Safe Shipping, Fact or Fiction

I think most of the bases have been covered, e. g. double boxing, must have all original packing materials etc. Don't think the mail system is worth the risk. Also, increase the insurance value to the $5,000 level, not to scam the system but to get in the special handling track that both carriers have for 'value' shipments. While that will cost about $25, it is worth the extra cost if you have a high value items. If a claims does result you will only get paid what you can document as the value. Finally, do not ship turntables, they are a pick up only item.

Also check out the shipping guidelines at:

www.approvedaudioservice.com

These people are in the business of servicing hi end stuff and have lots of experience in shipping.

Shipping, regardless the sellers feedback, or packing, is a coin toss at best. Many dealers I’ve spoken with have said that their major obstacle in selling is the carrier.

Despite the horror stories surrounding shippers, the majority of shipped items arrive safely. Carriers couldn't stay in business if they didn't.

However, it's my major concern when buying outside of my locale.

If there's no original packing then I'll usually pass on the deal. Or I'd ask the seller to have the shipper for the whatever thing, do their own packing process. The latter is no slam dunk on a safe arrival, but a far better way to wind up with a easier path for recovery from the “packer - carrier”.

Even if it is all orig, but has changed hands several times and isn’t in great shape as the result of all those frequently traveled miles, I’d be double sure to cover the quality of the container with the seller up front. New containers can be had from the orig maker…. IF it’s not to dated a component. The fee for this can be at first a pricey aspect added onto the purchase, but a true benefit to the then buyer, and perhaps to the next as well.

If it has been packed well and is an expensive item, say over 2 grand, then I’d add a couple hundred +/- to overnight the item to you. Also, air is no guarantee of safe delivery, but it is ‘handled’ a few less times.

I have bought and sold speakers to and from one coast to the other. All in their orig packing without damages to the speakers themselves. The packing however in some cases did not fare quite so well… but then that’s the job of the packing. Right?

The insurance aspect? It’s not really insurance, but merely a ‘declared value which HAS to be supported by affidavits such as a bill of sale… receipts… invoices… etc., in thje event of any claim. Perhaps all of the above too. Spend as much as you wish to ‘cover’ an item being sold or bought. In the end however, if some claim is sought, only the supported actual loss can be recovered.

Along with the bill of sale you can ask for a statement from the seller which allows you to initiate, continue, and settle a claim. Carriers, by and large, see the point of origin as the shipper and wish to deal only with them for purposes of possible claims... regardless who has actually paid for the shipping!

No item is entirely safe from mishandling. None. Lighter things seem to be less risky than heavy things, or large things…. BUT it seems to me to come down to this one item…....

“is your prospective purchase worth taking the risk of shipping to have it?”

I’d venture a guess that many here will agree it is IF all the other C.Y.A. bases listed herein are covered.

One comment about original packaging materials; you have to evaluate the quality of them as part of your decision to ship. The rigid styrofoam that's often used may fit the gear and the box perfectly but it's good for only one encounter with gravity. It works for that one moment of abuse by collapsing and is then useless for any subsequent bounces.

Some manufacturers put as much care into their packaging as into their products but some don't. I've thrown out a lot of original packaging and replaced it with resilient foam and heavy-duty bubble wrap because I've had too many pieces of equipment damaged due to the failure of the packaging provided by the manufacturer.

I have to agree completly with Sfar's comments . Even my dealer has complained bitterly about some manufactures lack of thought or care in the protection of their products once they leave the factory . Some producing very expensive gear that little care is taken towards packaging . Anything shipped via any choice given comes with inherit risks no matter how well packaged . The best one can do is reduce the risk by packaging as best as one can and pay the price for which ever service reduces handling . Air for sure on long distances . Some buyers who complain about ridiculous brokerage fees when buying say from the US to Canada should know that when you use Air to have something shipped not only are you reducing the risk of overhandling and bouncing around for 2000 miles on the back of a truck the brokerage fees are included when shipped by Air( fed-ex ) . In the long run it costs about 20% less, the fees are upfront with out that month later bill from fed ex that when added to the original costs paid for shipping ground are more expensive than if shipped by Air . Double boxing can,t hurt and does keep the original box clean and unworn . Heavier and larger the shippment the higher the risk , ie large speakers and heavy amps . Turntables, that takes a special skill to package and ship, a skill few have . If insured , shipped with the least amount of handling , and packaged well your product should arrive safely if handled with the profesionalism we hope we paid for .