Recommended method to post Hifi gear

[steve s]

Hi,

I'm selling some stuff on ebay and was wondering what methods of postage members use and can recommend? I'll be sending out large parcels, some of them quite heavy. Obviously I want to keep the cost down without compromising on safe delivery. Royal mail? Courier ? I haven't really had to deal with this before.

Steve

[Reffc]

UPS every time for me. Cheaper than RM for heavier items and have never had any damaged goods received using UPS.

[struth]

+1 for UPS......DPD are pretty good too.

if its not too heavy and breakable parcelforce are ok, but fragile stuff I'd use UPS. THey have racks in the vans so it gets better treatment. also get next day as they dont get so much moving around etc.

[Ali Tait]

Don't post is safest!

[istari_knight]

UPS for expensive/delicate stuff & City-Link for inexpensive/non-delicate stuff.

Been doing the above for the past 6 years, never had anything damaged or lost with UPS, had one parcel lost & two broken with City-Link in that time... Not bad I think [I use these services between 2-4 times a week.]

[struth]

Been using city link lately myself as you don't need a printer

[Macca]

Anything expensive make sure you insure for full value and take some photos of it and of it packaged (before you seal it up). Make sure the buyer knows to test it on the day of receipt and report any problems to you immediately so you can go straight to the courier and report it damaged. Once it is signed for you usually only have 24 hours to do this.

[istari_knight]

When sending overseas I only use FedEx, usually quite expensive but you can't argue with Cornwall > Beijing within 48 hours fully tracked every step of the way.

[Spectral Morn]

Start with excellent foundations first so pack item properly in original packing if possible with extra around the item and box. Remove the mains plug from the mains cable - lots of damage can be caused by these. Pack to survive WW3, being stood on, drop kicked, dropped from a great height, box being pierced etc.

But the main issue is packing it as it was first shipped, so you need to know what you are doing, how to take it apart (turntables particularly, CD players that need transit bolts fitted)properly. Most damage and issues I have had has been as a result of poor packing or incorrect packing.

The service used is important but frankly imho the above is more vital, as the best service in the world will still destroy the item if not packed properly so ones purchase arrives on time but smashed.


Regards Neil

[hifi_dave]

Having used Parcelforce, TNT, FedEx, etc, in the past, I now use UPS and wouldn't consider any other company.

[hermit]

I too use UPS but not directly. I book them via Interparcel.

[istari_knight]

Start with excellent foundations first so pack item properly in original packing if possible with extra around the item and box. Remove the mains plug from the mains cable - lots of damage can be caused by these. Pack to survive WW3, being stood on, drop kicked, dropped from a great height, box being pierced etc.

But the main issue is packing it as it was first shipped, so you need to know what you are doing, how to take it apart (turntables particularly, CD players that need transit bolts fitted)properly. Most damage and issues I have had has been as a result of poor packing or incorrect packing.

The service used is important but frankly imho the above is more vital, as the best service in the world will still destroy the item if not packed properly so ones purchase arrives on time but smashed.


Regards Neil

Spot on :thumbsup:

[Marco]

Hi,

I'm selling some stuff on ebay and was wondering what methods of postage members use and can recommend? I'll be sending out large parcels, some of them quite heavy. Obviously I want to keep the cost down without compromising on safe delivery. Royal mail? Courier ? I haven't really had to deal with this before.


Hi Steve,

You may find this thread useful: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?1257-Recommended-Delivery-Companies

:)

Marco.

[Yomanze]

UPS every time for me. Cheaper than RM for heavier items and have never had any damaged goods received using UPS.

Agreed, and I've worked with all courier services for several years now. My first choice is Royal Mail Special Delivery for smaller items, and UPS for the rest. Parcelforce at a push.

Also, wrapping any gear in copious amounts of bubble wrap is key. I was impressed when I once got sent a Krell KRC-3 and it had metres of the stuff wrapping it.