Shipping/packing-what's the standard for pre & CD?


Hi,
I'm new to buying and selling audio equipment on the Internet. I want to receive some feedback on what is "generally" best practice and what is "generally" acceptable to request or to have requested in terms of shipping methods and packaging. Items are: non-tube CD player, tube pre-amp, value around $6,000.

I want to use this as a non-biased "guide" to assist me and another party in reaching a mutually satisfying shipping arrangement in an otherwise mutually satisfying transaction. Both parties are honest with good intentions.

Seller has original boxes and thinks that this packaging should be sufficient and that FedEx 3 day would be better handle the packages than UPS or FedEx ground. Agree? Disagree?

Buyer thinks that the original boxes should each be placed in an additional box and surrounded with peanuts. Also thinks that the pre-amp tubes should be removed and packed separate. Is this best or is this overkill?

Seller agrees to pay shipping as part of sale price based on UPS ground for original size and weight. Buyer proposed to pay the additional packing material and shipping costs for this. Should the seller agree simply because buyer will pay the extra cost? What about the sellers’ time?

Your thoughtful and experienced insights may help us in this otherwise mutually satisfying transaction. Thanks for reading.
128x128jim63

Showing 2 responses by jim63

Thanks again everyone for all your input. Buyer and Seller have agreed on shipping and packing arrangements. Buyer compromised a bit and seller stretched a bit. Both are happy with the deal. Pre-amp will be doubled boxed with tubes in. CD double boxed. Peanuts may be used, but only in addition to extra support in-between boxes. Buyer pays extra packing and difference between UPS ground and 2Day FedEx. Another happy ending.
Buyers and sellers please continue to log your experiences and ideas. This thread may be very useful for many of us now and in the future. Although in the end it’s a personal call for each person, and each transaction is unique, the more experiences and ideas we have to draw from, the greater the chances for successful and rewarding transactions. (Duh, you already knew that, which is why you’re here.) This site is great and you A’goners are the best! Thanks.