Arago - YES, I have had the experience more than once that the shipper underpacked an item and the item was damaged as a result. In THREE separate cases out of maybe six to eight total, I had VERY specific conversations with the sellers about careful packing, double-boxing, proper packing materials. In all three cases the sellers assured me up and down that they were very careful and would use all the right stuff. In ALL THREE cases when the item arrived severely damaged the seller dropped the ball and DID NOT make good on following up. In two cases I had to pursue the claims which were absolute nightmares that lasted over 90 days and dozens of frustrating phone calls to the insurance division of UPS and FedexGround both which were prepared to deny very legitamate claims in both those cases. I was not assisted in any way by the sellers as they all three denied responsibility. One was kicked off Audiogon as a result (there were other circumstances as well that precipitated that action from my transaction with him). The other two simply got negative feedback and never attempted other transactions on A'gon as far as I know. In the third case I ended up spending about $400 of my own money in a repair. UPS would NOT foot the bill as the item was clearly not packed properly.
Escrow is a great solution. And guess what; you are absolutely right, in the case of Escrow, the burden, as it should be, is on the seller to deliver the goods as described. The debate then is who pays the escrow fee, and in my experience it would most likely be worth it as a buyer if you are investing serious money in an item.
Dan, no hard feelings here either. We simply disagree I think. My feelings, as stated, are it is 100% the sellers responsibility to deliver the goods as described to the buyer. I completely agree on your endorsement to overpack everything. The small investment which can certainly and rightfully be charged to the buyer if disclosed ahead of time, is well worth the insurance it will yield.
Marco
Escrow is a great solution. And guess what; you are absolutely right, in the case of Escrow, the burden, as it should be, is on the seller to deliver the goods as described. The debate then is who pays the escrow fee, and in my experience it would most likely be worth it as a buyer if you are investing serious money in an item.
Dan, no hard feelings here either. We simply disagree I think. My feelings, as stated, are it is 100% the sellers responsibility to deliver the goods as described to the buyer. I completely agree on your endorsement to overpack everything. The small investment which can certainly and rightfully be charged to the buyer if disclosed ahead of time, is well worth the insurance it will yield.
Marco