how do you ship?


i don't usually use (well, okay probably never) fedex, but a guy i just sold to wanted it fedex. so i took my preamp to kinko's to ship it and was told that fedex only insures up to $500? are you kidding me? i had this verified by fedex by phone. is this common knowledge? so how do you guys ship? i have always sent either usps or UPS and have never had a problem with either. as an aside, just last week i had some new Axiom HT speakers delivered to me. i watched as the fedex guy wheeled them up to the bottom of my stairs with a hand cart. then, as i am staring at him, PLOP goes my speakers face down on the sidewalk in their box. PLOP goes my speakers as he flips them end over end to the top of my 10 feet of stairs. luckily Axiom has great packaging so no harm done. but even from a customer service standpoint, WOW.
ratso1
Ratso1, based on the information presented in the FedEx Declared Value and Limits of Liability policy linked above, and based on what you've mentioned in your posts, it's apparent that none of the statements made to you by any of the FedEx personnel adhere to what's contained in the company policy.

Either there is some misunderstanding/miscommunication in the dialogue, or there is some poor personnel training.

Maybe you should print out a copy of the policy and take it with you next time you ship FedEx.
Tvad, do you really suppose that FedEx would honor the misstatements of its employees and pay a claim?
10-21-09: Tbg
Tvad, do you really suppose that FedEx would honor the misstatements of its
employees and pay a claim?
Absolutely.

If they didn't, I am certain a civil court would make them do so (although I
imagine when we ship FedEx there's a clause in the shipping agreement that
binds us to arbitration).
For those of you who have a business or access to someone who does, set up an acct w DB Schencker aka BAX Global. I shipped a 120 lb sub to Houston, second day standard (couldn't use their economy service due to high value). They picked it up yesterday at 5 PM here on the east coast,and it was delivered in Houston TODAY by 3 PM eastern time. Total cost was about 30-40% less than either FEDEX or UPS GROUND, which was posted as 3-4 days. And they picked it up @ no charge. YMMV, but I've always been happy w their service
Swampwalker, that is tremendous service!

Due to an unfortunate experience with BAX Global delivering damaged
loudspeakers, I have not chosen to use them as a shipper.

However, I have had service equal to what you describe (including lower
prices than FedEx or UPS) from Team Worldwide.