Advice Needed for Proper Shipping of Sub

rklein · « **on:** 12 Aug 2013, 01:46 pm »

I have a potential buyer of a subwoofer. The buyer lives in Taiwan. I have no problem shipping overseas as he has agreed to pay all shipping/packing costs.

I want to make sure that the sub gets there without any damage. I would appreciate any advice on which shipping companies to consider. I am interested in having the shippers pack this sub. I have had two incidents of damage when shipping. Once with USPS and once with UPS. Both times, they got out of paying the claim(even though I had insurance) due to "improper" packing on my part.

I figure if they pack it, I have more protection if a claim has to be filed.

Hopefully, one of the speaker manufacturers on AC will see this post as I am sure they ship their speakers internationally.

Regards,

Randy

Rick Craig · « **Reply #1 on:** 12 Aug 2013, 01:52 pm »

A crate lined with 2" thick polyethylene foam all around is best. Second best is the same foam but double-boxed with the outer carton having 275lb. double wall thickness. This is really more important than the shipper because none of them are immune to problems.

rklein · « **Reply #2 on:** 12 Aug 2013, 01:57 pm »

Thanks Rick. Where would I source a crate with the 2" foam that you suggest? In addition, which shipping company do you use for international shipping?

Regards,

Randy

Rick Craig · « **Reply #3 on:** 12 Aug 2013, 02:32 pm »

Quote from: rklein on 12 Aug 2013, 01:57 pm

Thanks Rick. Where would I source a crate with the 2" foam that you suggest? In addition, which shipping company do you use for international shipping?

Regards,

Randy

There are companies that you might find locally that handle logistics and will do crating. Another source is checking with antique shops to see who they use. I have used various shippers depending on where the speakers are going to. Check with your local airlines that provide cargo service.

rklein · « **Reply #4 on:** 12 Aug 2013, 02:55 pm »

Thanks Rick.

I checked with FedEx Freight and for a 30" x 30" x 30" crate with a weight of 150 lbs they only want $1,300 for Economy.

I will check with my local FedEx and see if they can accommodate me and what the charges might be.

Any other ideas are welcome.

Regards,

Randy

Hugh · « **Reply #5 on:** 12 Aug 2013, 03:27 pm »

Randy,

Is the sub already in its box(es)?

rklein · « **Reply #6 on:** 12 Aug 2013, 03:36 pm »

Hi Hugh:

No, the sub is sitting in my family room. I obviously am not contacting the right shipping companies or I have no clue what I am doing.

FedEx wants $1,500 for shipping a 30" x 30" x 30" box weighing 80 lbs to Taiwan. DHL is no better. Not sure what I am missing here...

There is a UPS store within walking distance from my office. I might go over to see what they say.

Regards,

Randy

Hugh · « **Reply #7 on:** 12 Aug 2013, 03:45 pm »

Randy,

PLEASE, don't use UPS.

Well, since you don't have the box, I think Rick's advise is a solid one.
FedEx Freight is very expensive.
It must have been by Air and they charge by weight.

Where are you located?
You may want to find some local woodworking shop and ask them to build a crate lined with foam for you.
I may be able to point you to a few carriers that we use for international shipping.

Letitroll98 · « **Reply #8 on:** 12 Aug 2013, 03:49 pm »

Hugh is right, you don't want a mailer, you want a shipper.

mix4fix · « **Reply #9 on:** 12 Aug 2013, 05:08 pm »

I would not ship overseas.

Especially if his inquiry begins with "Hello, I am very interesteds in your item on Craigslist.".

Just say no.

rklein · « **Reply #10 on:** 12 Aug 2013, 06:00 pm »

Actually, the exact words from Audiogon were:

"Hi: I'm interested in this item. Can you ship it overseas to Taiwan? Regards,"

Seemed fair enough until I found out what I need to do...

I will probably just wait and see if I can sell the sub to someone fairly local so either a pickup or up to a 200 mile drive to meet the buyer.

Thanks to all for your responses.

Regards,

Randy

Carl V · « **Reply #11 on:** 12 Aug 2013, 06:03 pm »

Container ship....ask Salk how he ships overseas.

mix4fix · « **Reply #12 on:** 12 Aug 2013, 08:56 pm »

Quote from: rklein on 12 Aug 2013, 06:00 pm

Actually, the exact words from Audiogon were:

"Hi: I'm interested in this item. Can you ship it overseas to Taiwan? Regards,"

Seemed fair enough until I found out what I need to do...

I will probably just wait and see if I can sell the sub to someone fairly local so either a pickup or up to a 200 mile drive to meet the buyer.

Thanks to all for your responses.

Regards,

Randy

The point I was getting at was somebody over in a foreign country wants to purchase the item.

I wouldn't trust it.

rklein · « **Reply #13 on:** 12 Aug 2013, 09:09 pm »

Quote

I would not ship overseas.

I have shipped smaller items overseas before without incident. However, nothing this size. It is looking like it is just too much of a hassle.

I appreciate your response.

Regards,

Randy

Hugh · « **Reply #14 on:** 12 Aug 2013, 09:27 pm »

For overseas buyers, I always insisted on wire transfer.

By the way Randy, what sub are you selling?

rklein · « **Reply #15 on:** 12 Aug 2013, 10:56 pm »

Hi Hugh

This is the sub for sale.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=118193.0

Maybe we can work out a trade for one Melody's awesome looking AN300B integrated amps. I would only have to come up with some pocket change!

Regards

Randy

Hugh · « **Reply #16 on:** 12 Aug 2013, 11:03 pm »

Randy,

You'd never know.

I'm all ears, even though I have 4 subs already but I can always give it to one of my sons.

John Casler · « **Reply #17 on:** 13 Aug 2013, 12:33 am »

Hugh is 100% correct.

DO NOT accept any other payment except BankWire Transfer. Anything else and you can kiss the sub and the money goodbye

mix4fix · « **Reply #18 on:** 13 Aug 2013, 12:56 am »

I noticed that subwoofer. It's something I wouldn't mind having if I can't find any more of the sub I already have.

But it doesn't sit right. Why would would anybody want to spend two to three times the amount of the selling price of the item being sold in shipping? The sub isn't THAT great where they could't find something similar in their part of the world?

thunderbrick · « **Reply #19 on:** 13 Aug 2013, 01:06 am »

" I'm interested in this item."

If they said "item" I'd run the other way. They should be 100% specific by saying " I'm interested in your subwoofer listed on AC."