Shipping damage becoming a real issue

I am a psychotic over packager and thankfully in all of my transactions here I've never had an issue as sellers I've dealt with have been equally psychotic! But Ghanson you reference new items ordered is this audio gear? Or just stuff in general? I mostly use Amazon and have had nothing but good packaging from them.

A bit off topic, but I'll never forget the NAD 2100 I got from a guy here on A-gon. He has "protected" the amp with old, ratty bath towels and LEAVES from his yard! When I called him, he said in all seriousness, "Yeah, what's wrong with that?" Of course, the power button had sheared off, one channel was dead, and the amp was useless. There are some real whack jobs out there for sure.

Jond, the last three items I've ordered new from dealers have been mishandled. This has led to cosmetic damage that a dealer ultimately tried to worm his way out of (from a Japanese product whose company is favored by Art Dudley, writer for Stereophile), I've had another whose box was openly barrel rolled on my driveway by UPS (an Audio Research product) two weeks ago, and a Nagra component whose outer box was destroyed when FedEx arrived at the door yesterday. It seems like its gotten very hazardous to have gear shipped and risk being stuck in a bad position or have to get crossways with a dealer. Would you guys sign for this stuff or protect yourselves by taking no chances and having the gear sent back to the dealer?

Damaging begins w/ the seller and how well the item is packed. Then, it falls on the carrier (UPS,FedEX or USPS).

Luckily, I have great services in my area via the (3) carriers as above. I know that it can be a different story
for others across the nation.

Keep me posted & Happy Listening!

Thanks Jafant.