Sean, how sure are you that UPS would agree that everything they ship insured is their liability for accepting it insured as such? I see too much optimism in that belief or intimation... I've got a $6k case at my employer that speaks volumes otherwise, and it is only a marginal shipper negligence case. Still, I don't think you're making that case so much as having had a reassuring bit of luck in working with them -- not all of us are as lucky to have such claims workers in our area.
I remain skeptical of all shippers, and when the seller is negligent, I find that to be the hardest of situations for the buyer. It's almost like being mugged - the seller and the shipper both can act like they're not on the hook, and your costs to prove either wrong are too high to pursue. Triumph of the system --- and the UPS / FedEx game plays the curve, with their risk pool paying out only the worst and most highly litigated of their mistakes. Buyer/receiver loses.
I suggest to ALL audiogon'ers to DEMAND of their shipper to double-box shipments that such service is appropriate for (anything at all heavy, or already in manufacturer packaging that weighs anything over a couple pounds). Unfortunatley, alot of sellers will pay you lip-service -- but make it clear to everyone that you are expecting xx of service as described, or paying extra for xxy, and that's how it is. And when selling, get ready to accommodate the same.
Do your best unto people, hope for the best unto you. In an ideal world, expect their best as well.
Mike
I remain skeptical of all shippers, and when the seller is negligent, I find that to be the hardest of situations for the buyer. It's almost like being mugged - the seller and the shipper both can act like they're not on the hook, and your costs to prove either wrong are too high to pursue. Triumph of the system --- and the UPS / FedEx game plays the curve, with their risk pool paying out only the worst and most highly litigated of their mistakes. Buyer/receiver loses.
I suggest to ALL audiogon'ers to DEMAND of their shipper to double-box shipments that such service is appropriate for (anything at all heavy, or already in manufacturer packaging that weighs anything over a couple pounds). Unfortunatley, alot of sellers will pay you lip-service -- but make it clear to everyone that you are expecting xx of service as described, or paying extra for xxy, and that's how it is. And when selling, get ready to accommodate the same.
Do your best unto people, hope for the best unto you. In an ideal world, expect their best as well.
Mike