2. amps-preamps
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WARNING - USE UPS FOR SHIPPING RATHER THAN FEDEX

Just a bit of advice for those shipping heavy items to buyers.

FedEx has indicated that it is their policy NOT TO REIMBURSE shippers / buyers for the damage to the container of a shipment - you must replace the container at your own cost.  

UPS has confirmed that it is their policy TO REIMBURSE shippers / buyers for the damage to the container of a shipment - provided you provide sufficient proof of loss.  

This happened to me this week.  FedEx destroyed an expensive box containing an amplifier I purchased on Audiogon.  The shipper filed the claim for replacement of the box, which cost $150 from the manufacturer, and FedEx denied the claim - because they do not insure the container - ONLY THE CONTENTS.  The shipper had foolproof proof of loss.  Yet FedEx would not reimburse him.  The shipper did have a new box sent to me - but, he had to absorb the entire cost of the damage caused by FedEx.  

The only recourse the buyer has is to simply "reject" the shipment and FedEx will return it to the seller at the seller's cost.  In this instance, I conferred with the shipper, and he decided to have me accept the shipment and he would replace the box.  But... it was a costly lesson.  

This is the socond time this has happened to me - FedEx has damaged a container, during shipment.  So - it is a frequent enough occurence that it will be my policy in the future to ship only via UPS.  
bassdude

Showing 4 responses by bassdude

bassdude OP
503 posts
 
By far the most informative and helpful post in this discussion, from which hopefully all will benefit.  

I just obtained a quote from SBA on an expensive item I'm about to ship.  The representative is a local person, who I can look to and trust to resolve any issues whatsoever - much more reliable than contacting a "no-name" in a call center somewhere, who is not accountable for the company's failure.  

Sure... it may be a little more costly than UPS or FedEx... but... not much... and... that is a small price for the assurance that a multi-thousand dollar piece of equipment will be shipped with utmost care and will be reimbursed timely if damaged in shipment.  

While FedEx and UPS may be OK, for low value items...  No doubt SBA is a much safer way to ship expensive audio equipment, which is heavy and bulky.    
bassdude OP
503 posts
 
Ditto - exactly the same experience with FedEx this past week.  

The driver was throwing / rolling the package around, which he'd already torn the corner off of - a 75 lb package about 2 ft square and 15 in deep - because he couldn't lift it and didn't care to try.  

He didn't have any idea what the value of the package and contents was... and... didn't care.

I'm hoping to find a shipping service which is safe and reliable, which will stand behind their services... and... pay their claims.  

That is not FedEx and perhaps not UPS.  I'm thinking SBA or BAX may be the answer for "high-value" shipments.  

It's much less of an issue... for the vast majority... who are only shipping something with a value of no more than $100-$2000.  They may be able to use FedEx or UPS with much less risk.  But, for "high value" shipments there must be a better / safer alternative.
bassdude OP
503 posts
 
SBA will ship your item strapped to a pallet with shrink wrap and instructions "do not stack" - which is about as safe as you can get. Plus, they will give you a real person to talk to who will make sure your shipment is secure.

And... they will allow you to pick up your shipment at their office - so, you don’t have to entrust your expensive shipment to some "illegal" or "Somalli" as a contractor for FedEx or UPS who doesn’t give a dam’n whether you get your package undamaged, or not!

It’s more expensive... but... when you’re shipping a $5000 or $10,000+ item - what’s an extra $100 bucks!?!

Oh... and... you should see the comments under a similar post on the "speakers" forum.
bassdude OP
503 posts
 
See the "Speakers" forum also - similar post there, because I thought some might miss the discussion in just one forum.  

And... yes... I think for anything heavy (e.g. speakers, power amp, etc.) - SBA (or similar) is likely the only safe way to ship them.  

My recent experiences with FedEx makes me very reluctant to use them for such items (especially high-value items), and I'm a bit concerned by UPS also (based on some of the responses).  

Fortunately, I've not had any real "disasters," but I don't want any - especially with a $10,000 amp, or speakers.
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