2. amps-preamps
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Question about shipping damage

I recently sold an amp and when the buyer received it he contacted me stating that the "speaker a" binding post were broken but the smp powered up and worked fine. Then I received another message from the buyer stating that one channel went out and the other was distorting.

I had taken the amp to a UPS store to have it packed and I watched the attendant pack it. She did a really good job of packing it with several sheets of bubble wrap and foam and then double boxed it (packing peanuts in the outer box).

The buyer even commented on how well it was packed. I insured it for more than the value so I think I'm covered.

My question is how to proceed from here. The buyer said the box was undamaged so I am mystified as to how the binding posts could get damaged and further more what could cause the amp to distort.

Has any one ever had this happen? If so what course of action did you take with UPS. Should I have the amp sent back and file the claim or contact UPS immediately and then have a pick-up scheduled.

Any direction or words of wisdom are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
chrshanl37

Showing 3 responses by chrshanl37

chrshanl37 OP
830 posts
 
Thank your for the insight and I agree on several points. I have refunded the buyer and spoke with the manager at the store and after appoligizing for not packing er. After apologizing for not packing it better, he told me he would handle the claim process for me and stated that they would make it right. How this will shake out I can't say but chalking it up to lesson learned.

After reading of horror stories in regards to both of the major shipping provider and aside from packing it myself what else should I do to insure safe travel? I have read in other forums where gear was shipped in original packaging and still suffered major damages.

Thanks for the responses.
chrshanl37 OP
830 posts
 
The attendant used 3 layers of thin foam and then three more layers of the large bubble wrap. She placed it in a tight fitting box. Then placed that box into a larger one filled with peanuts.

I thought it seemed well packed however as Elizabeth and the others said, it was not enough.
chrshanl37 OP
830 posts
 
Spoke with the store manager on Friday and he assured me they would make it right. Fingers crossed but if in the case I'm out the money at least it won't be a huge loss. But a valuable lesson for sure. I was talking to a friend about what happened and he told me of an experience he had where he sold an amp and they buyer claimed it was damaged when he got it. So my friend asked him to send it back. When the amp came back my friend noticed that it had been taken apart. Turns out the buyer cannabolized it for needed parts and didnt even bother putting the screws back in. My friend won the PayPal dispute but it took a while. Unbelievable!
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