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Shipping...


ColtsMamaZ

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I've wrapped rectangular cases in cardboard for extra protection, you could even box it. You don't want the case popping open in shipment. I've also taped directly on older cases and slapped a shipping label right on it. Put a copy of the shipping address inside the case as back up.

To answer the question, I ship a lot on eBay and use the post office for 99% of my items. The insurance is a few bucks but is great peace of mind. Shipping "Priority" gets it there in a few days and gives you a nice tracking number. If you are selling the horn have the recipient sign a receipt slip or have delivery confirmation. The extras are a few bucks, but it is all worth it if the box gets damaged or lost, or your person says it never arrived.

Both UPS and USPS have websites where you can do it all and print the label, then put your box out front for pick up. Saves a trip.

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Does anyone have an advice on shipping an instrument? I'm sending a mellophone w/ case. Have you found one company that works better than another? Any information you can give would be great! Thanks!

If you want someone to pack it for you and make 100% it is secure, take it to a UPS Store (I work there). They have what's called a "Pack & Ship Guarantee" which means if the store packs something for you and ships it and anything happens while its in transit, you are guaranteed the cost of the shipping, packing, and value of the item shipped back. Its worth the investment. Just the shipping for a mellophone would cost around the $100 range. I packed and shipped a trombone about 2 months ago and it cost around the $150 range just to ship.

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Adding to what has already been posted:

If you are shipping a horn in a case, make sure the blocking holds the horn securely. Shake the case - if you can hear the horn moving, it will be quite susceptible to shipping damage.

Put a rubber ball in the bell, big enough to prevent the bell rim from contacting the case. Pack the case with large scraps of styro and/or air pillows.

NEVER use pack'n'ship type styro peanuts or wadded paper.

The cheapest and safest way is Greyhound Package Express. The horns get loaded on a bus bay, by hand, and never are more than a foot off the ground. The disadvantages are a limited insurance policy, no enroute tracking, and service is only between major bus terminals.

A shipper's insurance policy is only as good as their reputation for settling similar claims.

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I bought a Whaley-Royce French Horn bugle from a Canadian seller. They made an appropriate shipping carton out of two Molson 12-packs.

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Thoughts:

I bought handbells on eBay, they packed the big hard cases in even bigger boxes full of peanuts. This may have been the most secured package I ever received. I have to say I would never pay $100 for someone to box my stuff, I guess it depends on value but that is a lot.

Greyhound is ideal for oversized items. I shipped a concert size bass drum from Philly to California for $60, UPS and USPS wouldn't take it. The downside is that they don't track items and don't have the best track record for customer service.

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In that case you should list your horn here and on eBay. Lots of pics and a video will help sell it. Good luck.

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How much for the horn? </inquiring mind>

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  • 2 weeks later...

I always get PO when I see something on EBay for a decent price until I see the shipping and handling "charges" sometimes 3x what the item costs! Robbery! eBay says a seller can charge what they choose.

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