[Tfug] Accidental extra netbook computer

[Bexley Hall]

> Thanks for the input guys.  I already intend to return it; I
> was mostly
> curious about the protocol of returning an unsolicited
> item.  E.g. should I
> keep the original shipping boxing?  Will they send a box
> and the postage
> necessary for me to return it?  Will they schedule UPS to
> pick it back up,
> or do I need to drop it off myself?

Contact the shipper.  *They* have to do the work, not you.
You shouldn't have to "pay" (time/money) for their mistake.

When I've been in similar situations, they've sent a UPS/FedEx
guy out with a box to pick it up (on one occasion, a freight
company came out to crate an item).

If it is a *private* individual who has mistakenly sent something
to me, I try to contact them.  Depending on their "attitude",
I may take the time to box it up for them and run it to the Post
Office *if* they send me prepaid postage.  On one occasion, I
even drove an item to the original shipper.

OTOH, if they act outraged or inconvenienced and expect *me* to
bust my ass to cover their blunder, I reward their ungratitude
by dropping the item in the trash.  (i.e., *I* didn't benefit
from the transaction -- removes any opportunity for questioning
your motives:  "Was I uncooperaive just so I could *keep* this
item for myself?")

I'll confess my tolerance for accommodating people's blunders
has fallen precipitously in the past decade.  If *you* (shipper)
can't be bothered with this item, then *I* (unintended recipient)
can't be bothereed, either!

<shug>