Question about Shipping

If I'm selling electronics online, I take photos, then pack the box before I even write the ad. Usually, I double-box to prevent even unlikely problems.

Having the packing done allows me to get accurate weight and dimensions before I list the unit. I find that makes sales easier, as through Audiogon, e.g., the buyer can choose their freight service and insurance if that information is in the ad. And it lets me ship the unit immediately after I have payment.

When I talked to Fedex today, they stated that if a product goes missing or damaged, they try to find the same product for sale or something similar and what ever price they come across, that is what they reimburse.
 

This is really interesting information. I just wrongfully assumed that if it’s insured up to whatever amount you paid for, you would be reimbursed up to that amount. 

1.  Don't insure your item.  Insurance is way overpriced because of fraud and those who package poorly.  Instead, package it so they can't break it.  Also, if you ever do try to make an insurance claim after hundreds of calls, months of waiting, and man-weeks of your time, you'll realized you earned less than minimum wage collecting.

2.  It will cost you at least twice as much to take it to a shipping store and have them double box it.  Maybe triple.  If you're ok with this they will packiage it securely.

3.  If you package it yoruself in a bombproof package and print your label online, it will be quite affordable.  a 30 lb package generally in the $40 to $60 range, dependding on where you ship it. 

4. The shipper is responsible for delivery to the buyer.  Your contract ends when the buyer recieves it in good condition.  

Jerry

Scammers are easy to deal with on CL, they are so obvious. This is my ad text. Don't use your main email address, use a backup. Don't text or talk on the phone, they can harvest your number. A real buyer will do what you say. Works every time. Only send your address a few hours before the stated meeting time. Always meet on your terms & location.

Please read the ad description. If you see the ad, it is still available.
(Description here)

Not interested offers or trades. Local CASH sale only. No TEXTS or PHONE CALLS, email only.
Please email with a day and time you would like to come buy it for (price here) and I'll send you the address. Thank you.

Careful, double box, smart and required for insurance,

I would buy insurance, doesn’t cost that much. keep in mind, any insurance claim will be by you as you arrange for/pay for the insurance, not the buyer (even though the buyer pays you), and a claim is both confusing and takes time, and will depend on the buyer’s photos of the damaged box as received, unopened, and the damaged goods. Then buyer has shipper pick it up and shipper will asses the damage. It has to be done right to be successful.

If you don’t have confidence, UPS has a ’pack and ship’ service. (check online see which locations offer it).

Call them, give them the size and weight of your item, and a zip code middle distance from you. They will give you an estimate close to the final price.

Then, in your ad, state local pick-up preferred, and that the UPS ’pack and ship’ estimate to ___ zip code.

Then the buyer (not you) makes arrangement with their local UPS, pays for it directly, and UPS is responsible for it, buyer deals with any problem. (you can tell them the UPS closest ’pack and ship’ location to them) You simply drop it off at your UPS in their name, unpacked, walk away.

I have bought two sets of speakers, and had a third item (my mother’s childhood croquet set) using/paying for UPS pack and ship, excellent results.

This is a good way to buy something you really want when the buyer says local pickup only.

byw: local pickup: I offer to meet buyer anywhere up to 1 hour away, thus your area of buyers is essentially a circle of two hours.