UPS. Friend Or Foe?

UPS was the most unreliable shipper that I (tried to) use(d) when I was shipping my products when I was in business.  Shipments arrived damaged, were late or just flat lost.  UPS blows big wads.

Domestically, USPS did less damage.  Internationally, FedEx delivered every time (300+ shipments).

Shipper, beware.

Whenever I ship, I always overpack using bubble wrap, solid styrofoam and double box. So far so good.

The Pro-ject Carbon 10 weighs close to 120 pounds. It’s packed in a three-quarter inch furniture grade plywood box. The box was smashed when I received it. I don’t know how they manage that. UPS dropped it at least 8 feet. I don’t know. It was ugly.  My UPS guy took it back. Refused.
After that experience, I would never ship anything UPS. I ship only FedEx.

Do not let anyone package boxes for you. When your package, use 2 inch extruded, polystyrene foam. Do not use bead board, bubble wrap, paper bags, layered cardboard, or anything else. The object must not move within the box. Add additional pack to the manufactures, if necessary, so that I cannot move within the box. I’ll say that again. The object must not move within the box. Double box just as the former UPS employee suggested. I also use foam between the manufactures box and my outer box. 
I wouldn’t think of shipping without insurance.  

This is an expensive way to package your boxes. The advantage is, they will actually get there without being damaged.

Good luck to you on getting your refund from those clowns!

Bent 

Agree with most comments and will add a couple suggestions: 1) palletize, pay the extra money and ship via a reliable ground trucking company (not UPS or Fed Ex freight).  2) Talk to your dealer and ask them how they ship product.  3) Talk to the manufacturer and ask them what "common carriers" they use to ship product. 4) MOST IMPORTANTLY, IMHO is to take pictures as you pack your product at every stage of the packing process.  5) Insure as if it is new. 6) when packing place "FRAGILE" and "Do Not Stack" after you wrap up the pallet and product with plastic wrap and secure with straps (about $10-$15 at Home Improvement store) Yes, this will cost you extra money but trust me the extra money is worth the "piece of mind" you will have after it leaves your possession. 7) most common carriers will pick up at your house for no extra charge and they have pallet jacks to load into the truck. 8) take pictures/video as it leaves your possession going into truck.  

This seem like a lot of work but I would rather spend the extra time on my end while it is in my possession than conversing over the phone after it is in someone else's possession and I have no control over the situation.

Hope this helps and good luck.

I’ve had good luck with ups, but the best I feel is FedEx. USPS come in last. I just shipped three audio components via usps because the customer requested and paid for that and I’m bitting my nails. I purchased insurance myself as well.