2. amps-preamps
  3. 123565-3529

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
bassdude OP
498 posts
 
By far the most informative and helpful post in this discussion, from which hopefully all will benefit.  

I just obtained a quote from SBA on an expensive item I'm about to ship.  The representative is a local person, who I can look to and trust to resolve any issues whatsoever - much more reliable than contacting a "no-name" in a call center somewhere, who is not accountable for the company's failure.  

Sure... it may be a little more costly than UPS or FedEx... but... not much... and... that is a small price for the assurance that a multi-thousand dollar piece of equipment will be shipped with utmost care and will be reimbursed timely if damaged in shipment.  

While FedEx and UPS may be OK, for low value items...  No doubt SBA is a much safer way to ship expensive audio equipment, which is heavy and bulky.    
missioncoonery
1,227 posts
 
 Fed-Ex uses independent drivers and in my area they all look like the truck broke down up the street and they had to work on it getting all dirty for a few before bring my package. Not a  good look..Ive actually seen a fed ex driver open his side door and push my Rel sub out the door with his foot out onto the sidewalk.Telling me as I ran out my front door  up to the truck "boy thats a heavy package"...now UPS in my experience fights any and all damage claims no matter what.I guess thats par for the course as insurance is a rip off game anyway.They will come up with any excuse not to pay for damaged items....so its all a gamble when shipping with either
bassdude OP
498 posts
 
Ditto - exactly the same experience with FedEx this past week.  

The driver was throwing / rolling the package around, which he'd already torn the corner off of - a 75 lb package about 2 ft square and 15 in deep - because he couldn't lift it and didn't care to try.  

He didn't have any idea what the value of the package and contents was... and... didn't care.

I'm hoping to find a shipping service which is safe and reliable, which will stand behind their services... and... pay their claims.  

That is not FedEx and perhaps not UPS.  I'm thinking SBA or BAX may be the answer for "high-value" shipments.  

It's much less of an issue... for the vast majority... who are only shipping something with a value of no more than $100-$2000.  They may be able to use FedEx or UPS with much less risk.  But, for "high value" shipments there must be a better / safer alternative.
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,611 posts
 
I've never had a problem with FEDEX.

UPS has been horrific in my experience.  
I'll never use UPS again to ship anything audio.

..my 2 cents
strateahed
305 posts
 
Different strokes ... based on a couple of bad experiences years ago with FedEx, I won't use them and I specifically request shippers to use UPS when sending anything to me.
More to discover