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WARNING - USE UPS FOR SHIPPING RATHER THAN FEDEX

Just a bit of advice for those shipping heavy items to buyers.

FedEx has indicated that it is their policy NOT TO REIMBURSE shippers / buyers for the damage to the container of a shipment - you must replace the container at your own cost.  

UPS has confirmed that it is their policy TO REIMBURSE shippers / buyers for the damage to the container of a shipment - provided you provide sufficient proof of loss.  

This happened to me this week.  FedEx destroyed an expensive box containing an amplifier I purchased on Audiogon.  The shipper filed the claim for replacement of the box, which cost $150 from the manufacturer, and FedEx denied the claim - because they do not insure the container - ONLY THE CONTENTS.  The shipper had foolproof proof of loss.  Yet FedEx would not reimburse him.  The shipper did have a new box sent to me - but, he had to absorb the entire cost of the damage caused by FedEx.  

The only recourse the buyer has is to simply "reject" the shipment and FedEx will return it to the seller at the seller's cost.  In this instance, I conferred with the shipper, and he decided to have me accept the shipment and he would replace the box.  But... it was a costly lesson.  

This is the socond time this has happened to me - FedEx has damaged a container, during shipment.  So - it is a frequent enough occurence that it will be my policy in the future to ship only via UPS.  
bassdude
ejr1953
918 posts
 
I've used both and have never had a bad experience with either, with one exception.

When I sold my NAD Masters Series components (3 cartons), shipping from Maryland to Colorado, the buyer could only accept and sign for the shipment from home, after hours, a service FedEx offers, but one which I could not do on their website (high value).  When I got to the local FedEx store they clipped me for about $150 more than shipping for daytime delivery.

When I sell, my most local drop off point is my local UPS Store.  If an item is valued at over $999, I am required to print off a form, meet the driver at the store and have him sign for it, no problem, as he's there from about 5:30pm for 20-30 minutes.  Apparently UPS had troubles dropping off high value items at those franchised UPS Stores.
r_f_sayles's avatar
r_f_sayles
872 posts
 
There are many high-end manufacturers/dealers that will not ship UPS, nor except UPS shipments. I have experienced far too many horror stories first hand, of damaged gear. They will NEVER see my business. (period) FedEx has (knock on wood) never damaged or lost a thing for me, so guess who has my account?!
bassdude OP
502 posts
 
No doubt the only safe way to ship "high-dollar," heavy, bulky equipment is SBA or BAX - forget about FedEx and UPS.

They may be fine for smaller, less expensive shipments, but not for "the good stuff."

See the "Amps Forum" post by someone who is far more experienced and knowledgeable than anyone posting above.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/warning-use-ups-for-shipping-rather-than-fedex

jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
See the "Amps Forum" post by someone who is far more experienced and knowledgeable than anyone posting above.

bassdude, you have convinced me....you must work for UPS!!
No other explanation.
Post removed 
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