Freaked out about having a TT shipped

Thanks to all who posted. The UPS horror stories do not surprise me --- I've heard quite a few before. There was no mention of original packaging. However, for what it's worth (which migh not be much), the seller had one feedback that described his packaging as "a work of art". Hmmmm --- I suppose that could be interpreted in many ways.

I'll describe a satisfactory packing method and see if he'll abide by it. If not, I'll look elsewhere.

I used 1/2 plywood and built a shell around the inner box and then paper between the shell and the outer box. It'll add a few more pounds but it will be very well protected. I've had great success with this method.

John...sounds like a tank couldn't damage the package..but UPS...?

Well, giving us more info. about the model of TT you're buying, what the feedback rating of the seller is, & the distance it's being shipped would help us in giving advice. Are you buying some high end $5K TT? Or a used Rega P3 for a few hundred $$? If something along the lines of the latter, I wouldn't worry too much. But communicate your concerns to the seller in advance--make sure they have the original packaging, & that you feel comfortable with them. If you're buying something for a few hundred $$ I wouldn't sweat it too much. If you are, just go to your local dealer & pay the new $$ price & get a warranty, etc. Buying used always entails some anxiety--do you want to save money, or have total assurance? Good luck!