Maybe a sign, but also a shame

jdjohn
jdjohn Posts: 3,148
in 2 Channel Audio
I recently inquired on eBay about two turntables from two different sellers, but I don't think either one will work out. Mind you, I need another turntable like I need another hole in my head, but still...

Shipping and proper packing are the problems in both cases. I messaged the sellers about their experience with shipping turntables, and offered a few suggestions (requirements?), and they both got cold feet. One seller listed $23 for shipping in their listing, which I knew was WAY too low [I suggested that he immediately update his ad for more shipping $], and the other seller listed $90 for shipping, which is actually reasonable if done properly. But in both cases, once I mentioned (IMO) basic turntable shipping concepts, they were not interested in doing business with me.

Here are the basics I mentioned:
- Remove the platter and pack it separately.
- For the tonearm, remove the counterweight and headshell; then secure the tonearm to the rest/clip with a twisty-tie or zip-tie.
- Protect the dustcover, and preferably remove it from the hinges.

Those are baseline requirements in my mind, but both eBay sellers were scared away by my comments. One seller replied, "Your instructions are very meticulous and it seems as though [if] things do not arrive the way you want them[,] I'm going to end up with a return[,] and I cant afford that."

I already followed-up with one seller, but will also tell the other, "I'm trying to help you AVOID a damage return in ANY case...no matter WHO is the buyer." :o

So...maybe this is a sign that I shouldn't buy any more turntables, but it is a shame for other potential buyers as well :(
"This may not matter to you, but it does to me for various reasons, many of them illogical or irrational, but the vinyl hobby is not really logical or rational..." - member on Vinyl Engine
"Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
Regarding collectibles: "It's not who gets it. It's who gets stuck with it." - Jimmy Fallon
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Comments

  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,546
    If someone doesn't know, doesn't care or is not willing to put forth the effort to pack anything properly they have no business selling the item.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

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  • jdjohn
    jdjohn Posts: 3,148
    edited June 2019
    Agreed...but if there's a buck to be made...they will try to make it. Like I said...a shame.
    "This may not matter to you, but it does to me for various reasons, many of them illogical or irrational, but the vinyl hobby is not really logical or rational..." - member on Vinyl Engine
    "Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
    Regarding collectibles: "It's not who gets it. It's who gets stuck with it." - Jimmy Fallon
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  • gudnoyez
    gudnoyez Posts: 8,124
    I got my Clearaudio from a forum members friend and it was packed perfectly I knew it would be though. What type of turntables were they? I would be very leary about buying a used turntable off of E-bay, Audiogon perhaps. It's always good to have a few I have 3 and have been interested in getting one of the new Technics, but I would be buying that new from a dealer.
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  • verb
    verb Posts: 10,176
    I feel ya bro! Some folks have no idea. I remember seeing a thread here where there was a video of a UPS delivery guy soccer ball style kicking a 10K TT box to the front porch. What? :smile:

    On a lighter note, did you remind the sellers to pack sufficient food and toiletries for the shipping journey? :smile:
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  • pglbook
    pglbook Posts: 2,222
    edited June 2019
    I learned the hard way about buying a tt from an eBay Seller. I bought a vintage Yamaha tt on there when I was just getting back into vinyl about 5 years ago. The Seller just threw it in a box with little packing material and, needless to say, the tt arrived damaged and not working. Seller provided a full refund and told me to keep the tt (I still have it in storage somewhere). But lesson learned. Luckily a few months later I found a Thorens TD 160 at my local vintage record shop for $80 (in excellent condition) and I did not have to worry about tt shipping ever again.
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,283
    Pics of packing before paying

    I have done this even with Audiogon sellers
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,546
    I always take pics of gear I pack regardless if using the factory materials or my own in case there is damage so I can prove it was packed properly, but I've never had a buyer ask for photos before paying. If they did I wouldn't hesitate in providing them.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • jdjohn
    jdjohn Posts: 3,148
    gudnoyez wrote: »
    I got my Clearaudio from a forum members friend and it was packed perfectly I knew it would be though. What type of turntables were they? I would be very leary about buying a used turntable off of E-bay, Audiogon perhaps. It's always good to have a few I have 3 and have been interested in getting one of the new Technics, but I would be buying that new from a dealer.
    These were two vintage turntables. One is a Project/One DR-770, which is just a re-branded CEC DD-8200. The other is a Project/One DR-890, which is a re-branded Hitachi HT-561. I have 16 turntables already, so again, maybe it's a sign I should stop where I am :D

    Nice one! @verb
    "This may not matter to you, but it does to me for various reasons, many of them illogical or irrational, but the vinyl hobby is not really logical or rational..." - member on Vinyl Engine
    "Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
    Regarding collectibles: "It's not who gets it. It's who gets stuck with it." - Jimmy Fallon
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,414
    I shipped the notoriously difficult to ship Yamaha PX3 to a forum member and packed it like it was getting sent to Mars. Everything was firmly packaged, and it arrived in perfect condition.

    We must also tip our hats to the Gorillas of UPS.... it may very well be the case that sometimes an item is handed to them at a UPS store location and one of their little monkeys does the packaging.
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