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Safe Shipping, Fact or Fiction

I have always purchased gear locally as to avoid the potential hassles of dealing with shippers. I have read some of the threads on this site that discuss the carelessness and mishandling of packages. Worse yet, I have read about the major carriers denying claims. I have found an item here on Agon that I would like to buy. The only hesitation I have is the shipping issue.

Overall, how much of a problem is shipping? What recommendations do you have for reducing the chances of these types of problems occurring? I'm not necessarily looking for a rating of UPS vs Fed Ex. I really want to know the best tactics that can be applied (i.e.: the carrier, the packaging, marking/identifying the package, the covering of one's proverbial ass, etc.).

Thanks.
2chnlben
glory's avatar
glory
1,373 posts
 
Use Tvad's wisdom and make sure the seller has the manufactor's packing materials and box and have it shipped by air.

Make sure it is a tube amp as they ship better than SS. =8^)
grinnell
661 posts
 
Take picutres of the box before you open it. That made a big difference when UPS tried to deny the seller's claim for a broken CDP. As soon as I sent the pics to UPS the paid off.
ledzep
4 posts
 
I am in a similar siutuation as 2chnlben but with a pre-amp. However, the seller is on the opposite side of the country from me and does not have the original packaging. The one reassurance is that the seller has much positive feedback. How critical is the original packaging to successful shipping?
thorman
1,262 posts
 
Use Priority Mail as much as you can..I have had my best luck with them...Double insure ( its cheap enough )..Stay away from FED EX and UPS...They love to play "Dropsies"..and will give you the cold shoulder if you need to make a claim...Turntables and Speakers are a real risk...Its a crap shoot no matter what.........
tvad
9,467 posts
 
How critical is the original packaging to successful shipping?
Ledzep (Threads | Answers)
It's critical. I wouldn't purchase an item without it's original packaging regardless of the seller's feedback.

Stay away from FED EX and UPS...They love to play "Dropsies"..and will give you the cold shoulder if you need to make a claim.
Thorman (Reviews | Threads | Answers)
This has not been my experience with UPS and FedEx. Each time they have been professional and have paid the claim. However, they do have a definite process that needs to be followed to recover damages. Details have been expressed at length in other threads.
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