Fed Ex Ground Shipping Woes


I've had two situations over the past 3 months where FedEx has caused shipping damange. I have had zero prior issues with them in the last 4 years. They immediately rejected the claim on the first item (packed in the OEM Box with original packaging materials and cited "insufficient packaging."

I learned quickly and recently had a seller professionally package an amp that was being shipped to me. The professional packer used a double-boxing system with at least 4 inches of rigid foam and Styrofoam peanuts. Shippers typically require a minimum of 3 inches of insulation around the unit.

To make a long story short, FedEx managed to managle the outer shipping container, mangle the inner shipping container, and damage the unit.

I'm at a loss for words......

Has anybody had better luck with one of the other couriers or any tips? I thought that both the seller and I did everything humanly possible to ensure safe delivery.
gechta

Showing 1 response by geebee

I'm the seller in this FedEx screwup as described by Gechta. A couple points to add: First, I feel very fortunate to have been dealing with Gechta in this transaction because he warned me about the FedEx packing "specs", and I also checked with FedEx before I sent the box to make sure that I took the proper precautions. Also, I made sure that the packing store gave me a receipt with a notation that the packing included ample padding. So we'll see how FedEx responds and report back to you on this forum.

Second, when the damaged box arrived, Gechta alertly thought to take photos of the box before refusing delivery. We will submit these photos as part of the FedEx claim. Remember the old saying, a picture is worth a thousand words?

Well, this proves it. There's a gash that appears to be 14-15 inches or more across the outer box, and you can clearly see the inner box, which is also ripped open exposing the amp. Perhaps we could start posting such photos on Audiogon, with the appropriate credit to FedEx, UPS et al, to give these guys some incentive to be more respectful of our property.

We could even do caption contests. Right off the bat, I'd suggest this one for our package: First Great White Attack on Great Lakes...In what appears to be the first attack by a great white shark in Great Lakes Region, here is photo evidence that one of these monsters mistook a FedEx package for a harbor seal, or perhaps the boat cap'n in Jaws....