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Question about shipping damage

I recently sold an amp and when the buyer received it he contacted me stating that the "speaker a" binding post were broken but the smp powered up and worked fine. Then I received another message from the buyer stating that one channel went out and the other was distorting.

I had taken the amp to a UPS store to have it packed and I watched the attendant pack it. She did a really good job of packing it with several sheets of bubble wrap and foam and then double boxed it (packing peanuts in the outer box).

The buyer even commented on how well it was packed. I insured it for more than the value so I think I'm covered.

My question is how to proceed from here. The buyer said the box was undamaged so I am mystified as to how the binding posts could get damaged and further more what could cause the amp to distort.

Has any one ever had this happen? If so what course of action did you take with UPS. Should I have the amp sent back and file the claim or contact UPS immediately and then have a pick-up scheduled.

Any direction or words of wisdom are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
chrshanl37

Showing 1 response by truemaineiac

truemaineiac's avatar
truemaineiac
249 posts
 
I will tell you my horror story, I had UPS store ship an amp for me in the original double box that it was shipped to me in brand new. I insured it for the full value and had disclosed exactly what was being shipped. The buyer got the amp and the box had obviously been dropped, the tube cage had come off and wrecked the tubes and scratched the casing. I filed a claim with UPS who picked up the amp and delivered it back to the UPS store where I shipped it. I reimbursed the seller for amp and shipping.

UPS denied my claim saying that they didn't pack it and that the packing was insufficient given the weight of the amp, that it should have been on a pallet. They didn't say that when I shipped it or took my money for insurance. I have appealed to UPS, found a UPS corporate person that didn't help much because they said since it was UPS Store, not UPS that bore the responsibility. I threatened to sue the owner of the store and even have a voice mail with the employee who took my amp saying I was right, it was packed properly. They sent me a check covering the cost of the tubes plus the cost of having it checked by a technician. It was just checked out and I am going to be picking it up and putting it up for a local only transaction.

What I find obnoxious is that UPS/UPS Store can take your money for insurance and not pay if something happens. I still might sue them in small claims court just for fun.
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