Shipping cost / damage probability
Boomzilla -- Tue, 10/27/2009 - 04:33
Assuming that I were to purchase a pair of large, heavy loudspeakers from an individual (as opposed to a business), what is the probability that the speakers will arrive with shipping damage due to inadequate packaging?
Second, at what price does the reduced cost of a used loudspeaker justify the cost of having it shipped?
I've bought only one pair of loudspeakers via e-Bay, and I communicated extensively with the seller prior to shipment about the necessity of good packing to avoid shipping damage. Fortunately, the seller was extremely careful when packing and the speakers (Thiel 1.5s) arrived without any damage.
I'm now considering shopping for some Thiel 3.6 or 3.7 speakers, but I, again, worry about the possibility of spending a significantly larger amount of money and then receiving a damaged shipment.
I'm well aware that there is probably a 50% chance of significant damage, even if the speakers ARE properly packed - (That has been my ratio when shipping electronics, even with double boxing and generous padding). The likelihood of damage goes up exponentially with large or heavy items. Further, the shipping companies absolutely refuse to accept any responsibility for the damages they cause, even when their negligence is obvious. Here is one example: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/delivery/fedex_damage.html
Given that the risks for large, heavy items like speakers are so high for shipping damage, should I abandon the idea of an online purchase and shop exclusively in the local market?
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I think you are focusing on a few vivid horror stories that may be spooking you. Virtually every thing gets shipped in this country, usually with no issues - and you don't ever hear about it. If the ratio of damage were 50% overall (vs. your bad luck in a very small sample), the economy would come to a grinding halt!
Of couse, there is uncertainty in shipping. However, there is even uncertainty in crossing the street or slipping on wet tile in your own house.
Here are some ways to reduce your risks:
- use factory boxes. get new ones if needed.
- call the factory for ideas
- use foam insulation created to hold the speaker in place.
- build your own boxes (or quintuple box if you are paranoid) get a lot blankets and stuff the boxes with peanuts
- transport your boxes on a pallet. that way it cannot be thrown around by big guys who are in a hurry to deliver a bunch of stuff. The pallet just gets moved around by a manned machine.
- insure your package. Some companies look for an insured sticker and are very careful when they see a potential payout.
Good Luck!
If I were shipping, your suggestions would be excellent. If I'm buying, I have little control over how the seller chooses to pack. I can ask for careful packing, but the seller's idea of what that is may vary, even if I make the above suggestions.
Additionally, if I didn't make it clear in the original post, let me reiterate: The 50% overall damaged shipping rate is NOT for shipments in general - it is specifically for items that are both heavy and fragile. McIntosh amplifiers (with their heavy transformers & glass faceplates) fit into this category as do large, floor-standing loudspeakers.
The last item I shipped (a McIntosh amplifier) was in the original box, overpacked with a second, outside box, insulated in cardboard layers, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts, and covered with "Fragile" stickers. Despite this FedEx ground did $617 of damage and refuses to pay. That doesn't count the $140 they charged me to ship the item. I can (reluctantly) absorb that amount of damage, but only once.
The adage "once bitten, twice shy" applies. What are others' experiences with receiving heavy, delicate items via UPS or FedEx?
A good sense of humor makes it ALL sound better!
As the poster suggests, insist on the seller using a pallet, which implies using a freight company. (You pay for it.)
Also, as the poster suggests, call the manufacturer, and find out which shipping companies they use and how many claims they had over the last 3 years. It would be a much better guage than your 50% claim, which sounds rediculous unless you are dealing with uncaring idiots.
Check the seller's reputation also. Many reviews identify good packers. Have the seller drop of your package at a UPS store. UPS shops make a lot of $$$ from packing stuff, that's why they are in the business. It may cost you an extra $120, but well worth it. If the seller is not listening to your concerns, why do business with him?
Ultimately, if you are not comfortable, don't buy used! Dealers exist to provide you the service and the piece of mind that you seem to value over the savings of buying used.
Boomzilla is very right about shipping damage being FAR more likely on large heavy boxes via UPS and Fed-Ex.
One solution is to use a trucking firm for shipping large speakers or heavy electronics - that's what many manufacturers do.
Manufacturers also use pallets and strap their boxes to the pallets.
And yes, trucking will cost more, but it is a much more reliable shipping method for intra-US shipping.
Steven Stone
Contributor to The Absolute Sound, EnjoytheMusic.com, Vintage Guitar Magazine, and other fine publications
I second Steve's comments. The best way is to ship via a freight trucking company. Arrange with seller for shipment via a freight shipper that will ship the speakers on a pallet. Plus I would insure said shipment for current market replacement value (i.e., not for the used selling pice but what it would cost to buy a replacement set of speakers new if serious damage were to happen to the speakers). That will drive the cost of shipment and insurance up from UPS/FDX alternative and cut into the benefit of buying used a bit but it's well worth it. If you are not willing to go through all this then I would wait to be able to buy locally. My 2cents worth. Good luck.
GREAT NEWS - FedEx just refunded the damage on my shipment! Had I not provided such comprehensive documentation, this might not have happened. Next time, I'll try palletizing. Thanks to all who have contributed.
A good sense of humor makes it ALL sound better!