Packing FAQ [was: HP2648 heartbreak]

[Eric F.]

Sellam wrote:

 > I have a packing FAQ that I usually send to people when
 > something is being shipped to me that I absolutely want
 > to get to me in one piece.

This FAQ may be something worth posting to the list... ?

I'll bet you've had more experience dealing with the shipping/receiving of 
classiccmp items than I've had, and would possibly glean from your experience.

In any case, it is a true *cryin' shame* when a rare, hard-to-find item 
starts out in the sellers hands in pristine condition, only to arrive on 
your doorstep in a condition described with words such as "cracked", 
"crushed", "chipped", "snapped" (oh, how I hate that one <cringe>), 
"pulverized", "split", "bent", "torqued", "shattered", "fractured", ... 
(I'm sure there are plenty I missed).

After winning an auction and paying for it, and before receiving it, I 
always go through a "cold and clammy" period, agonizing over the state of 
my precious cargo, traveling out there in the rough & tumble wild of 
[insert carrier name]'s hands.

As others have mentioned, I also will offer extra shipping $'s just to make 
sure they OVERPACK it.  But for many sellers, once they've been paid, the 
item seems to become all but a nuisance.  (Literally) kicking it out of 
their door as quickly and conveniently (for them) as possible is the only 
thing on their mind.

OTOH, I'll take this stage to state that when I ship items, I'm a top-notch 
dude. I've even had comments from buyers stating they'd like me to come 
work in their shipping department. No shit.  I don't mean to boast, but 
safe-shipping is a passion of mine (no dirty remarks, please :-)

'nuff said.