Local pick up only…

I had posted a pair of GE Triton One speakers for sale in March 2021 for $2800.00. I had 4 or 5 offers, but shipping on these way oversize boxes were coming in at $600.00 and up.  No one wanted to pay those prices for shipping so I lowered the price to 2K and still no one wanted to pay for shipping.  I sold the speakers for 2K, local pick up, and the person from Connecticut was thrilled.  I wasn’t so much as the high costs of shipping cost me sales where I could have gotten my asking price. 

some shipping prices have skyrocketed for large items, and they won't fit in my car to take to shipper, so local is often good to at least try at first...and if the item is not "perfect" it can be better for the buyer to see it before buying...

Shipping cost is crazy these days. I asked a seller in Florida for shipping an SACD player which weighs 32lb to Michigan, and it was $150. Actually the quote was from the shipping calculator provided by US Audio Mart. I offered $50 for shipping via UPS, but it was rejected. I can't imagine how much it will be for a pair of speakers which weigh 100lb each. From coast to coast, it will be at least $200 each. And there is a danger of shipping damage. Even shipped with the original box with a full insurance, the shipping company will not accept the claim. That happened to my Tyler Linbrook signature systems speakers. FedEx rejected the damage claim due to lack of protection from the original shipping box.

I had to post on this. Just this weekend I sold my towers. Damn the shipping costs were going to be insane. I was really worried and they were white, look hot but not for everyone. I just had a bad feeling.

I am in the Bay Area. First offer came in from Sacramento. Negotiated and done. You know he drove down and was with his son. They listened liked and then they boxed them up themselves and carried them out. It was amazing.

I was dreading the entire event and it turned out awesome.

Strangers in your house I get it but I’m a local pickup fan now for life. I didn’t have to touch those speakers from their listen to a wave goodbye as they drove away.

Ran in cracked a beer and giggled. Sold and gone in 24 hours. And didn’t lift a finger. Edit: I guess a lie. I did have to go get the boxes into the living room (-:

It’s not just the shipping costs or taxes that people are concerned about.  

Many don’t realize this, but carriers (at least UPS) will only insure for damage if “they” box the item up themselves.  Even if i box the speakers or any other item in its original container, all insurance covers is a loss by the carrier.  

So that 2K pair of speakers I insure for 2K and box up myself and ship gets damaged in transit?  I eat the cost of the repair or loss of value to the new owner or have to pay to have it shipped back.  I could end up losing shipping costs x 2 plus the actual money I got for the sold item.  

That’s why shipping sucks so hard and folks are willing to take less money (normally) for a local sale, regardless of payment type.