Bigjoe is exactly right. My wife suggested the same thing yesterday. I took digital pics of the Wadia and all the pieces and parts that were going with it before I packed it. It makes me mad as hell because this was a really nice piece. When I detailed it before I packed it I was surprised at how nice it was. Not a scratch on the faceplate, top, or sides. They just trashed it completely. It won't power on and I suspect the circuit boards are broken also. I really feel this was intentional after the confrontation I had with the first driver when he almost ran over my brand new heat pump units. How long do you think it would have taken me to collect on that?? I will pursue this and get my money and damage DHL as much as possible. Obviously, these companies don't care what they destroy as they make it hell to collect on claims. I have a ton of documentation and pics and emails about this. They would have zero chance in small claims court against me. My question after that is once you get a judgment against DHL that is just a hunting license. But, they have assets so I guess I couple seize a couple of those yellow vans??? Please advise on the collection process, Bigjoe and what you had to do and how long it took?? Thanks for all the responses and empathy. This is my first time with shipping damage and I'm mad as hell. This is a scourge to the entire audiophile community as we can't do this hobby without reliable shipping. I can understand that accidents can happen but these shippers should be quick to pay on these damage claims when they occur. I could accept that but they make it as difficult as possible to collect and time consuming as well. The buyer is disappointed and the seller loses his money and goods. Makes no sense to me. Don't now why we could band together and try to do something about this larger problem.
Audiophiles DO NOT USE DHL-READ MY NIGHTMARE
Just had a nightmare experience with DHL shipping a Wadia 16 from Richmond,Va to South Carolina. Yesterday, the driver came to pick it up and tried to turn his van around where it could not be turned around in a shared driveway, almost ran over my new heat pumps, ran over my neighbors drainage pipe, and then stormed off without picking up the package. I tried to stop him and could not. I called DHL and reported the driver. His manager came to pickup my package. His manager told me that the driver is a hothead sometimes. Great! It was scheduled for delivery today. I told the guy it was a CD player, delicate electronic instrument and the waybill also had that info. My buyer just called me told me that the Wadia 16 arrived and was completely totalled. They had dropped it on its side and broken all the connections on the back. The styrofoam was crushed into powder. I almost feel like they did this intentionally. When I called to report the problem I was told that unless I could produce a receipt that they would not pay the claim as I had it insured for $ 2K. She seemed amazed that a CD player could be worth $ 2K. The way she talked it could be months before I get my money back, if ever. I had thought that DHL was trying to take business from FedEx and UPS and was doing a good job. Obviously, I will never use them again. Also, lost the $ 125 I paid to have the unit shipped overnight and to insure it. This is my first experience like this and I am ticked!!! Beware of DHL. I can understand how accidents can happen but that is what the insurance is for. I just got a poor reception when I called to make a claim. Consider this experience when you decide on your shipper!!!!