5-18 VF FCBD drmirage Group *Photos* SHIPPED

[drmirage]

Update 5-18-13

So I requested for a carrier pickup which will be done on Saturday. ETA for everyone's packages to be delivered is 2-3 business days. Earliest by Wednesday! (if USPS does pick them up on Saturday). If not, before the end of the week! Thanks for everyone's patience.

Update: 5-15-13

Tower of VF FCBD Books. Those who are in my group, please check your PM's. Thank you!
I will be shipping everything together on Thrusday.

Left Side (Waiting for Mailing information)
Right Side (Ready for shipping)




Update: 5-14-13

All the books have been packed and ready to ship. Just waiting for the addresses.

These would all shipped if I only had everyone's mailing info.



------------------------------------------------

Update: 5-12-13 - After looking through all the books and putting them in bags and boards, I made three separate groups of books:

Group 1 (Grade C Books) 30 books VF- or better
Group 2 (Grade B Books) 30 books NM- or better
Group 3 (Grade A Books) 240 books NM or better

I'm not a professional grader, but some of Group 1 and 2 can overlap each other. That being said, some of Group 2 and 3 can also overlap each other as well. Basically I screened all 300 books to determine which 60 were the worst copies from the case. The 60 books were then split in half after.. So the worst of the worst 30 copies defaulted to group 1. Then the rest of the 30 copies went went to Group 2.

A member asked me if I select better condition books for other specific members who I know. The answer is unquestionably no. Similar to the WonderCon exclusives, all the bonus items are randomly selected before shipping. For this offer, the packs will be put inside an envelope / box and I chose the packs in no particular order when placing the mailing label before shipping.

I did this so that the books will be evenly distributed prior to shipping. When you guys receive your package, you will notice the Group 1 and Group 2 books are at the ends of each pack. If the package does get damaged in transit, it is more likely that the books towards the end of the pack will get damaged.

The ratio of the packs are as follows: For every 10 books that was ordered, 8 will be from Group 3, 1 will be from Group 2 and 1 will be from Group 1.

Now when compiling, the 240 books from group 3, the books are selected fom different sections of the long box, so every order gets different books from different sections of the box.

For some reason, doing 300 books to 19 members seemed a lot more challenging than 21 members for the Wondercon Exclusives. I took me more than 5 hours to bag and board, sort and prep the books before packing. This does not include the final mailing labels and boxing, which I will do on Monday.

Here are some photos:


You can see Group of 240 books in the Long Box. While Group 1 and 2 are separated by columns.


After the groups of books are compiled, here is what we have. I have not completed double boxing the 10 packs yet.

Lastly, I recounted all the books and I did get an exact count of 300 books. I guess I miscounted the other day when I said I only received 299 books.

If all goes according to plan, the boxed 10 packs should fit inside a USPS legal flat rate envelope and the 20, 30 and 40 packs should fit in a medium flat rate box.

The ETA to have these mailed out is in May 13th Monday.


---------------------------------------------

Updates 5-09-13

Alright!!! I did my first count. I came up with 299 copies in my case. (its better than 285 copies right?) Damages from top and bottom stacks are less than 10%... which does not include the middle stack damage books. Also, from looking at the case.. All the books have very minor spine tick/ticks on the spine mostly on the front cover. (non color breaking, its very minor but visible).

These books are the same condition books that you would get from the LCS (maybe a little better in some ways) since no one has really handled them.

Overall, to be conservative, about 80% of the books come up as solid NM copies.

In summary, if you did an order with my group.... please expect these ratios.
240 NM or better copies (80% of the books)
59 VF- or better copies (20% of the books)

I will finish bagging and boarding all the books Friday night. Hopefully we can start shipping early next week.

-------------------------


Hello Everyone!

I finally received my case (300 books) of Valiant Fans FCBD today from Greg!!! Yay!! I just wanted to start this topic to share and explain what Greg has said about not all the books will be in top shape. viewtopic.php?f=1&t=40089" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Yes, it is unfortunate that the books won't all arrive in top shape.
There was no protection/buffer for the books inside the box, and multiple travels have caused dented corners, etc.
As a result, the weight of the books and the corner dings on the boxes usually mean that the top and bottom books
from both stacks within the cases are damaged.

So here is my experience with photos if anyone was curious:

After receiving the box... I did not open the case until I got home. (The case was delivered to my workplace in Los Angeles). It was very exciting to opening the case as I have never ordered 300 books of a single issue in my lifetime. The case I received from Greg was case # 9 of 10. (Thanks Greg for sending these out early! )

My first impression when I received the case from UPS was how heavy this box was. The case weight 35 lbs. Thats a lot of books! The box size is very similar to Diamond's Comic Boxes the LCS receives (without the handles). However, since this case came directly from the printer (I can assume), Diamond shipped this sealed.

Overall, the box looked in pretty good shape. Quite honestly, it looked very good from the outside. (very crisp and clean) UPS could not have handled this any better IMO. I ship and receive boxes daily and this case looked like it was hand delivered. Some boxes I receive from Online Retailers looked worse than this case. So...I took photos of the case and you can see that a few of the corners of the books can be seen from outside the box.

When the case was opened, like Greg said again... There was no protection/buffer for the books inside the box, and multiple travels have caused dented corners, etc. There was only the books you see when you open the case. No fillers / foams Nada.. You can see that a number of books from the top stack had some damage due to the books movement during transit. I took photos before taking any of the books out. Then I removed and counted about 9 books having corner dings/dents as you can see from the photos. The other books after the first 10 looked very clean.

Next after opening the box, there really isn't an easy way to remove the books because there are two columbs of books stacked tightly next to each other. Without adding more damage to the books, the easiest way to remove / view the books is to cut the box on the corners. When the box was open, you can see how the books are stacked one over another. If I had removed the books w/o cutting up the corners, I would have easliy creased each book as I pull them out.

Another thing worth mentioning is how wavy the books are when they are stacked over each other. So meaning the books are rotated / flipped at a 180 Deg. I tried to count how each group of books are facing the same direction, but I could not make heads or tails on how these were placed. It wasn't a pack of 10 or anything like that as you can see.

So after opening the case here are my findings. The top 9 books on the case are damaged (less than NM.. probably anywhere VF- to NM-). So I will assume that the bottom 9 books would be the same condition more or less. As I am currently waiting on my order of bags and boards for these beofore I start dividing them. If 18/300 of the books are in less than stellar contition, the case will have 282/300 books that are in great shape. (but looking at the photos in the stack, some of the middle books have corner dings/dents)

Since I have a group of 19 members who ordered, I will divide up the damaged books evenly. For every 10 books that was ordered, 1 will be less than NM condition.. or so thats how I will assume it will be... Which really isn't so bad. These are just estimates because of the top damaged books as adding them to the bottom. (If you look at the photos of the corners in the opened case, I did see some curling and dings (dents) in the corners. Also the books are not all going to be flat out perfect.

While I'm not 100% sure how the other cases will arrive their destination... this is how mine looked. Thinking about this more... this case traveled from Diamond to the LCS in Carolinas all the way to Los Angeles by UPS Ground.... I'm happy with the condition these books are in. Quite suprised they traveled so far and stayed in this condition. If i shipped raw books w/o any bags and boards, it would certainly not be as nice of shape as these.

Below are the photos if anyone is curious and see for yourself how my case arrived. Thanks!

For those 19 members who ordered from me, I will begin to pack (bad and board them by this weekend) Hopefully I get my bags/boards soon from my supplier. I will also have to divide the books evenly so it will be fair for everyone. These will be shipping as early as next week or within 2 weeks the latest. (as I will be shipping them all the same time)

Enjoy the photos!


SEALED CASE BOX 9/10


CASE LABEL (DIAMOND LABEL?)


BOX CORNER PHOTO WITH SOME CORNERS SHOWN


BOX CORNER PHOTO WITH SOME CORNERS SHOWN


BOX CORNER PHOTO WITH SOME CORNERS EXPOSED


BOTTOM OF BOX


BOTTOM CORNER OF BOX


BOTTOM CORNER OF BOX SOME CORNERS EXPOSED


BOX FINALLY OPENED


BOX OPENED PHOTOS CORNER


BOX OPENED PHOTOS MIDDLE


BOX OPENED PHOTOS CORNER


BOX OPENED PHOTOS CORNER


BOX OPENED PHOTOS CORNER


BOX OPENED


STACKS OF BOOKS


STACKS OF BOOKS


STACKS OF BOOKS CORNER PHOTOS


STACKS OF BOOKS CORNERS


STACKS OF BOOKS CORNERS


STACKS OF BOOKS CORNERS

[caniac]

Thanks for sharing. I wonder if that's how all comics come...

[FormerReader]

Considering all the traveling they had to do I think the damage is minimal. Thanks for posting the photos Elery!

[BloodShot]

I wonder if that's how all comics come...

That is absolutely NOT how all comics ship. Have to say I'm disappointed to see them shipped out that way. I guess they (Diamond, or whomever) figured: Meh, it's a "free" book, so they won't care if it's a little beat up .

Regardless, I appreciate you taking the time (as well as the pics) to inform everyone about how these arrived, Elery. And like you, I'm surprised there wasn't far more damage to them overall, having no protection of any kind, other than the box itself.

Even so, I'm still pretty stoked to have a pile of these coming my way .

And again, I definitely appreciate all the outstanding effort you've put in to making this happen for us across the board .

[JonesyAZ]

I wonder if that's how all comics come...

That is absolutely NOT how all comics ship. Have to say I'm disappointed to see them shipped out that way. I guess they (Diamond, or whomever) figured: Meh, it's a "free" book, so they won't care if it's a little beat up .

Regardless, I appreciate you taking the time (as well as the pics) to inform everyone about how these arrived, Elery. And like you, I'm surprised there wasn't far more damage to them overall, having no protection of any kind, other than the box itself.

Even so, I'm still pretty stoked to have a pile of these coming my way .

And again, I definitely appreciate all the outstanding effort you've put in to making this happen for us across the board .

I second that!!!!

[greg]

Thanks for documenting this!

[drmirage]

You're welcome. We really have no control over minor issues. Regardless of the condition, in the end, what's most important is we have the opportunity to get this book made with the VFans on the cover.

I'm glad to have gotten the opportunity to distribute this and help members to acquire this book at cost plus shipping.

We should be the one thanking you for making this.

Thanks for documenting this!

[Knightt]

The condition of the books is unacceptable considering the time, effort and money that went into making this happen. Considering how unique the books are, the processing, the shipping and the handling should have been given an extra degree of tenderness. Still, drmirage has done an outstanding job putting this together.

That being said, I know that I was not 'in' on the original plan, but if there is some way to for me to get a copy or two of this, I sure would be grateful. I got monies and everything to trade.

Again, great job on putting this together. Don't let the ineptitude of others get you down.

[caniac]

The condition of the books is unacceptable considering the time, effort and money that went into making this happen. Considering how unique the books are, the processing, the shipping and the handling should have been given an extra degree of tenderness. Still, drmirage has done an outstanding job putting this together.

That being said, I know that I was not 'in' on the original plan, but if there is some way to for me to get a copy or two of this, I sure would be grateful. I got monies and everything to trade.

Again, great job on putting this together. Don't let the ineptitude of others get you down.

I'll send ya one along with a blank regular one...see other post in other thread

[greg]

There are a few more details for the shipping situation.

Diamond shipped these to the LCS in a larger Diamond box, which held two cases per box.
The two cases were arranged side-by-side, a 70-pound box, about 25"x15"x10".
I removed each case from the larger box and shipped the cases to individual buyers.

The books already had some damage when I inspected an open case at the LCS.
The additional shipping certainly added damage, but the books arrived damaged as well.
The inside two stacks are exactly how they were delivered.

It is VERY likely that the printer and Diamond spent little time thinking about condition, since these books were "free".

[Knightt]

I'll send ya one along with a blank regular one...see other post in other thread

OUTstanding caniac... I appresheates, ya white boy !!

Thanks

[drmirage]

One thing that I failed to mention is this. I know a case is for 300 books.

I personally have not had a chance to count the books if they equal exactly 300 units. By any chance if the case I received is more than 300 copies, the extras will replace the damaged copies for this ones who ordered.

I will count the books when I start the bagging process. Usually, printers print extras during a run. It might be the case here since these are direct from the printers.

Usually when our company prints our catalogs, three an extra 5 to 10 percent printed. Usually those extras are thrown in for free.

That would be nice if we received more than 300 units.

[lorddunlow]

You're welcome. We really have no control over minor issues. Regardless of the condition, in the end, what's most important is we have the opportunity to get this book made with the VFans on the cover.

I'm glad to have gotten the opportunity to distribute this and help members to acquire this book at cost plus shipping.

We should be the one thanking you for making this.

I totally agree with this! It was incredibly neat to get an unopened case of a retailer exclusive Valiant book from Diamond. I'm glad we were able to make this happen! Thanks to Greg and everyone who chipped in to make this possible!

One thing that I failed to mention is this. I know a case is for 300 books.

I personally have not had a chance to count the books if they equal exactly 300 units. By any chance if the case I received is more than 300 copies, the extras will replace the damaged copies for this ones who ordered.

I will count the books when I start the bagging process. Usually, printers print extras during a run. It might be the case here since these are direct from the printers.

Usually when our company prints our catalogs, three an extra 5 to 10 percent printed. Usually those extras are thrown in for free.

That would be nice if we received more than 300 units.

I hadn't even thought of that. Hopefully there are some extra to cover the damaged ones!

[greg]

That would be nice if we received more than 300 units.

It has been reported to me that one of the cases contained 288.

[lorddunlow]

That would be nice if we received more than 300 units.

It has been reported to me that one of the cases contained 288.

That's no good at all.

[drmirage]

Greg, I will have mine counted hopefully by tomorrow night.

Since I presold 290 books. I have 10 only for myself to keep so I should be ok if I receive 290.

Members who got in my group are reasonable. I'm sure we can make adjustments.

I actually over sold thiese (forgot to include KXXX ) and someone had volunteered to give their 10 extra copies for KXXX.

Thanks for that. You know who you are.

[jedimarley]

Could you please make sure that the 60+ active members here can get at least one of the 3000?

[greg]

Could you please make sure that the 60+ active members here can get at least one of the 3000?

It shouldn't be a problem. Once the packs of 10 to 50 start reaching members, I'm sure some will make their extras available.

[nonplayer]

Disappointing is all I have to say. I hope a refund to Greg for mising books is intended to happen.
I have 10 of thease to give away as prizes for my valiant comic project and will be very upset if I have to give away crap condition books. Thats just not fair:-(

[IanAlexavier]

Thanks for doing this! It is a bummer about the condition.. glad I ordered more than a few!!!

[hawkeyeps]

Just checked and the Canada case was re-routed from Miami to Gitmo for water boarding, what's up USPS?

Don't forget they are also beaten with a hockey stick as they cross the border.

Hey NP I'll get your books out to you as soon as I get the case. I'll just open it up grab yours right off the top and pop them in an envelope, if they don't fit in the cheap envelopes I have I will fold them or chop off a portion of the book so they fit don't worry.

All kidding aside, if there are problems we will all share the pain equally as Dr.M is doing with his group.

[drmirage]

Greg dissaponited? ARE YOU KIDDING ME... He's in now! Very happy that the VF FCBD is finally out!

Looking at the case again, I know more than 90% of the books will be in NM condition or better (I'm being conservative and realistic here).

90% of books in NM or better is nothing to be dissapointed about and I still yet have to get these delivered to the 19 members who placed orders.

Before I took orders and volunteered to distribute these books, I made the rules in case there are problems. One of the rules was: "All the books will be delivered in the same condition I get these in. If anyone has any questions of how I ship my books, a few board members have purchased books from me and some say that they have never had a comic shipped so well. I will also try to be fair with how I distribute these books. Please do not expect to receive all Gem Mint copies because books do get damaged when they go from one place to another."

Here's the original topic: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=39356&hilit=10+Pack ... 0+%2F+book" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I don't think anyone of the 19 members who partcipated in my offer would be dissapointed.

I received some PM's that the're great of me distributing.

Disappointing is all I have to say. I hope a refund to Greg for mising books is intended to happen.
I have 10 of thease to give away as prizes for my valiant comic project and will be very upset if I have to give away crap condition books. Thats just not fair:-(

[drmirage]

Hawkl! You're stand up guy. I'm sure everyone who participated in your group are happy.

Making everyone 100% happy maybe impossible. Greg, VEI and the LCS did some things to make this possible. Lets not get over ourselves and celebrate that Valiant Fans finally has its own comic book.

Just checked and the Canada case was re-routed from Miami to Gitmo for water boarding, what's up USPS?

Don't forget they are also beaten with a hockey stick as they cross the border.

Hey NP I'll get your books out to you as soon as I get the case. I'll just open it up grab yours right off the top and pop them in an envelope, if they don't fit in the cheap envelopes I have I will fold them or chop off a portion of the book so they fit don't worry.

All kidding aside, if there are problems we will all share the pain equally as Dr.M is doing with his group.

[hawkeyeps]

Hawkl! You're stand up guy. I'm sure everyone who participated in your group are happy.

Making everyone 100% happy maybe impossible. Greg, VEI and the LCS did some things to make this possible. Lets not get over ourselves and celebrate that Valiant Fans finally has its own comic book.

Just checked and the Canada case was re-routed from Miami to Gitmo for water boarding, what's up USPS?

Don't forget they are also beaten with a hockey stick as they cross the border.

Hey NP I'll get your books out to you as soon as I get the case. I'll just open it up grab yours right off the top and pop them in an envelope, if they don't fit in the cheap envelopes I have I will fold them or chop off a portion of the book so they fit don't worry.

All kidding aside, if there are problems we will all share the pain equally as Dr.M is doing with his group.

I know El, Nonplayer's post was so frantic I couldn't resist. I'm not worried at all

I just think it's funny the first place they go on the way to Canada is Miami, WTF?

I'm totally jazzed to be a part of this great thing, it's really is a big deal and kudos to Greg, his comic store and Valiant for making it happen

[jmatt]

It is what it is. We're all doing the best we can. I'm just still delighted and amazed we pulled this off in just a few days.

The guys in my group can expect that I will do likewise; I will try to spread the quality of the books as evenly as possible.