Question about Shipping


Hey Guys,

Question about shipping a product.

I wanted to ask for advice from people who have sold equipment and how they went about shipping their product.

I am contemplating selling an integrated but before I get to that point, I am trying to get baseline numbers on shipping.

I went to Fedex today to talk to them, inquired about double boxing, provided value  and weight of product and gave them the furthest zip code from me (within the lower 48 states to get an idea of how much shipping would be).

 

They do not insure the product and stated I would need to insure with a 3rd party.

Anyways, here are my questions, hope people who have gone through this can chime in:

1) Who is your preferred shipper?

2) I am assuming you probably choose to ship ground unless the buyer wants it quicker?

3) Do you insure with the shipper or are you forced to go through a 3rd party?

4) I am assuming you include all the shipping costs in the price of your product or do you eat some of it so that you can sell your product?

5) Besides Audiogon, do you prefer some other site for selling?

6) Do you prefer to use Paypal or some other form of transaction?

7) I suppose a local sell would always be better to avoid the headache of shipping?

I appreciate any feedback.

Thanks

128x128jay73

Showing 1 response by simao

I us FedEx - they tend to be more reliable than others. FedEx always asked how much I want to insure it for. They probably have an upper limit. I;ve never been asked to insure it through a 3rd party. 

If the buyer meets my asking prince I'll pick up shipping. If not, we'll negotiate or they will pay. People are now used to free shipping so be sure to stipulate shipping prices and expectations BEFORE generating an invoice. 

Always ship in the original box if you have it and if it's in good condition. Manufacturers use them to ship units across the country so they should be okay to use again. However, if the box is compromised at all, find a bigger box to use for double packing. Shipping companies are loathe to admit fault and will find every weakness in your packing. If FedEx packs it themselves, then it's on them.