The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I agree - I'd rather drive across the country to pick up a nice machine than trust UPS. Another survivor gone to the trash heap so sad....

I’ll be very interested to learn the details of how the Fireside was packed. I know Rich is an accomplished packer, especially as a retired USPS employee, so the destructive efforts must’ve been really concentrated !

But please confirm that it:

- was double boxed with at least 4” of cushioned crush space between inner and outer boxes

- had the mech and case separated and individually bubble wrapped and boxed

- completely filled with peanuts and/or bubble wrap

What was the nature of the damage?

Thanks.

My father sold a Model T Ford Engine block to someone and built a box around it with 2" x 4" studs and plywood. That was unfortunately not enough to protect it when UPS poked a fork lift right through the side of the box.

Very sorry to hear about the Fireside Rich. It was a real nice machine.

I've had UPS destroy some amazingly well packed things. I'll never forget the time they dropped a crated VW Vanagon Syncro transmission off a forklift (HOW??? ) and shattered it. Then they tried to deny the claim! They are incredible at it. I've had two parcels lost by USPS in 20 years, and zero issues with DHL, FedEx, and Greyhound.

I ship a lot of stuff all over the world all the time. I have absolutely refused to use UPS for at least 15 years now.

Rich- I don't think you should give up on shipping stuff- I think you should give up on UPS.

I think quite a few people here insure their collections through Collectibles Insurance Services. It is interesting to note that they cover shipments to and from collectors up to $60,000 if the shipment is sent with signature required, through "Registered Mail, Express Mail, FedEx, and other carriers except UPS." Obviously they have had some (bad) experience and have learned from it.

TinfoilPhono wrote:I think quite a few people here insure their collections through Collectibles Insurance Services. It is interesting to note that they cover shipments to and from collectors up to $60,000 if the shipment is sent with signature required, through "Registered Mail, Express Mail, FedEx, and other carriers except UPS." Obviously they have had some (bad) experience and have learned from it.

Speaks volumes, doesn't it?

gramophone-georg wrote:
Rich- I don't think you should give up on shipping stuff- I think you should give up on UPS.

+1. I haven't used UPS in years. I mostly use USPS now. FedEx ground is cheaper and faster, but they break stuff more frequently than I'd like. I still use FedEx Ground for things that aren't fragile.

For an extra $10 or so, the post office will handle a package by hand as it moves from place to place. I used it to ship a very fragile brown wax cylinder to David Giovanni. It arrived there and back without an issue.

I also will never use UPS. Here is a tip I got from our friendly postal employees. A small package is better off being shipped first class mail. The weight limits there are much lower than for priority. A small package can be shipped and handled along with packages weighing up to 70 pounds if you use priority mail.
Dave D

I will never UPS. They are careless and have poor customer service. I had many problems with them. I prefer the Post Office. I always have great service from them. FEDEX is OK, but I pay extra for signature required. FEDEX would leave packages behind my house in my driveway. I wouldn't know it until the next day when I go out. That package could have been stolen over night. Years ago, I packed an Edison Spring Motor that a collector dealt within Seattle. I can't remember where he is located, Indians, I think. I picked up the machine after the seller got payment. I packed it in three boxes. One for the case, another for the motor, and the last one for the bedplate and carriage assembly. Everything was packed tightly and had three double boxed items. The buyer also sent me a check to cover all my expenses. I had signature required on all three boxes. With signature, insurance and tracking, it cost $175 to ship this. To me and the other collector, it was well worth if for such a rare machine. Sorry to hear you had a bad experience with U
UPS. I don't know how they stay in business.
Harvey Kravitz