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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
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.
don_s
270 posts
 
When I received the amplifier mentioned above the box was obviously punctured in a big way. The UPS driver volunteered to wait while I opened the package. I do not know if that is SOP or if he was just being a nice guy (which he is). He has driven my route for several years and made frequent stops at my place. Maybe I just got "frequent flier" treatment. He knows my gear costs big bucks. He mentioned that as a reason to wait while I opened the package.

Forgot to add above: I have never shipped a turntable either. Another scary-to-ship item.
glory's avatar
glory
1,373 posts
 
I have had the same experence as Tvad. UPS and Fedex will pay but you must cover all the bases. Pics, original packing. insurance and a receipt of how much you paid for the unit.
tiger
313 posts
 
I think most of the bases have been covered, e. g. double boxing, must have all original packing materials etc. Don't think the mail system is worth the risk. Also, increase the insurance value to the $5,000 level, not to scam the system but to get in the special handling track that both carriers have for 'value' shipments. While that will cost about $25, it is worth the extra cost if you have a high value items. If a claims does result you will only get paid what you can document as the value. Finally, do not ship turntables, they are a pick up only item.
tiger
313 posts
 
Also check out the shipping guidelines at:

www.approvedaudioservice.com

These people are in the business of servicing hi end stuff and have lots of experience in shipping.
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