Shipping Rics

jeff_ulmer · Post by **jeff_ulmer** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 6:40 am

Ric ships its guitars from the factory in a simple cardboard box, with no additional padding on the inside, save a couple of pieces of cardboard. I can see adding a layer of bubblewrap around the case, but if someone drives a forklift through it, nothing short of steel will stop it from being damaged.

What gets me the most is the pricing discrepancy. What point is a shipping calculator when the price it gives is not even a third of the actual cost, let alone allowing options that aren't available to the price?

Even calling UPS directly gave me the same wrong price for insurance. It was three times the original amount in reality.

As for FedEx covering damage, their terms of use state specifically that they do not provide any insurance of any kind. Just ship and pray. I can't blame a buyer for wanting their new guitar covered at full value, I certainly would.

DHL is an option, their online pricing looks reasonable, but I too have heard horror stories about shipments disappearing, and I'm scepticle that DHL's rate guide is any more accurate than UPS'.

throw_this_away · Post by **throw_this_away** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 6:56 am

I agree... the shipping calculator for UPS is always lower than the actual cost by a good amount. I was quoted about 60$ once and when I went in the store it was 98$. I walked out and used Canada post instead.

rikk · Post by **rikk** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 2:59 pm

I know Fedex add a Fuel Surcharge. UPS may do that as well.

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 11:53 am

the level of customer service is directly proportional to how well the guy/gal's day is going.
The requirements (for here at least) is double cardboard box, 50 mm minimum bubble or foam wrap, no loose pieces AND the the arbitrary insurance.

It helps if you have an account with FedEx/OOUPS, they have a little more incentive to help you

atomic_punk · Post by **atomic_punk** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 4:39 pm

Pack it up and take it to any Staples store. They will give you a UPS Counter Rate right from the store, and insure it for as much as you like. It's a LOT cheaper than any UPS Store, guaranteed.

chefothefuture · Post by **chefothefuture** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 7:42 pm

Don't use the "UPS Store" ; go directly to the shipping centers. You will get the online quoted price with out the
franchise location price jack....

Don't use FedEx if it is a vintage instrument; they will not insure one.

webhead · Post by **webhead** » Mon Mar 27, 2006 5:39 am

Or save all your boxes when you buy guitars online and ship them yourselves. That's what I do. The UPS store doesn't have "guitar" boxes, so they use an oversize box that is close to a bath tub size, then stuff it with peanuts. But if you ship something yourself, and use peanuts, and it gets busted, they will fight you for using peanuts.. But they use them in the stores.... "sniff sniff" Class action suit here?

jeff_ulmer · Post by **jeff_ulmer** » Mon Mar 27, 2006 10:07 am

UPS won't insure one of a kind instrument shipments either, it has to be replaceable.

The bathtub box sounds like the reason one 25lb bass went from a dimensional rate of 33lbs to approx. 78lbs.

tomg · Post by **tomg** » Mon Mar 27, 2006 10:23 am

Exactly, Jeff. The UPS store near us uses a bicycle box to ship instruments in.

These days,I keep boxes stuff gets shipped to me in or I get a box from a local music store. I can then ship as I like. Usually USPS priority.

A bass in it's HSC meets the USPS limit by about 5 inches.

jeff_ulmer · Post by **jeff_ulmer** » Mon Mar 27, 2006 11:21 am

I have tons of original boxes, but according to UPS if they have been used, no insurance is possible since their structural integrity is compromised, and the insurance is the critical factor.

Within reason this is just ridiculous, since as soon as they throw it behind the counter the box is no longer intact.

Okay, outside cartons aside, I am also wondering what, if anything I should be putting inside the case to ship? I was thinking some paking paper around the headstock area wouldn't hurt, but I'm a bit concerned about wrapping the bass in anything due to possible rubbing in transit. Is that white foam sheeting okay on these finishes? I had one bass shipped wrapped in paper towels which worked. Suggestions?