barrist said:
Yeah I was thinking about.. what price range would that be in you think? Like $50 for the packaging alone ?
WAY more. The shipping alone is about that much. You'd be looking at $80-90. If you choose this method make sure you list it in your auction. People will not be happy if they get nailed with a $80 shipping bill after the fact even if it is the safest way for both of you.
But as a seller, it's really the only completely safe way to ship. I had an amp arrived damaged that was packed at a UPS store. The UPS store did a crappy packing job, but since THEY did the crappy job the insurance claim went through in a couple of weeks. They even refunded the shipping.
Both UPS and USPS/Canada Post will be quick to blame improper packing as the reason for damage and deny your claim. So you have to be confident enough in your packing skill to be pretty sure there will be no way it will be damaged.
It's a catch 22 because from my experience the items are more likely to get damaged with UPS hah. Them and Fedex have damaged a lot of items on me ad UPSPS/Canada Post never have. But using them and their store is the only way to insure you have really reliable insurance coverage.
That all being said, I have shipped a head Canada Post with no problems. I cut some thick tubes up as edge/corner protectors because as mentioned that is the key thing you have to worry about. I wrapped the tubes in bubble wrap, wrapped the head in bubble wrap and then double boxed it.
I know people are recommending foam, but don't use any type that could break loose and get into the amp. have had that happen to be and it was a pain. Bubble wrap is a safer bet.
From my personal experience, I'd rather take $50 less for an item locally then have to deal with the crap involved with eBay. Paypal fees, eBay fees, shipping stresses, deadbeat bidders. It's just never been worth it for me.