Damaged Package Protocol: The Fast Checklist That Speeds Up Resolution

Reality check.

If your fast checks order shows up damaged, speed matters.

Not panic speed.

Documentation speed.

The goal is simple: capture proof once, keep the evidence, and send a complete report so nothing stalls.

First rule: do not throw anything away

Keep everything.

That includes:

• the outer box
• all padding and inserts
• the shipping label
• the packing slip
• the damaged items

Why. If an inspection is needed, missing packaging can slow the process.

FedEx explains that adding documentation can help speed up claims and notes it may request an inspection report for damage claims on its page about filing claims.

Take photos that actually help

Do this before you move anything around.

Photo checklist

Take these photos in good light:

• the box from multiple angles
• close up of the damage on the box
• the shipping label so it is readable
• the inside packaging as it was packed
• the damaged items
• one wide shot that shows everything together

FedEx also calls out photos of the package and damaged contents as examples of helpful documentation when filing a claim.

Quick photo tips

• use natural light if possible
• keep the label in focus
• include one photo that shows scale

Gather the details before you report it

This is the part that saves the most time.

Have this ready:

• tracking number
• delivery date and time
• recipient name
• delivery address
• what is damaged
• packing slip photo

If you paid by card, keep your order confirmation too.

Report it fast, then stay consistent

One issue.
One report.

Do not create a new report every time you remember a detail.

Instead:

• send one complete message
• add updates to the same thread

If the carrier requests an inspection, the box and packing materials matter even more.

What not to do

These are the delay triggers.

• do not discard the packaging
• do not throw away the damaged items
• do not rewrite the label or cover it
• do not wait days to take photos
• do not repack everything neatly first

Keep it as close to the delivered state as you can.

How this protects next day check delivery

If you need checks fast, a damaged shipment is not just annoying.
It is operational.

Fast resolution depends on two things:

• complete documentation
• clean communication

On the ordering side, ChecksNextDay.com explains its next day delivery approach and cutoff timing in the Checks Next Day FAQ.

Copy-paste checklist box

Use this as your exact protocol.

• take photos of box, label, packaging, and damage
• keep the box and all packing materials
• save the packing slip and order confirmation
• include tracking number and delivery date and time
• report the issue once and keep all updates in one thread
  
  

FAQ

1) What photos should I take if my checks arrive damaged?

Take photos of the outside box, the shipping label, and the internal packaging. Then take clear photos of the checks themselves (front and back), including close ups of any bends, tears, smudges, and the check number range that is affected.

2) Should I keep the box and packing materials?

Yes. Keep the box, padding, and inserts until the issue is resolved. If a carrier review or inspection is needed, the original packaging helps show what happened.

3) What details should I include in my damage report for checks?

Include your tracking number, delivery date and time, delivery address, and a photo of the packing slip and label. Also list the check type you ordered and the check numbers (or quantity) that are damaged so the resolution does not get slowed down by follow up questions.

4) What if only some checks are damaged?

Separate the damaged checks from the clean ones and do not use the damaged set. Report the exact check numbers impacted and keep the damaged checks with the packaging so the evidence stays intact.

5) How do I avoid delays when I need checks tomorrow?

Order as early as you can and follow the site’s timing rules. For ChecksNextDay.com, orders placed before 2:00pm ET ship same day for next-day arrival, and there’s an after-hours/late-window option (with an upcharge) on certain days. If something goes wrong, document it immediately (photos + tracking details) so support can move fast on the fix.