaged copy. I do wish they kept the plastic sleeve though.
I guess I’ve been lucky, never had one wrecked yet. I did have a different mag arrive damaged once, but I called the publisher and was sent a replacement. That was years ago, I don’t know how many publishers still do that especially in these lean times.
Apparently one of the reasons that the Finescale Railroader “Annuals” have been discontinued is because too many of them were getting lost or destroyed in the mail.
My last issue never came … I emailed them thru their GR site, less than a week later it arrived.
Let’s go back farther, I miss the brown paper envelopes…
I got my new issue today, it came in one piece, however the last issue had a hole thru the first 25 pages of the magazine, like someone stabbed it with a pencil. I am going to let this subscription lapse and just get the Gazzette going forward, it has better content and comes sealed in a plastic bag which helps keep the damage to a minimum.
None of mine have ever been damaged. I left one in a restaurant once, Sent them a E mail and offered to pay for it. They sent me a replacement free.
JJ in AZ
Haven’t received mine yet:(
I’ve only ever received one issue of GR with a torn cover, being in a warm climate does help. I will say I really like the way the Gazette gets delivered, in a sealed plastic sleeve that protects it from most troubles.
NGSLG every time…
What is the Gazette, is that the full name? and does it deal in large scale or live steam?
Ron Tremblay said:
What is the Gazette, is that the full name? and does it deal in large scale or live steam?
Narrow Gauge & Shortline Gazette.
"The Narrow Gauge & Shortline Gazette is packed with how-to articles and features of interest to model railroaders. High quality photographs accompany feature articles of model railroad layouts each month. Some of these are featured in our photo gallery.
Plans of various locomotives and rolling stock are also a regular feature each month."
A quick Google will throw up details of latest issue and backdated copies available.
Thanks Ross, ill look into it.
Damaged delivery, is an issue with the Post Office, Not GR. When it leaves the printing plant i’m pretty sure its in good shape. GR would be glad to replaced damaged issues, you just need to let them know asap.
I’m done with GRR (canceling my brand new sub), the Gazette seems to be what I need to look further at
Cale I tend to agree.