My plates arrived well packed. However, I immediately noticed that the pattern was paler in colour than the plates I already own. Thinking they were seconds, I contacted the Live Chat And was told the company doesn't sell seconds. I sent photos showing the difference between the plates I already own and the plates just delivered. The rep could tell the difference as well. I was offered a partial refund or to send them back. As I need the plates for Christmas day, I chose the refund and hoped no one would notice. However, I'm still waiting for the refund, and it would be jolly nice to know why those plates were so different in colour to my existing ones.