What To Do If Your Cabinet Doors Were Damaged In Shipping
Did you receive damaged cabinet doors? Learn how to inspect, report, and get replacements fast, and why those steps are vital.
You’ve been waiting impatiently for your cabinet doors to arrive, and they have. But as soon as the skid hits the floor, you notice something’s not right. The packaging is creased, maybe even torn. Your heart sinks. Are the cabinet doors damaged? Do you contact your supplier? How fast can you get replacements?
At Cutting Edge, we ship over 600 cabinet doors a day. We know how frustrating freight damage can be, especially when deadlines are tight and projects are stacking up. Our team regularly guides customers through inspecting their shipments, filing damage reports, and requesting replacements as needed. This guide will help you take action immediately and avoid unnecessary delays.
In this article, you’ll learn how to deal with damaged cabinet doors:
Four Steps To Take If You Receive Damaged Cabinet Doors
Even with careful packaging and trusted carriers, cabinet doors can still arrive damaged. Whether you’re a contractor, a shop manager, or a homeowner, taking quick action can prevent delays, protect your warranty, and keep your project on track.
1. Is Your Shipment Of Cabinet Doors Damaged?
Your first step is to walk around the skid while the driver is still on-site. Start by inspecting the outer packaging for signs of stress. Look for anything that seems unusual, such as crushed corners, deep creases, or torn wrap. These are early signs that the contents inside may have been jostled or impacted during shipping. It’s a red flag if the packaging looks bent or if you can hear items shifting when the pallet moves.
Take pictures of any visible damage or even suspicion of it. Inform the delivery driver and make sure you mark the waybill as damaged before signing it. This simple act creates a paper trail that is essential later. Then, notify your supplier the same day to start the resolution process. Ideally, you should complete a full inspection of any shipment with possible damage within 24 hours.
Action Points
- Look for torn, creased, or dented packaging
- Check for signs of shifting
- Take pictures immediately
- Mark the waybill as damaged before signing
- Notify your supplier and complete a full inspection within 24 hours
What If You Miss This Step?
Many suppliers won’t replace damaged parts unless the shipment was marked as damaged on delivery. Shipping companies won’t accept a freight claim unless there’s a record of damage at drop-off. Missing this step could mean you’re stuck covering the cost of replacement items.
That said, Cutting Edge takes a different approach. We will still cover the cost of replacements if you miss this step. However, it makes the whole process faster and smoother for everyone involved when you give us documentation (such as photos or a waybill signed as damaged).
2. Inspecting Your Cabinet Doors For Damage
Once the skid is inside, your next step is to inspect each cabinet door individually. Even if there’s no visible damage on the outside, the doors inside could still be chipped, warped, or scratched. Take your time with this step; plan to spend about one minute per piece. A quick inspection is one of the fastest ways to catch transit damage early.
Check for issues such as cracking, splitting, deep scuffs, incorrect sizing, or warping. If you find anything, document it right away with photos and a list. This information will help expedite the warranty claim process and ensure you don’t miss anything.
Action Points
- Inspect each piece for 1 minute
- Check for cracks, chips, and warping
- Document any damaged or incorrect pieces
What If You Miss This Step?
Skipping this step might save you time in the short term, but it can cause much bigger delays later. You might install damaged doors in error. Or worse, it might be too late to make a warranty claim by the time you do notice the damage. Many suppliers require freight damage claims to be submitted within a short window, with proof of transit damage.
Even if your supplier accepts late claims, missing this step can cause longer waits and delays on-site.
3. Notify Your Supplier Of Any Damaged Cabinet Doors
Reach out to your supplier as soon as you confirm that damage exists. Even a heads-up helps them prepare. And remember, every cabinet door supplier is different, so have a conversation with your supplier to determine your next steps.
At Cutting Edge, your time matters to us, so we aim to make your job as easy as possible. If it’s easier for you to repair the parts on-site, we’ll pay you for your time (up to $50/hour) rather than delay your job with back-and-forth shipping.
Action Points
- Contact your supplier immediately with your order number
- Send photos and a description of the issue
- Ask whether to attempt a repair or request replacements
What If You Miss This Step?
You may void your warranty if you try to fix the damage. Some suppliers require returns or specific documentation. Some companies insist on having the original parts shipped back. Others won’t move forward without high-resolution photos and exact measurements.
That’s why it’s important to check what your supplier needs ahead of time. Cutting Edge aims to be flexible, but not all companies are. When in doubt, report the damage first and then decide your next step.
4. Submit A Warranty Claim For Damaged Cabinet Doors
After notifying your supplier, it’s time to make it official. Submitting a warranty claim is the last (and most important) step. This is how your replacements get approved and scheduled for production or shipment. The exact process depends on who you’re working with. Some companies have online claim forms, while others require emails with a detailed list and photos attached.
Action Points
- Send in a warranty claim with the order number
- Provide a list of damaged doors
- Provide a description of the issue and images
What Happens If You Miss This Step?
If you don’t submit a claim, nothing gets replaced. It’s that simple. Your supplier can’t read your mind or your delivery notes. A formal claim gives your supplier the green light to start resolving the issue.
Questions You Should Ask Your Supplier If You Receive Damaged Cabinet Doors
Even before placing your first order, it’s smart to ask your supplier how they handle freight damage. Not all companies make this easy, but the good ones will walk you through it.
Here’s what you should ask and why it matters:
- Do I need to inspect the doors right away? Some suppliers have a 24-hour reporting window, and missing the window voids the warranty.
- What happens if I don’t mark damage at delivery? Some cabinet door suppliers void freight coverage if this step is missed.
- Can I repair the item myself? Not all suppliers allow repairs or compensate for your time.
- Do I need to return the damaged parts? Most shipping companies have the right to pick up damaged items once your supplier submits a claim. You’ll need to keep the items until your supplier confirms if the claim has gone through.
- How long will it take to get replacements? This information helps with planning and managing expectations.
- How do I submit a warranty claim? A clear process means fewer delays and less stress.
Asking these questions upfront gives you confidence. It also helps you choose suppliers who won’t leave you hanging when issues arise.
Learn How Soon Cutting Edge Ships Replacement Cabinet Doors
At the end of the day, dealing with freight damage on cabinet doors is frustrating, especially when you’re running tight on time, resources, or crew availability. And when suppliers don’t make it easy, your reputation is at risk.
Now that you’ve learned from Cutting Edge how to handle freight damage step-by-step, you’re empowered to take action with confidence. From inspection to warranty claim, you’ve got the knowledge to prevent small issues from becoming big ones.
Don’t wait until damage disrupts your next job. Discover how soon you can expect warranty replacements to arrive and get back to delivering quality, on time, every time.
