Best method for shipping

[fergi]

Hello everyone,

This is my first post and I need some advice. I just purchased my first guitar on ebay and would like to know the best way to have it shipped. The option listed on the auction is USPS Parcel Post.

Thanks in advance,

John

 

[Graham]

Hello everyone,

This is my first post and I need some advice. I just purchased my first guitar on ebay and would like to know the best way to have it shipped. The option listed on the auction is USPS Parcel Post.

Thanks in advance,

John

Hey John, welcome to LTG.

I prefer to use USPS. I find their rates to be very good and there are no brokerage fees.

 

[killdeer43]

Hello everyone,This is my first post and I need some advice. I just purchased my first guitar on ebay and would like to know the best way to have it shipped. The option listed on the auction is USPS Parcel Post.
Thanks in advance,John

Welcome John,

I've been happy with UPS until a recent delivery which, as it turns out, was damaged by them during packaging. I'd like to think it's an isolated incident because previous deliveries have been fine.

BTW, did you by any chance just pick up that beauty of a D-25M on eBay? If so, you're in for a treat!

Cheers,
Joe

 

[Graham]

 

[fergi]

BTW, did you by any chance just pick up that beauty of a D-25M on eBay? If so, you're in for a treat!

Yes I did as a matter of fact.

Thanks for all the responses.

John

 

[chazmo]

John,

No question... Your odds are much better going with USPS than UPS. Plus, since it's summer, there's no big danger of thermal damage like there is in winter (where you'd really want the quick delivery, if possible, to keep the thing from sitting in trucks). Also, I haven't had problems or heard many complaints with FedEx.

For the USPS, investigate pre-paying through the web site and then having the seller take it to the post office... I've heard you can get oversize packages shipped Express rather than parcel post (which can take a week and has no tracking). But, regardless, go with USPS.

 

[jazzmang]

+100 for USPS.

 

[john_kidder]

USPS always for me, if possible.

Make sure you instruct the seller to pack it properly - your choice of shipper won't matter at all if the guitar is loose in the case, especially if the headstock's not padded well on both sides to restrain it from any movement.

Good instructions from Frets.com here

 

[Pike]

Absolutely USPS.

 

[12stringer]

Yep...USPS and ask the seller to remove the end pin if possible to avoid a crack in the bottom.

 

[Brad Little]

I've sent or received guitars using UPS and USPS with only one small problem. A substitute carrier didn't want to lug the guitar out of her truck so left a note saying nobody home come pick it up. We were all at home and I just walked to the end of the street and picked it up. She had some lame excuse about procedure on shipping from Canada, but it was bogus. FedEx, on the other hand...I've had two guitars that I can think of shipped by them. One was tossed over our back fence, well maybe dropped not thrown, with "This side up" facing down. The other was wedged under the handle on the back storm door so that when the door was opened the guitar went tumbling down the steps. Fortunately both were packed well and sustained no damage. These two were probably the problem of the carrier (as the one )USPS was as well, not the company. Of course if it was not the same driver, it might be indicative of a problem with our local terminal. When I have anything from FedEx now I specify that I want it shipped "signature required."

Brad

 

[GuildFS4612CE]

USPS but NOT Parcel Post...can take weeks, sits in trucks, warehouses, terminals...major temp. changes.

I've always used USPS PRIORITY MAIL.

Well worth the additional charge.

Only takes a few days.

 

[john_kidder]

I've always used USPS PRIORITY MAIL.

Completely agree, should have specified in my first post.

 

[JerryR]

Looks like UPS is slightly more robust than FedEx :mrgreen:

 

[RT 66]

Another vote for USPS
I haven't had any problems with Priority, But the last two guitars I shipped and the last one I received I used USPS Express.
The advantage is that you get a big break on the insurance rate so it only came out around $10.00 (for me in Alaska) more than Priority plus Insurance.
Also you get full tracking and only two or three days to your address.
Make sure the seller knows to stay within the 108 total inches L+W+D for air freight.
One box I packed came out to 109" and they refused it.
Those guitar boxes don't leave much room lengthwise for extra packing so do it in the case.
Good Luck
RT

 

[West R Lee]

USPS.

West

 

[chazmo]

Another vote for USPS
I haven't had any problems with Priority, But the last two guitars I shipped and the last one I received I used USPS Express.
The advantage is that you get a big break on the insurance rate so it only came out around $10.00 (for me in Alaska) more than Priority plus Insurance.
Also you get full tracking and only two or three days to your address.
Make sure the seller knows to stay within the 108 total inches L+W+D for air freight.
One box I packed came out to 109" and they refused it.
Those guitar boxes don't leave much room lengthwise for extra packing so do it in the case.
Good Luck
RT

Just FYI, when capquest shipped his F-50R up to me, it didn't fit in the standard Taylor box. As a result of being oversize, he was not able to use anything but parcel post. I don't know if this is a common issue with the jumbos or not. More to the point, someone else told me that getting the postage done on-line and then giving the box to the post office allowed him to send Priority or Express... I'd like to know the answer to this.

Again, in any case, USPS is the way to go (IMO).

 

[West R Lee]

Does anyone recall a complaint about USPS? They are slow, but other than that, I don't remember ever having heard a damage complaint.

West

 

[fergi]

Many thanks to all who provided input to this thread. I've forwarded your comments to the seller and hopefully he will not have a problem with your suggestions. This is my first Guild guitar and I'm looking forward to its arrival.
John

 

[RT 66]

Another vote for USPS
I haven't had any problems with Priority, But the last two guitars I shipped and the last one I received I used USPS Express.
The advantage is that you get a big break on the insurance rate so it only came out around $10.00 (for me in Alaska) more than Priority plus Insurance.
Also you get full tracking and only two or three days to your address.
Make sure the seller knows to stay within the 108 total inches L+W+D for air freight.
One box I packed came out to 109" and they refused it.
Those guitar boxes don't leave much room lengthwise for extra packing so do it in the case.
Good Luck
RT

Just FYI, when capquest shipped his F-50R up to me, it didn't fit in the standard Taylor box. As a result of being oversize, he was not able to use anything but parcel post. I don't know if this is a common issue with the jumbos or not. More to the point, someone else told me that getting the postage done on-line and then giving the box to the post office allowed him to send Priority or Express... I'd like to know the answer to this.

Again, in any case, USPS is the way to go (IMO).

Chaz
The guitar box I have been using measures 48" X 21" X 9"
I wasn't real clear on the measurements. The post office measures the circumference plus the length. Thats 21 + 9 + 21 + 9 + 48 which equals 108".
The box will fit a jumbo case with room for packing around it but hardly any space at the ends.
This same box has been back and forth across the country several times now and starting to get a little worn looking.
Another trip or two and I'll have to tape on a picture of Red Green.

RT