Seller Question - I need UPS to come get these large speaker boxes - how to manage that?


Just like the subject says: I cannot fit these large speaker boxes in my vehicle. UPS and other shippers will come get packages often for a small fee - often for free. How do I - as a seller - make sure that gets into this business transaction if I sell these on Audiogon? I want the buyer to pay for shipping. Is this possible on this site? 

128x128david_l

Of course you can ask the buyer to pay for shipping. Everything is negotiable.

Regardless of who purchases the shipping label, the size, weight and location of the items all play into the pricing.

I truly appreciate that you don’t have a giant car or truck.

You can choose shipping with local pickup.

I just include shipping in the price.  Buyers like seeing a number and knowing that is the full ammount they pay.  so figure out a number and just add it to the price and put in free for shipping.  Price is $xxxx, shipping to contininental US included.

Do not ship large speakers through UPS or FedEx ground  unless they are in wooden crates. You are taking a risk and it’s a 50/50 chance that they will get to their destination in one piece. Both UPS and FedEx are not equipped to handle large packages. For large speakers, always use freight with speakers tied to a pallet or offer local pickup. 

Please note, there is FedEx and FedEx freight. Same with UPS - there is a weight and size limit for UPS and FedEx - you might put the speakers on a shipping pallet (skid) Pallets come in different sizes so choose a size which will accommodate the speaker boxes, but not too big as that raises your shipping costs. You'll need to strap the boxes to the pallet and I would wrap the boxes with a vinyl wrap to protect the boxes from moisture. You need to give FedEx freight the dimensions and the weight of the pallet. Some sellers need to pack the pallet outside their house - this is not a service that FedEx does for you. You might have to pay for a tailgate at both ends and there is usually an extra charge if you are collecting or shipping into a residential address. You'll be shocked at the cost of shipping.

Depending on the size and weight, you might want to consider using a common carrier.  I have used Estes several times with good results.

All the best.

If possible, if you want to palletize the speakers, make sure you pack them on their sides with the speaker cones facing each other and that should at least protect them. Make sure you plastic wrap the entire pallet before shipping. 

I’ve shipped large boxed, high value speakers, electronics (RTR player, amplifiers), rare tubes, and turntables using a white glove delivery service (aka courier service). Several choices are available online; will transport across CANUSA); and insured. They are more equivalent in price to the commercial shippers using pallets, but I offer it to the buyer as an option and incorporate it into the sale price.

Get a quote from XPO Logistics and make sure insurance is included in the price.  

UPS has a LTL freight subsidiary (they bought Overnite). Check their website for their range of services. I know at one point they would collect, pack, and pallet and ship large items. Costs are determined by volume, number of pallets required, weight and distance and pickup and delivery services. It sounds as if you need a full-range inside delivery service (i.e., not a shipping dock or curbside delivery.) There are also freight broker companies online that will schedule a carrier for you. I have used similar companies for delicate, expensive and bulky medical equipment shipping. An alternative is a conventional moving company that accepts LTL shipments (used in excess space aboard moving vans.)