We shipped UPS almost daily from mid 1989 Feb 1997. We finally stopped. We had only one item damaged, BUT, we quadruple packed and double boxed EVERYTHING we shipped. This took about 15 minutes to 2+ hours per shipment. We finally had to stop. We were spending 3/4 of each day packaging items to prepare them for UPS war. Also, the tracking and COD problems with UPS were a nightmare. Ever been told: "someone will call you back in an hour"? I think the UPS people are silently laughing when they tell you this. We have had very good luck wih FED EX, and for CODs, they can't be beat (one day to get your check back, not 2-8 weeks to never), but by far, DHL is the best, and the most expensive. We ship DHL next day air usually less than the UPS or FED EX 3 day rate (which isn't much more than the take forever to get there ground rate). Customers love geting their packages in, typically, 17-20 HOURS (!) from the time we ship them. So little time in transit cuts down on the possibility for dalage or loss. For any of you who think UPS is less epxpensive than UPS, you are WRONG. If you are comparing UPS ground to FED EX Air, then you are something I won't mention here. Compare UPS 1, 2, or 3 day to FED EX 1, 2, or 3 day. There about the same. Compare FED EX 1 day costs to UPS ground? What will your next comparison be: A Pinto to a Lamborghini? Package your items for war, and sentd them by UPS ground. OR Save the time and potential problems and send them by DHL or FED EX (note: DHL does not offer COD).
Shipping via UPS.
I just shipped an item via UPS, COD and insured. Well, UPS did an excellent job getting the package there. They left the package at the door, collected no money, and there, BINGO, is UPS in all it's glory. My warning to fellow audiophiles is to always INSURE items, use Fed-Ex for big ticket items - say over a couple thousand $$, but don't just send UPS ground and forget about it. Last 2 weeks ago, UPS left $2,000 worth of equipment at door, even though the package had a "adult signature required" sticker on it. Can you imagine losing several thousand dollars worth of stuff and then have to cough up legal expenses while fighting UPS in court for 18 months. Not a pretty sight.