Okay, quick post. I was going to do a long-winded story but don't really have time.
So nearly 3 weeks ago, I ordered a TK Onigiri New from E-Link. They were very easy to deal with, payment was straightforward, email replies were prompt.
However, upon receiving the racket here in Australia, I was shocked to find it NOT in a carboard box. I've ordered dozens of rackets from overseas - especially in the early days of my playing because Yonex and Carlton were the only brands available here in Australia - and they've always been sent in a box.
Anyway, you know what I'm going to say next. I opened the paper wrapping and the racket was snapped.
Long story short, I sent the broken one back in a box, and they shipped me a new racket back in the same box.
Although they took some convincing, Chris and his team did a much better job packing the racket this time, and the new one arrived safely.
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As far as I'm concerned (and E-Link, please take note) the Gold Standard in dealing with overseas customers and shipping rackets is RKEP Eric. I've lost track of the amount of rackets I've bought from Eric, and he always send you a photo of you goods, they ALWAYS come in a cardboard box, and they ALWAYS arrive safely.
So would I buy a racket from E-Link again? Yes, but take my advice and INSIST on it being sent in a cardboard box. It's insane not to.