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A bad situation

I'm looking for opinions as to how to resolve a situation that arose recently. I sold a preamp to a gentleman here on Audiogon for $150. From what I can tell he wanted to use the preamp as an inexpensive phono section. He sent me a money order and I in turn sent off the preamp via UPS insured, packaged up with plenty of bubble wrap so (in theory) it wouldn't get damaged. The preamp arrives, but, the selector switch is broken and evidently the switch is an oddball component that cannot be sourced. I know the preamp was working fine before I shipped it, I sure wouldn't sell a piece of broken equipment, not even for a $150. What's the equitable thing to do in this situation? Make a claim with UPS? Pay a tech to hardwire the premap, bypassing the selector switch? Refund his money and throw the thing away? I know, it's only $150 but at the same time there really ought to be a code of ethics we all try to follow. I understand the buyers disappointment and he may even feel like he's been screwed, I want to make this right. Any and all opinions are welcome. Thanks, Jeff
jeffloistarca

Showing 1 response by justlisten

justlisten's avatar
justlisten
489 posts
 
Jeff,

My 2 cents, if indeed you packed the item well and UPS damaged the goods I dont think you should have to bear the burden for what UPS has done. Contrary to the opinions above, I do believe you have fufilled your obligations if you have properly packed the item. The party who hasnt completed his contract is UPS. I say both parties need to work on this and a full upfront refund to the buyer isnt nessesarily required by you. UPS let both of you down. One last thing, where I send my packages, UPS are now requiring original packaging if sending electronics via insured shipping. You may run into that problem while dealing with UPS claims. I heard that Office Depot can package your shippmnent (at a cost of course) should you not have the original boxing. Good luck, I think you are going what is over and above what should be expected of someone in this situation.
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