Shipping speakers from West Coast to East Coast


About 3 weeks ago I paid for a pair of large floorstanders speakers. The demo pair was at a dealer and I added $500 towards shipping. Of course the large speakers have to be shipped by freight and probably would cost a lot more. I told them that I would add to the $500 towards shipping, but they have to let me know how much $. Well, three weeks have passed and the speakers have not shipped. I called the dealer last week and I was assured (again) that the speakers are packed and ready to go, but they have not found a reliable shipping company. Hmmm, you would think that a high end dealer that receives large speakers would have an agreement with at least one freight company to be able to send out equipment to costumers that are not local. I know that the audio store is in the process of moving, and that might have impacted the shipping of products. Bottom line is that I paid in full and the speakers are sitting in boxes (I was told) in the dealer's store and I still don't have an update. The dealer has plenty of positive feedback and I don't doubt that they are keeping their word, and also that they're busy with moving. Is it unreasonable for me to ask for a refund?

iasi

I'd say if would be reasonable if you got back to them and said 'If it doesn't ship within the week, I'd like a refund, please.". 

They can use the same companies that ship Pinball Machines from Coast to Coast every single day for everybody in that hobby.  Same exact procedure.

Tell them ship the speakers by X date (give them maybe another 3 or 4 days) or tell them please send my money back! 

Years ago I bought a pair of JBL L300 from the east coast. I was on the west coast. The seller used Forward Air. That got them to LAX. I then had to arrange for a small van to bring them to me, 100+ miles away. 

Yes, I would request a refund. That will either get them sent or, hopefully, your money back. 

If you've no feedback after 3 weeks, I'd go take possession of the boxed units and shop the suggestions posted above.  If they accepted any $'s for shipping, I'd park self in whatever store they're in or still coming out of until I got that check.

How is the rest of your belongings traveling, or are you a minimalist? ;)

I have also used https://www.cratersandfreighters.com/ to ship my Apogee Slant 8's and they did a fantastic job! They have terminals all over the country.

Sorry dude.  If you're dealing with a company that is in the process of moving, you are down in the noise.  Hold your water.

Bummer. Gets irritating patiently waiting on a luxury item that is bought & paid for.. especially when you've already coughed up a decent amount for shipping. 

I think 3 weeks is ample "understanding" time given for his move. Due to it being a luxury item I get that the speakers aren't a life or death matter but the part of your story that sticks out is the excuse or reason for the delay. Can't find a legitimate shipping/freight company? Well that is just insulting. 

Like others have mentioned I would take the timetable approach. Giving them X amount of days to ship or full refund please. Worst case scenario is you could probably set up the shipping yourself..& maybe ask for a minor discount for your time & aggravation. Let them know the words of West Coast legend Big Worm..& that playing with my money is like playing with my emotions. 

I’ve used Estes twice with good results. I did pay extra for front door service and it was worth every penny.  The last shipment was from New Hampshire to inside my front door in less than 48 hours.

Could not be happier.

In what west coast city is this dealer located, lots folks here from all over, perhaps one of us could verify your speakers are where they’re supposed to be….

Should we read "moving store" as actually "going out of business"?

And "going out of business" as "bankrupt" and "get in line with the other creditors"?

Hope not.

yes, name the store and one of us will check it out for you. Without shipping it's not a sale.