Don't we all wish every seller had the foresight you've got, trying to head off problems before they happen. I've had very bad luck with audio gear shipped by UPS, FedEx, and DHL. They all seem to employ mean spirited, slippery fingered workers who never pass up a chance to drop a heavy box of my equipment. Consequently, I overpack and prepare for the worse. Seldom is manufacturer's packing adequate IMO. I always reinforce the foam inserts with additional bubble wrap and/or cut foam shaped to support the gear. Boxes that have made more than one or two trips are usually structurally compromised, so I make or get new boxes. Something heavy like an amp would be well served by having a custom made shipping crate made. Failing that, I always use fiberglass reinforced banding that's secured with crimped steel clips to hold everything together. If in doubt, consider a second shipping box for the tubes. Every shipper I've ever used brings gear to the door (but I live in a suburban home, not a third floor apartment.)
Shipping Questions - First Time Seller
I'm preparing to sell my old ARC amplifier, and while the Audiogon FAQs cover most aspects of selling, I'm unsure how best to prepare the amp for shipping (I want to have all my details worked out before I post the classified). I have all the original double box packaging from ARC. I assume I should remove the tubes, wrap them in bubble wrap, and put them on the chassis under the cage? The original packaging doesn't have any place for the tubes external to the amp itself. Since the packaged weight is 80 lbs, is the ARC packaging sufficient by itself? When I purchased this amp the dealer delivered it and set up the system, so I don't know if he received the amp in a crate, on a pallet, etc. Lastly, since the boxed amp is very awkward to carry (really needs two people), does UPS come to your door? Thanks for your advice, I want to make sure that when I do sell it, the potential buyer gets the amp in the same condition I sent it.