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Shipping Questions - First Time Seller

I'm preparing to sell my old ARC amplifier, and while the Audiogon FAQs cover most aspects of selling, I'm unsure how best to prepare the amp for shipping (I want to have all my details worked out before I post the classified). I have all the original double box packaging from ARC. I assume I should remove the tubes, wrap them in bubble wrap, and put them on the chassis under the cage? The original packaging doesn't have any place for the tubes external to the amp itself. Since the packaged weight is 80 lbs, is the ARC packaging sufficient by itself? When I purchased this amp the dealer delivered it and set up the system, so I don't know if he received the amp in a crate, on a pallet, etc. Lastly, since the boxed amp is very awkward to carry (really needs two people), does UPS come to your door? Thanks for your advice, I want to make sure that when I do sell it, the potential buyer gets the amp in the same condition I sent it.
palewin
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,306 posts
 
you could try to sell it in your area. drive to meet someone half way so a shipper does not touch the box. it is worth trying.

if you have to ship I would still put something around the outer box. when I sold my last amp I double boxed and then put a very dense cardboard (that I got from work - 1/8" thick) in front of the box where the faceplate is as well as dense cardboard corners on the front and back, top and bottom strapped to the box. this is good protection in case of the box getting dropped or something poking the front.

to some extent you want to protect the boxes themselves as it adds to the overall value and (obviously) the amps thmeselves would be protected

good luck
photon46
1,085 posts
 
Don't we all wish every seller had the foresight you've got, trying to head off problems before they happen. I've had very bad luck with audio gear shipped by UPS, FedEx, and DHL. They all seem to employ mean spirited, slippery fingered workers who never pass up a chance to drop a heavy box of my equipment. Consequently, I overpack and prepare for the worse. Seldom is manufacturer's packing adequate IMO. I always reinforce the foam inserts with additional bubble wrap and/or cut foam shaped to support the gear. Boxes that have made more than one or two trips are usually structurally compromised, so I make or get new boxes. Something heavy like an amp would be well served by having a custom made shipping crate made. Failing that, I always use fiberglass reinforced banding that's secured with crimped steel clips to hold everything together. If in doubt, consider a second shipping box for the tubes. Every shipper I've ever used brings gear to the door (but I live in a suburban home, not a third floor apartment.)
dwhitt
347 posts
 
i have been apart of shipping over seven years now , with speakers to amps, etc...over seventy sells, i have stopped shipping....it is not worth the sell to me anymore....i would sell locally or meet someone . it may take you longer, if you are local to a city, things obviously be better, if you have to ship...boy,,good luck,,,,none of the shippers handle any of the transaction very well. i have stopped due to the shippers mishandling and just too much stressss......
larryken
537 posts
 
that's going to be tough to ship successfully. I'd call the dealer of ARC and see what they recommend.I'd also ship with the tubes in place.
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