2. amps-preamps
  3. 1045232251

Shipping/packing-what's the standard for pre & CD?

Hi,
I'm new to buying and selling audio equipment on the Internet. I want to receive some feedback on what is "generally" best practice and what is "generally" acceptable to request or to have requested in terms of shipping methods and packaging. Items are: non-tube CD player, tube pre-amp, value around $6,000.

I want to use this as a non-biased "guide" to assist me and another party in reaching a mutually satisfying shipping arrangement in an otherwise mutually satisfying transaction. Both parties are honest with good intentions.

Seller has original boxes and thinks that this packaging should be sufficient and that FedEx 3 day would be better handle the packages than UPS or FedEx ground. Agree? Disagree?

Buyer thinks that the original boxes should each be placed in an additional box and surrounded with peanuts. Also thinks that the pre-amp tubes should be removed and packed separate. Is this best or is this overkill?

Seller agrees to pay shipping as part of sale price based on UPS ground for original size and weight. Buyer proposed to pay the additional packing material and shipping costs for this. Should the seller agree simply because buyer will pay the extra cost? What about the sellers’ time?

Your thoughtful and experienced insights may help us in this otherwise mutually satisfying transaction. Thanks for reading.
128x128jim63

Showing 1 response by peteinvicta1

peteinvicta1
22 posts
 
My opinion is that for $6k worth of equipment, effective double boxing is a must. The only amp I have ever had damaged was when I tried to ship something in the original (perfect shape) box/packing materials with no outer box. It got beat up by Fed Ex ground. They paid claim because I had pictures of unit and box before it was trashed.
Go to a Fed Ex place and get their brochure called "Safe packing techniques" or something like that. It details what Fed Ex consider safe packing techniques, and they will often not pay claims if these guidelines aren't met. It may seem like overkill, but if you are talking 6,000 bucks it would seem necessary.
As a seller, I would be happy to do the work of double boxing to save the incredible hassle of an insurance claim. The fact that you are offering to pay for it would make it even easier to justify in my opinion.
Just my take on it....
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