The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

AudioFeline wrote: Mon Dec 22, 2025 2:34 am I bought a 78 over Gumtree. On payment, I contacted the seller and requested that it be securely packed, and I could advise on how to pack and send 78s if he was not familar with them. He replied and assured me he knew how to ship 78s. I was shocked when the 78 arrived. It had not been packed, it was just inserted into an office envelope, not even card or bubble wrap protecting it. Amazingly, it had not been damaged. I contacted the seller, explained that 78's were fragile, and how to pack them (and how I expected them to be posted). He thanked me and said he had no idea, forgetting my offer to advise him prior to posting and his assurance he knew what he was doing!

AudioFeline wrote: Wed Dec 31, 2025 1:39 am I suspect that a lot of postal workers are like airport baggage handlers who deliberately drop luggage with the intent of doing damage. Many would feel underpaid and resentful, and probably have horrible managers and unrealistic "performance targets" to meet. I'm also sure that a packaged record is too much like a frisbee for them to resist flying it through the air, which would explain why so many LPs are delivered with dented corners.