Original Packaging, you gotta have it.

Derek, NOW do you know why i packed the way that i did and made the statements that i did about filing claims and the hassle involved ??? : )

Sorry that the deal didn't work out, but you were completely justified in refusing the shipment. Nobody should have to pay for damaged / possibly damaged goods. The shipper will NOT be happy but that is his own fault. Live and learn. There's been more than enough threads about stuff like this on EVERY audio forum known to man ( and woman ). There is NO excuse for poorly packed equipment. Sean
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PS... Good thing there were no snakes living in that box when you stuck your hand in there : )

I can't believe whoever sold it to you actually packaged and amp of that price in such shoddy confines. When I finally get something out the door I in no way want to see it back, and if it means that extra couple of bucks in packaging, I'll do it, if nothing else to give myself piece of mind and possibly saving a slight hassle. Hell, newspaper is always free and in abundance to supplement the styrofoam inserts and extra boxes aren't hard to find. Most shipping companies will tell you an item has to be able to withstand a 3 foot drop, since that's exactly how far it may be from one conveyor belt to the next. I can understand your disappointment with your purchase not being as expected, but the seller didn't do their end.

I have a different perspective on shipping, so let me explain. I've been involved with the trucking industry for most of my adult life, so let me tell you guys what happens. Some of the trucks & trailers have air ride, some don't. Some roads are good, some not. Sometimes the load is stable, sometimes it shifts. Get the picture? The guys on the dock are underpaid & overworked as are the people who load & unload off conveyor belts, planes, whatever. The packages get thrown, dropped, kicked, poked with forklifts, etc. Lots of good suggestions as to packing. The best way to ship is use the original box w/original packing AND THEN put it in another box with a barrier of at least 4" of packing peanuts. If original packing material is unavailable, bubble wrap the component then tape together some sturdy cardboard for a makeshift box THEN put it in a second box with the barrier of packing peanuts. Everything I've ever sent this way has arrived undamaged because I've seen what can happen with my own eyes. Always put "Live Animals" on your package for best results. No wait, I mean put "Fragile Handle With Care". Also put "This End Up". For very large items there are tip over alerts that use a variety of triggering mechanisms like a mercury switch w/glitter for example. The acid test is this: When you're done packing up said item, hold it three feet off the ground. Now drop it. Do you feel comfortable that it will survive the fall? Better, 'cause that's what's going to happen once it leaves your hands. One last thing. When I pack stuff to send Priority Mail, it's packed well enough to be thrown across the room & banked off the wall.

Sometimes you're just S.O.O.L. if the you buy the item used and it didn't come in the original packaging. That being the case, I went to MBE, had them box it up in bubble wrap, styrofoam, etc. but not double boxed. Sure enough, the unit was trashed when it got there. What I want to know is - How do you destroy a Tice Power block? I thought those things were virtually indestructible.

I've learned that anything that can be double boxed in styrofoam and grossly over-taped has a high chance of success.

Twice UPS has damaged near new speakers boxed in non original packaging. The corners always get crushed. I'll never ship big speakers again. Pick up or personal delivery , no shipping. I think I finally get the UPS insurance deal... original packing or no insurance.