Melodeon.net Forums
Discussions => General Discussion => Topic started by: baz parkes on June 18, 2014, 06:11:20 PM
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OK...this is NOT a criticism of any individuals, more a sort of "might help in future" note.
I've recently had two boxes sent to me via Parcelforce...both packed to the highest of standards...box within a box within a box...shredded paper, poly beads, inflated plastic bags, polystyrene foam...you name it.
In spite of their herculean efforts, Parcelforce managed to damage a bass button on both boxes...heaven knows how.
Perhaps if a box is sent by courier, it might be worth putting extra padding over the bass buttons... a foam pan scrubber or some such...just a thought
Parcelforce also managed to lose 60 exam papers I was expecting...but that's another story
I'll finish by repeating that I'm not criticising either sender...just Parcelforce...
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This is why I never use Parcelforce to send instruments. Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery for me with maximum insurance cover (£2500). It may cost more but I think it's worth it. I've never had any instruments damaged using this service (touch wood!).
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Even worse is Hermes who left a customers box in it cardboard packaging around the back of Chez Bailey in the pouring rain. Fortunately no damage was done because I came home before the cardboard disintegrated.
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To be fair, I've sent plenty of stuff ParcelForce and never had a problem.
I'm never sure of the distinction between Royal Mail and Parcelforce given that they are part of the same group.
Is it really the case that whilst Parcelforce exclude compensation for damage to instruments, it's OK with Royal Mail?
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Tom - Parcel Force is the Royal Mail's parcel service, but, as Steve rightly says, Royal Mail also do a compensated special delivery service that is excellent.
Go onto Royal Mail and search for ' Next Day Special Delivery' and you'll get a calculater to work out how much to send your parcel, plus max. sizes, insurance cover etc
I too have sworn never to use Parcel Force ever again, after damage to a pc tower going back for a warranty issue. Only when I checked they talked about the damage to the front grill " what damage? "
There has been other issues too so never again.
It is worth going online and working out the next day special delivery costs so you know exactly what to ask for and the likely cost at the post office.
Sometimes the local P.O. don't know the service is available ::)
Q
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I've used Royal Mail next day special delivery with success, too. It's not the cheapest method, but it seems reliable. When I take box into the village post office, there's always a sharp intake of breath at the cost - from the postmistress! :D
Roger
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If you frequent assorted music forums you discover that there are horror stories about ALL the carriers. All you can do is pack the instrument as wellas you can and insure it for the correct amount. Take photos before you pack it.
Steve
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This is why I never use Parcelforce to send instruments. Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery for me with maximum insurance cover (£2500). It may cost more but I think it's worth it. I've never had any instruments damaged using this service (touch wood!).
Ditto this. I've only ever had boxes sent this way, and I've also never had any issues.
However, word of advice to those packing instrument to send away. It's generally advisably that you pack your instruments so they will withstand a drop of at least 1m, as at some point on their journey, they'll probably have to.
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On a slightly different tack, although I've never had a problem with the Post Office, I must say that I have been concerned that a button accordion in its case is susceptible to both bass button damage, and to treble button damage if the strap is able to wedge itself between the side of the case and one of the buttons. If I'm sending one now, I try to put a solid wedge of foam plastic or cardboard or something on top so that the bass buttons are kept away from the case, and I try to arrange other packaging to stop it sliding around in the case in such a way that it might trap the straps - rather than just using bubble-wrap or fill or whatever. And I think, Theo, you may also be doing something like that?
I've even wondered whether the 'wonky button' syndrome might actually come mainly from carrying accordions around in their cases, and not from playing them at all.
I don't go so far as to pack it out if just carrying the box around, though I have found that it's quite good to wedge the accordion into its case by placing my folder of music on the front face (but not on the bass buttons), and to be careful in folding the strap (you could even use it in the same way, to pad out the top face).
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Something similar came up in another thread ...
Royal Mail Parcels with their "Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed 9am" service do offer "insurance", they call it compensation, that can be extended to £2,500. Be aware, though, that their terms prohibit packages over £2,500 in value being sent by Royal Mail. Their compensation does cover musical instruments, with a set of terms and conditions of course.
http://www.royalmail.com/personal/uk-delivery/special-delivery
Parcelforce do not cover musical instruments in their "extended compensation". The *only* cover that you get from Parcelforce is £50 to £200 cover (depending upon the service) for loss, not damage.
http://www.parcelforce.com/help-information/compensation-refunds-and-claims/items-we-exclude-compensation
Royal Mail use their Parcelforce business for international parcels.