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insurance and shipping with UPS

I recently shipped a Levinson 432 amplifier with UPS.I brought it to UPS and requested that they box it. It was insured. During transit UPS dropped the amplifier and pretty much destroyed it. I offered to pay for repairs, however the buyer had no interest in purchasing the item. UPS inspected the damaged amplifier and denied my claim, insisting  the  amplifier was not properly packaged. Corporate denied responsibility and said the issue was between myself and the UPS franchise that shipped it. I've been dealing with the franchise for a month and they are fighting with corporate in an attempt to adjudicate the issue. Meanwhile, I've repaid the buyer and have had  no relief from UPS. The UPS website clearly states that if a franchise boxed the item they are responsible. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to resolve this issue, other than hiring an attorney? UPS seems to be somewhat of a scam operation. I did not realize that all UPS offices were franchises and am wondering why anyone would ship anything of value with them.
catsally1
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
sfseay writes: " I know nothing about properly protecting heavy audio equipment " then decided no one else here does either? I suggest you read what I wrote on how to pack any heavy equipment.I can guarantee it will  arrive in one piece. Particularly if the dense foam surrounding the item is 3" thick. The main thing is dropping.. You have to slow down the item enough to not rip off the transformer (which is the heaviest part in almost any heavy item) #1, and it dropped on a corner. to not bend the corner of the item. 
If the item is light weight, the foam should either be less dense. or cut so it has a lot of holes.The item should be able to move a little if it is dropped, compressing the foam to dissipate the force.   
I would usually get annoyed at someone for insulting me, but this time it is so blatantly stupid, I am just laughing.   
I agree the employees at UPS type stores including FedEx  have no idea how to pack an item. If it is valuable, I agree send for the OEM box.

vahes
44 posts
 

“thousands” Really?

Ok, that was an exaggeration on my part, and no I am not a dealer, perhaps I should have used the word “countless” instead.

I am a Mac owner, have been for at least 45 years and I do participate in various Mac forums, that is where I see pictures of shattered Mac face plates, too many to count or remember.

I have a pair of original Mc2205’s that I am using with a bi-amped speaker system, if I am not mistaken these were introduced back in 1977, old enough to benefit from an overall upgrade.

I always wanted to send these to Terry Dewick for an upgrade, but I am scared, even if these are shipped in a McIntosh original shipping box, I am afraid that they will not survive.


elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
For the really vauable stuff, send it air freight. FedEx Air is a separate company from ground. And they do a great job. Sure it costs $150.. $300 But if you want it to arrive safe. you pay.
catsally1 OP
8 posts
 
I actually thought that sfeay made a valid point. Personal comments on forums are never necessary, and I'm not talking about sfeay. We're all hear to learn and exchange ideas. I'll never understand why disparaging remarks are ever made and are usually precursors to food fights. These things really detract from the quality of the forum, and I'm sure discourage good people from ever posting. My takeaway from the posts and my personal experience is that regardless of how well something is packaged, if it falls off a truck or is run over by a forklift, it's going to be ruined. If an individual does his own packing, and even if it is packaged  properly, more often than not, UPS will find a way to deny the claim. There is actually a  greater likelihood of collecting what they call 'insurance' if you let them pack it. Okay, supervise the packing, but make sure they are involved.
googoogjoob
25 posts
 
whenEVER possible...save original boxes & packing.
they were specifically designed for your product.
an attic, a closet, basement, shed....
i know its a hassle.
but look what OP just went thru.
but IF you drop off to be packed, take multiple pics on their counter.
with employees if you can.
pictures are free...get pics or video of the packing process.
so happy for your outcome.
best wishes.
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