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Safe Shipping, Fact or Fiction

I have always purchased gear locally as to avoid the potential hassles of dealing with shippers. I have read some of the threads on this site that discuss the carelessness and mishandling of packages. Worse yet, I have read about the major carriers denying claims. I have found an item here on Agon that I would like to buy. The only hesitation I have is the shipping issue.

Overall, how much of a problem is shipping? What recommendations do you have for reducing the chances of these types of problems occurring? I'm not necessarily looking for a rating of UPS vs Fed Ex. I really want to know the best tactics that can be applied (i.e.: the carrier, the packaging, marking/identifying the package, the covering of one's proverbial ass, etc.).

Thanks.
2chnlben
grinnell
1,087 posts
 
Take picutres of the box before you open it. That made a big difference when UPS tried to deny the seller's claim for a broken CDP. As soon as I sent the pics to UPS the paid off.
ledzep
4 posts
 
I am in a similar siutuation as 2chnlben but with a pre-amp. However, the seller is on the opposite side of the country from me and does not have the original packaging. The one reassurance is that the seller has much positive feedback. How critical is the original packaging to successful shipping?
thorman
1,262 posts
 
Use Priority Mail as much as you can..I have had my best luck with them...Double insure ( its cheap enough )..Stay away from FED EX and UPS...They love to play "Dropsies"..and will give you the cold shoulder if you need to make a claim...Turntables and Speakers are a real risk...Its a crap shoot no matter what.........
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don_s
271 posts
 
When I received the amplifier mentioned above the box was obviously punctured in a big way. The UPS driver volunteered to wait while I opened the package. I do not know if that is SOP or if he was just being a nice guy (which he is). He has driven my route for several years and made frequent stops at my place. Maybe I just got "frequent flier" treatment. He knows my gear costs big bucks. He mentioned that as a reason to wait while I opened the package.

Forgot to add above: I have never shipped a turntable either. Another scary-to-ship item.
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