[Hallicrafters] re: All shipping has risks

[Barry Hauser]

Chris --

Sometimes the carriers manage to just plain lose things.  They have
centralized "lost and found" (more lost than found) warehouses for the
purpose.  I had something go missing for a month, an SP-600 misrouted
twice before it got to me, etc.

Sometimes the computer printed labels are the problem.  Often, there is
just the FEDEX or UPS sticker with the addresses printed very small,
which makes it more likely that a scrape to the label will render it
unreadable.  Those labels can come off if a corner lifts up and it rubs
against something -- rolls off the rest of the way and becomes stickum on
someone elses package or a conveyor belt.

Wherever possible, the shipper should apply his own "FROM-TO" label and
apply clear packing tape over it. If your putting your own FEDEX or UPS
label (computer printed/barcoded), add the clear tape.

Also -- something that few shippers do -- put a description of the
contents with from-to addresses on a sheet of paper on top of the payload
just before sealing the carton.  When these things go to the lost and
found and the outer label is gone, they have to open the packages to try
to identify the contents.  You don't want them totally unpacking a radio
to read the brand and model number from the front panel -- and they might
not bother.

Sometimes I suspect there is nothing wrong with the label, it's just face
down on a big heavy box and nobody feels like turning it over.  The one
that got lost for a month showed up with a perfect label -- still
scannable.  
The R-648 isn't all that heavy.

It's also possible that some "lost" packages get lost AFTER they fell off
a 3 story conveyor and smashed beyond recognition.  Better to bury that
mistake, right?  Train/plane/truck mishaps?  Could be with Tom Hanks on
an island somewhere. ;-)

Good luck -- believe it or not, it might still show up.

Barry



On Sun, 6 Oct 2002 12:03:52 EDT Tubsc66 at aol.com writes:
> Hi,
>        I must agree completely with Greg's comments here. I recently 
> won an 
> auction
> for a R-648/ARR-41 receiver, only to have FedEx (Ground) simply 
> "lose" the 
> package... Now two months later I still haven't been reimbursed and 
> the 
> seller still
> insists that the package will somehow find its way to me... When 
> buying rare 
> radios
> from non-radio people, its impossible to convey the frustration it 
> creates 
> for the
> BA enthusiast, all I hear is "dont freak-out dude, you'll get your 
> money 
> back...".
> After this experience, I'll never bid on a radio that I cant 
> physically go 
> pickup myself,
> shipping insurance is no consolation.
> 
> 73's,
> Chris   KC5IIE
> _______________________________________________
> List Administrator: Duane Fischer, W8DBF **for assistance**
> dfischer at usol.com
> ----
> Hallicrafters Collectors International: http://www.w9wze.org
> ----
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/hallicrafters
> 
> 

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