Is it normal for coral frags to arrive completely browned out?

I have seen differing views on this subject. I received a Hawkins Echinata that was completely brown (no color whatsoever) and most other frags I received were quite devoid in color.

 

That's how they were shipped my friend.

 

Should one complain to the dealer for that? Is the expectation that frags should arrive fully colored?

 

If the frags were wysiwyg and were much more colorful I'd be upset. A Lot of times they'll just frag you off a piece form the bottom of the coral which is usually shaded out. Even some companies like ORA and LA do this.

All I'm saying is that 99.99% of frags arrive in the colors they were cut as.

The dealer will sit and argue til the end of time that they cut a colorful piece and it lost color in the bag, which technically you cannot disprove. Look at reef corner's statement about shipping corals, they're actually honest about it which is why I love them. They straight up tell you that corals do not brown out during shipping.

 

I would take pics upon arrival to prove the condition and I would certainly bring it to the dealers attention.