WORST Experience Ever in Dealing With Woodbridge Stereo NJ

When Fedex delivered my $800 sliding compound miter saw (about 60 lbs), there was a hole ripped into one side of the box and it was obviously retaped - and a poor job to boot.  Yes, it was factory packaging from a very reliable and reputable seller, so i have no doubt it was Fedex's doing.

Luckily being a great etailer they sent a replacement right away - even before I was able to return the damaged one, which they arranged to be picked up.  I have had similar problems with UPS and USPS as well.  The bottom line on all 3, though, is that MOST packages get through fine, so the difference will really come down to how any problem is handled by the seller/vendor.

As the receiver, your main line of defense is to refuse the package because of obvious damage, but many times it's not possible either because you're not home or there's no spec from the seller that a sig is required, etc. so they just leave the package at your door in whatever condition it's in and hope you'll just take it.

Even if you refuse the package, a satisfactory resolution will still depend on how the seller/vendor handles the situation from their end.  Yes, you may likely get your money back from PayPal/credit card/et al., with proper documentation, but if you have to go that route, it can be a long, drawn out process.

My experience with all these carriers over the last 20 years has been hit and miss with Fed Ex seeming to deliver an above average % of undamaged equipment.  Freight is always a safe bet , I've most please with that shipment type.  Strapped to a pallet is tough to beat, although I've seen my share of tore up boxes there too.

I drove for UPS many years ago and have to say packages could get man handled on the belt or in loading for sure.  For my part of that trip if it was heavy and marked fragile all over it, I assumed it was and I delivered it like a newborn baby.  I'm OCD so wasnt an issue for me...  :o) 

Feedback is there for a reason. Why would you ever deal with a company with 85% positive feedback? A good deal means more than just a good price.

I live in Philly and delight in having everything shipped to my home rather than schlepping to the store to get it.  Therefore I have had thousands of of deliveries, many of which have been breakables.  I do not see (here)  a difference between UPS and FedEx (ground), in either damage or loss.  
That said, neither seem to observe "this side up" or "fragile" warnings.  If package show damage, I only open with video running or at least photos.  I try to avoid busy times, like Christmas, when inattention and rushing are likely to be higher.  I try to buy from sources closer to me, to avoid truck transfers where damages are more likely to occur.   And, I am aware that the final leg deliverer may be more or less competent than others.

I have experience with UPS, Fed Ex and Woodbridge Stereo / Video.
Shippers:
I've had much better experience with Fed Ex than UPS, fortunately Fed Ex hasn't damaged a package of mine yet. I've received multiple damaged packages from UPS - including a severely dented motorcycle gas tank, damaged Snell speakers and a damaged Meridian 861 processor (both of which were very well packaged). UPS's claim process has changed over the years, going from an inspector visiting our home (for the set of Snell speakers) to me having to submit documentation and the item being returned to UPS for inspection. It has been my experience that the UPS claim process is now configured to avoid reimbursement for damage claims whenever possible.
It is the shipper who must file the claim, unless a release is provided to the UPS to allow UPS to deal directly with the receiver (which I arranged for the Meridian 861 processor).
Woodbridge Stereo / Video:
I've purchased from Woodbridge Stereo / Video when it was formally Woodbridge Stereo, when owned by Mark C and had employees Tom A, Igor, Mark F, and Craig. I've also used their technical services when I had a Nak Dragon cassette deck. I've only stopped patronizing them because they've migrated from while I've migrated to the sharp edge of high end equipment.
On a side note - I was very sad to hear of Igor's passing. I vividly remember his love for Ducati motorcycles and music. I don't think I'll ever forget one of his expressions (sorry I can't share it on this forum),
My experiences have ALWAYS been very positive with the store and their staff.
I now belong to an audiophile club which Tom A is a member and when I attend meetings (which unfortunately is way too infrequent) I occasionally get to see him. I will say that Tom A is VERY knowledgeable, and I learn / learned much from him. This isn't to say that I always agree with Tom A but in my experience, he is an educated insightful business man with a keen intellect and has always conducted himself as such. I have NEVER experienced or have been aware of Woodbridge Stereo / Video or any staff member conducting themselves unprofessionally.
I would be remiss if I didn't say Tom A has the ability to set up systems like no one else I've met (in almost 30 years). The systems Tom A has set up sound better then ANYTHING I've ever heard. I've been to many shows, showrooms and homes and listened to many systems (I'm old) and the systems that Tom A set up have sound AMAZING! The guy is talented. These systems included equipment from Wilson, Martin Login, Infinity, Audio Research, Pass, Meridian, Esoteric, Classe, MIT, Audio-Quest, Rel - which immediately come to mind (there was many more I'm sure I'm leaving out). I'll always remember the sub-woofer demonstration he did for me, read Rob Harley's (of The Absolute Sound) JBL sub-woofer review with his reference system to get an idea of what one properly set up can do. Still, if you haven't experienced it - you have no idea - literally! Anyway, Tom A's set ups must be experienced to be believed - he is a gifted individual.
Disclaimer:
My name is Thomas Foti and I have no financial or undisclosed affiliations with Woodbridge Stereo / Video or any of the personal associated with the store. I was a customer of theirs for many years until they moved away from (as I moved more towards) very high end equipment. I'm an engineer by education and profession and I'm extremely critical when investing in equipment.