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Post by andy3sheds on Nov 14, 2017 13:49:11 GMT
I'm trying to send a guitar in a case which brings its length to a tad over 1m this appears to be an insurmountable problem to most carriers. Has anyone else had such problems
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Post by jangarrack on Nov 14, 2017 14:35:20 GMT
The last guitar I sold, I used UPS and there was no problem with the length of the package even sending it in a case inside a strong well packed box, which was then packed inside a further box for double protection. Delivery cost was reasonable, but the insurance cost was surprisingly high, although cheaper than most other carriers I looked at. If I remember rightly, I first considered Parcelforce, but think they had a parcel length and insurance limit that I could not meet.
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davewhite
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Post by davewhite on Nov 14, 2017 16:27:46 GMT
Andy,
The Parcelforce length limit on their Express48, 24 and timed services is 1.5m and they have an Express48 large service with up to 2.5m length.
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Akquarius
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Post by Akquarius on Nov 14, 2017 17:52:27 GMT
Meter? do I hear Meter? have you finally come to your senses over there?
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Post by oustudent on Nov 14, 2017 19:02:54 GMT
Open an account with Hermes, I have never had a problem with them when sending guitars.
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andrewjw
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Post by andrewjw on Nov 14, 2017 19:16:12 GMT
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Post by oustudent on Nov 14, 2017 19:18:04 GMT
Strange as I have always been upfront with the content and made sure the value was well covered with insurance as part of the costs of shipping.
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Nov 14, 2017 20:27:44 GMT
As Andrew intimated, Hermes make it clear that musical instruments are excluded from compensation - you may send them, but at your own risk, they are not covered for any damage/loss suffered. Hermes, like several other firms will happily take your money for insuring the instrument, but you won't get any compensation should things go pear-shaped. Iniquitous? Yes indeed.
Keith
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Andy P
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Post by Andy P on Nov 14, 2017 20:44:49 GMT
I went through this website to send a Lowden down to Cornwall last month. it arrived safe and sound. I did pack it awfully well though (useful tips here). As for Hermes, search Google news....ooo, some horror stories there
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Post by jangarrack on Nov 14, 2017 21:07:36 GMT
I found found the same for Hermes and actually had a parcel delivered bt them this week (not a guitar thank goodness) and it was ripped open on 3 sides and really bashed around. Unfortunately it was accepted on my behalf as I was out as I would have refused it. I took some photos before I opened it, but surprisingly the contents were actually ok. I've probably had the worst experiences with Yodel and would always avoid them. I use Interparcel mostly and have always found it competitive and user friendly. I arranged my last UPS delivery through them and was very pleased with the service.
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Post by andy3sheds on Nov 14, 2017 21:43:10 GMT
I was tempted to use UPS but was unable to find out how to use the drop off method, I could search and find a convenient drop off location but could not incorporate into the quote. And end ed up using parcel2go
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Andy P
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Post by Andy P on Nov 15, 2017 19:44:20 GMT
I believe UPS (via parcel2go) will collect.
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Post by jangarrack on Nov 15, 2017 20:32:38 GMT
When I used UPS through Interparcel, there was the choice to either have the parcel collected or to drop it off at a local collection point, which was a nearby NISA store open until 11.00 pm. I chose the latter as it was slightly cheaper and more convenient for me than waiting in for a collection.
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Post by dreadnought28 on Nov 17, 2017 1:13:54 GMT
If at all possible I deliver/collect or meet half way.
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Post by vikingblues on Nov 20, 2017 9:53:34 GMT
Parcelforce exclude musical instruments from the benefits of enhanced compensation, even if in a hard case and also packed as per their comprehensively detailed requirements. So the maximum you'll ever get is £100. This will not stop them from taking money from you for enhanced compensation if you do not know that - I'm not sure how that can legitimately be legal, but of course it will be!
Trying to check whether a guitar is properly insured is a pain - wading through terms and conditions trying to find where the snags and exclusion are. There is one freight company that says they specialise in being a courier for guitars but there is no compensation at all even if they lose the instrument or drive their lorry over it.
More recently I've occasionally used Fastlane International where the insurance element is through them rather than the various couriers that they use for you. I did this on the basis of phone conversations with them about whether I was properly insured. But never had any claim so I don't know if they were leading me on. I think they're now called ParcelCompare, so a change of name may mean change of policies too.
Mark
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