I have read a fair amount of problems about UPS at different audio forums.As I know somewhat how UPS operates from speaking to different levels of employees. Yes a certain amount of damage will occur, and to a lesser degree mistakes.I have shipped and recieved dozens of packages containing audio products and have had no problems with deliveries or damage since they were all packed and taped well.I have also recieved many more packages for my carpet cleaning business over the last 10 years,many with bottles of liquid and have not had any problem as as of yet.Those who have had problems will call this luck.I represent the silent majority who has not had the level of bad luck that others have had.Proper packaging is the secret to minimizing and even eliminating problems. Overkill is the best packing method by using extreme amounts of protective packing and loads of tape,too much is better then not enough.Many do not grasp this concept and do a substandard packing job,and then it's every body elses fault. As far as a cod package being delivered with out cod.If the sender's receipt has cod written on it this is an open and shut case of UPS being totally at fault.The downside of UPS is that it can take an average of 2 weeks to get paid from a cod.Certain items that cannot hold up to rough handling such as audio speakers or other delicate items should be sent by an alternative method.I will agree that Fed Ex has been a preferrable way to ship for many and if their prices fit into ones shipping budget then this is the way to go,and you get paid within a few days not 2 weeks or in some cases even longer as with UPS.
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.