Hello,
I have been shipping with FedEx and UPS for almost 20 years with high end car and home audio. I always use factory packing because these manufacturer companies got it right and have had many countless experiences compared to us as consumers. If the factory box doesn’t look up to par, then I order a new one. Let me tell you. In the past couple of years, FedEx and UPS has gotten sloppy. Don’t put this on customers, put it on the company’s that handle your shipping. I am currently involved with a claim that has lasted almost 4 Months and have spoken or emailed with several people. The come up with various excuses and have shady excuses even when you follow everything to a T. I shipped to a friend a McIntosh McIntosh MHT100 in mint condition that was even cleaned and gone over by George Meyers (an authorized McIntosh service center). It was packed in a authorized McIntosh box made for the unit where it is even screwed down to the bottom of the board for security and protection. Just like it is shown on the diagram of their inner floating box. Due to glass panels, McIntosh does an excellent job of describing how to ship and pack their items. Those who own McIntosh knows this to be true. Those who don’t, well, you don’t! As FedEx parks in front of my friends house to deliver the packages, (understand McIntosh boxes are quite large and really sometimes require 2 people to handle it due to its size. McIntosh emphasize this) my friend runs outside and said do you need any help. The driver said no, I got it as he drops the unit on its side. My friend opened the unit after the driver drove off and finds the glass shattered. Thank goodness George Meyers was able to sell me their last MHT100 glass as they are extremely on back order for at least 6-12 months. In this case, don’t blame the person who packed the item, blame the person and the company who mishandled the item. The unit was even packed in 3 boxes with arrows from FedEx that tells you how the item faces up and stickers all over that said fragile. All FedEx products. No excuses. In my case, don’t tell me or McIntosh about packing, I think they do a great job considering what they are packing. McIntosh owners know this. My final thoughts and I hope upper management of FedEx and UPS hears this! Since took money from me (to me this is considered steeling) if I was the consumer, I would not waist my money purchasing their insurance. To me it is a scam for them to make money. Both of these companies have very poor customer service and most likely will not honor your claim especially if it is a high dollar item. Take that same funding they charge you and freight ship it. You will be happy you did it. Hopefully this will help them change their views and provide training for their employees. I doubt it unless there profit drops. When I mean by freight, I mean put it in a pallet even if it is 40lbs and it is an electronic item, and ship it with a real freight trucking company. They do a much better job than UPS & FedEx. After a while I think they will get the point. I’ve heard stories of them kicking packages around like a soccer ball. FedEx sometimes hire subs to deliver. But at the end of the day what your eyes and camera see’s doesn’t deceive you. Trust what you see, not what you hear. As far as timeline goes, I’ve been doing this since the late 80’s and I’m sure McIntosh as well as other companies have been doing it longer. I like that McIntosh was smart enough to put instructions on how to repackage and ship their items. Genius! I am shipping freight with anything over 40lbs electronic because they can’t be trusted and believe me, don’t waste your time on insurance. It is a total scam to make money. Take that extra cash and pay for Global or freight shipping on a pallet.