Vintage Speaker Shipping Network

[mbottz]

There are a lot of us that would like to purchase the JBL speakers of our dreams, but can't because the seller on the Bay or Craig’s list will only sell for local pick up only.

I say we should develop a listing of willing members that will pick up and ship purchases for other members for a reasonable fee. We could post it as a sticky and update it about every 3 months.

I myself would be willing to pick up and ship from the Dallas and surrounding areas for a fellow member. The deal I will work with any member is .40 cents per mile mound trip as stated on mapquest from my place to the seller and back again, and actual shipping charges plus shipping materials + a fee as follows:
$25 for speakers in the L100 size
$35 for speakers up to L65's
$50 for speakers like L300's and such.
Larger than 300's up to paragons call for Quote LOL

With as many members as we have across the US and Canada we could all benefit from such a network. The savings on the BIN or Craig’s list local pick up should be enough to make it worth the time and effort.

BTW I also work for JBL parts if you don’t want to spend the money. Your wives should love that!!

Anyway Let’s hear what the other members think.

MB

[macaroonie]

:applaud: :applaud: You have your thinking cap on.well done :applaud: :applaud:

[4313B]

Anyway Let’s hear what the other members think.Sounds like a great idea.
I personally shudder at the thought of shipping even a pair of dirty socks these days.

[Nightbrace]

Great idea! Moving these heavy boxes around is expensive and there's no accoutability when something happens during shipment/ And no one seems to have a clue how to package anything properly. I personally will not buy a speaker anymore unless I can drive there and pick them up, too much risk involved.. Why I should move out to CA where all the JBL's are.

[johnaec]

I'd help out, but unless doing it out of the good of your heart, the fee is a little low, (though I've often accepted much less - 'don't know if I will any more).

If you include the time to go pick up the speakers, figure out just what combination of box and packing materials, (think styrofoam here), will work, (it takes a lot of time to measure and come up with the actual measurements, especially to get the foam to fit correctly, based on what thicknesses are available), go pick up materials, actually cut the materials to the correct size, pack the speakers themselves, then take them to the shipping company and fill out the paperwork, you're looking at *several* hours work. Add complications, (L65 sculptured grilles and glass tops, L250 trapezoid cabinets, etc.), and it will take a couple more hours.

Rather than making $5 or $10 per hour for what little time I have available, unless I really feel like doing someone a favor, I might as well put in the time at the office, (overtime whenever I want), and make 5 or more times as much. I want people to have as much access to good deals as anyone, but not if it means I'm going to spend most of my weekend working for peanuts helping people get them.

If someone's really willing to pay what it costs, I'm in. But I've sold, packed, and shipped too many speakers where I would have come out ahead just selling them locally for far less...

I hope that doesn't sound "hard" of me, but I've got too much stuff on my plate to go to so much effort for so little in return, (other than good will). If I were retired, independently wealthy, or had nothing better to do, the situation would be different.

'Just my opinion...

John

[johnaec]

I personally shudder at the thought of shipping even a pair of dirty socks these days.'Sounds like you need a robot to help... (Your avatar reminded me of this.) :D

John

[kingjames]

If you all did this then I wouldn't have any more excuses.huh!:D

[jim campbell]

There are a lot of us that would like to purchase the JBL speakers of our dreams, but can't because the seller on the Bay or Craig’s list will only sell for local pick up only.

I say we should develop a listing of willing members that will pick up and ship purchases for other members for a reasonable fee. We could post it as a sticky and update it about every 3 months.

I myself would be willing to pick up and ship from the Dallas and surrounding areas for a fellow member. The deal I will work with any member is .40 cents per mile mound trip as stated on mapquest from my place to the seller and back again, and actual shipping charges plus shipping materials + a fee as follows:
$25 for speakers in the L100 size
$35 for speakers up to L65's
$50 for speakers like L300's and such.
Larger than 300's up to paragons call for Quote LOL

With as many members as we have across the US and Canada we could all benefit from such a network. The savings on the BIN or Craig’s list local pick up should be enough to make it worth the time and effort.

BTW I also work for JBL parts if you don’t want to spend the money. Your wives should love that!!

Anyway Let’s hear what the other members think.

MB

damn i wish ida heard that a week ago,i coulda bid on those valencias in your area

[avguytx]

damn i wish ida heard that a week ago,i coulda bid on those valencias in your area

As a matter of fact, they are my Valencia's on there and, yes, I do shudder at the thought of shipping them. That's why I would be glad to consider driving a reasonable distance for someone. I'm going to do the same thing for the next large speakers I buy. Electronics are one thing....these things are a biotch!

[Mr. Widget]

I think it is a very good idea... there is still risk involved due to unforeseen circumstances and we have had a wolf or two among us over the years, but I hope others join in and offer to flush out a comprehensive network.


With my schedule, I can't directly help, but I'm fully behind you.


Widget

[Storm]

Count me in!

I will help anyone who needs it!

-Storm.

[jim campbell]

while i dont see a lot of stuff coming from this area i would be happy to assist any forum member

[JBL Dog]

I'd help out, but unless doing it out of the good of your heart, the fee is a little low, (though I've often accepted much less - 'don't know if I will any more).

If you include the time to go pick up the speakers, figure out just what combination of box and packing materials, (think styrofoam here), will work, (it takes a lot of time to measure and come up with the actual measurements, especially to get the foam to fit correctly, based on what thicknesses are available), go pick up materials, actually cut the materials to the correct size, pack the speakers themselves, then take them to the shipping company and fill out the paperwork, you're looking at *several* hours work. Add complications, (L65 sculptured grilles and glass tops, L250 trapezoid cabinets, etc.), and it will take a couple more hours.

Rather than making $5 or $10 per hour for what little time I have available, unless I really feel like doing someone a favor, I might as well put in the time at the office, (overtime whenever I want), and make 5 or more times as much. I want people to have as much access to good deals as anyone, but not if it means I'm going to spend most of my weekend working for peanuts helping people get them.

If someone's really willing to pay what it costs, I'm in. But I've sold, packed, and shipped too many speakers where I would have come out ahead just selling them locally for far less...

I hope that doesn't sound "hard" of me, but I've got too much stuff on my plate to go to so much effort for so little in return, (other than good will). If I were retired, independently wealthy, or had nothing better to do, the situation would be different.

'Just my opinion...

John

I have to agree with you, John. With everything you've mentioned, you could looking at anywhere from 10 to 20 man hours from start to finish. With material cost, that set of L65's has suddenly hit the $150 range to ship cross country. And, yes, you should be compensated for your time, absolutely!! Any idea what a crating and shipping company would charge for such a service? $300 - $400, easy.

I wouldn't be opposed to picking something up for someone and holding it for a reasonable length of time until the buyer could pick it up or work out shipping on their own.

[jim3860]

I wouldn't be opposed to picking something up for someone and holding it and (listening) to it for a (unreasonable) length of time until the buyer could pick it up :D :rotfl: REGARDS JIM

[JBL Dog]

I wouldn't be opposed to picking something up for someone and holding it and (listening) to it for a (unreasonable) length of time until the buyer could pick it up :D :rotfl: REGARDS JIM

As long as it's not a set of L100's (ah chit, here we go!)

:D

[jim3860]

As long as it's not a set of L100's (ah chit, here we go!)

:Dhey i resemble that remark.:D

[spwal]

I can handle boston southern NH and providence.

As a precaution... gas is expensive and I can only handle monitors given space constraints in my car. You would have to make a great case to my gf to let me use her dads suv.

[opimax]

I can help in the DC area, If it gets too much I will speak up.

We could also work for donations to the site. If I ship for you you pay the site something, a percentage , flat fee, beer (SuperBee :) )

We could also set a simple credit system (barter), you ship mine I ship yours, establish a minimal ratiing, shipping 250Ti compared to a ti tweeter won't be equal.

Even if it is just supervising professional packers so I get my stuff the way the pictures look when sold.. I offer extra money to sellers to extra pack and dbl box w/instructions and still end up w/damaged goods.

I too look for pick ups rather than shipping but I will drive 2 day to pick up even 18ti speakers (if I ever win some).

I have had much more issues w/shipping then dishonesty, I would have thought the other way when I started using the net

Mark

[Titanium Dome]

I have mixed feelings about this. On several occasions, I have picked up items for forum members for free with the admonition to "pass it on" to the next person who needed some help. In one case, I got a nice return with some work done by Zilch on a malfunctioning BX63a.

In most cases, we covered actual shipping costs, more or less, and called it good.

I think Mike's idea is worth considering, especially if it creates a nationwide network. It might be a step forward to provide this service to members, but at the same time, things change when fees are involved, so consider the downside as well.

[Titanium Dome]

As long as it's not a set of L100's (ah chit, here we go!)

:D

hey i resemble that remark.:D

Dammit, these two wiseguys are NOT eligible for assistance on my list. :bash:

(Just kidding, fellas. Carry on, as I know you will.)

[mbottz]

What if we just post a listing of fellow members willing to help out another member maybe sortable by state (someone tell me if it is even possible to do this on the site). Lets not set any fee guidlines as we have mixed emotions on what everyones time is worth. (My feeling is to just let the golden rule apply)
That way when looking at that local pick up listing you will be able to PM the member in the area and work out an acceptable deal prior to bidding.
If you can not work an acceptable deal, at least you had one more option than you have now.
However I think, what ever is worked out there should be a standard $ amount donation made to the Forum when an item is shipped. And all serial numbers should be cataloged and maybe a digital picture for an area of the forum for others to see how well it is working
I think it will benefit all of us at some point in time. It may also help keep so many good examples of JBL legacy from being parted out.

Lets hear some more ideas from others so we can make this happen.

BTW I think L-100's should get special consideration!!:applaud: LOL


MB

[jim campbell]

its a great idea,but now hammering out the nuts and bolts will no doubt begin.i have given some thought to the prospect of being responsible for the items after the carrier drives away and frankly i would much rather hold an item while the buyer arranges for his own shipping and just do the local p/u. i have seen forklift drivers skewer crates which looked to be very solidly made and even well packed electronics dont like being dropped.i wonder if regular carriers would be a better option than fed x and ups as they are less concerned with speed and goods are maybe handled less often.are any forum members in the freight business with any insight inclined to chime in here?i bet that in some cases we could even handle a lot of it ourselves leap frogging member to member as a lot of us travel for work etc.

[johnaec]

...and even well packed electronics dont like being dropped.Just as an aside, I was in UPS a couple days ago, (picking up yet another damaged package! :biting: ), and the lady told me UPS doesn't consider packing sufficient unless it's at least 2 inches thick behind every side, and has to be able to withstand dropping off their conveyor belt, which was about 2 feet off the floor! So there you have it - if you can't dead-drop a 75 lb packed amp from at least 2 feet off the floor, at any angle, without damage, UPS couldn't care less... :(

John

[opimax]

Just as an aside, I was in UPS a couple days ago, (picking up yet another damaged package! :biting: ), and the lady told me UPS doesn't consider packing sufficient unless it's at least 2 inches thick behind every side, and has to be able to withstand dropping off their conveyor belt, which was about 2 feet off the floor! So there you have it - if you can't dead-drop a 75 lb packed amp from at least 2 feet off the floor, at any angle, without damage, UPS couldn't care less... :(

John

Have you seen the carriers/drivers drop stuff from their truck to the ground? I tell people 6ft!!! Even from the floor of the truck to the ground can be 4ft...

My packages have reflected that at times :(

Mark

[Storm]

I solely ship Fedex and have a fedex account.

Of about the 500 packages I have shipped, if not more - there has not been one damaged.

If you have a fedex account, it is 15% cheaper. And you can have the seller just charge the shipping to your fedex account instead of them making profit on shipping.

The one time I shipped UPS, it was at the request of the customer. Strangely enough, they were JBL L100T's in the original boxes. They both arrived damaged. The grilles smashed to pieces and the woofers beyond repair.

I HIGHLY recommend Fedex. They make it convienient to ship with locations at Kinkos.

If you use Fedex, there will be no more damage and no more of these kinds of posts.

I was told by a Fedex driver that they are the only ones that touch the package. Once it gets to the sorting facility, it is all conveyor belts.

The same driver worked at UPS previously and he said that they manually sort and sometimes they have games to see how far they can throw boxes. Damn, I believe it!

Just giving a little advice...I hope some of you take it.

Getting a fedex account is free ---

-Storm.

:D

[johnaec]

I tell people 6ft!!!Ya' know what's a drag? They seem to focus these actions on individual shippers' items. Whenever they're delivering something from a company in factory boxes, they always seem to arrive fine. And it's not just because the packing is good - they obviously haven't been dropped, etc. I guess it's because they know the flack they'd get from big shippers, compared to the little guy yelling...

John

[JBL Dog]

I solely ship Fedex and have a fedex account.

Of about the 500 packages I have shipped, if not more - there has not been one damaged.

If you have a fedex account, it is 15% cheaper. And you can have the seller just charge the shipping to your fedex account instead of them making profit on shipping.

The one time I shipped UPS, it was at the request of the customer. Strangely enough, they were JBL L100T's in the original boxes. They both arrived damaged. The grilles smashed to pieces and the woofers beyond repair.

I HIGHLY recommend Fedex. They make it convienient to ship with locations at Kinkos.

If you use Fedex, there will be no more damage and no more of these kinds of posts.

I was told by a Fedex driver that they are the only ones that touch the package. Once it gets to the sorting facility, it is all conveyor belts.

The same driver worked at UPS previously and he said that they manually sort and sometimes they have games to see how far they can throw boxes. Damn, I believe it!

Just giving a little advice...I hope some of you take it.

Getting a fedex account is free ---

-Storm.

:D

Ditto on FEDEX. I do ALL my ground shipping with them. Not one time have I had an item damaged in shipping. Rates are much better than UPS or USPS.

[mbottz]

an item is shipped is totally beyond the realm of the forum and should be between the two members working out the transaction.

I think we need to focus on how to put together the listing of members in a usable form so that we can communicate with each other the next time we see that local pick up auction.

I believe the other stuff will work it self out between the two members.

How about it moderators, how do we get the list started??


MB

[Mr. Widget]

How about it moderators, how do we get the list started??

Dunno... how about anyone interested posting their names on this thread... as soon as it looks like we have enough names to make it worthwhile we make a closed "sticky" thread with just the list of contacts and their areas so that the list doesn't get cluttered with spurious noise.


Widget

[Storm]

JBLDOG -

Yep, I only ship Fedex Ground as well.

I presume you have a fedex account? It is free and saves money...I am all up for that!

:)

I have no clue why the majority of people want to ship UPS. And, how come eBay only has a drop down bar for UPS? Are they getting paid by UPS to have that? They don't have Fedex. However, I clearly state in every auction --- will be shipped via Fedex Ground, insured.

Glad you are taking advantage of Fedex. If Fedex didn't exist, my eBay business wouldn't - because I would not ship UPS and USPS is a joke, too!

-Storm.

[John]

Hey storm I have used usps for 3 years when I can not pick up in person and they have always got the job done for me?:applaud:

[opimax]

I have had bad luck w/most but Fed Ex ground has been the worst followed by UPS however most times it was the PACKING.

Note Ground on Fed EX which is also HOME.

This has been MY history, Storm's mileage may vary :)

And yes I have a Fed Ex account

Mark

[Gary L]

I shipped a pair of 19s a while back from NY to TX and used Forward air.

I don't think FedX or UPS can handle big stuff like this and I sure would not trust either to do it.

The truth is it was a big PITA.

I had to find a pallet and go to an appliance store to get boxes from washer/dryer set. Home depot for styrofoam, tape and ratchet straps.

I boxed and palletized right on my open pick up with the help of a good friend and then had to drive 50 miles to Newburgh, NY Forward air terminal. They forklifted it off and got the job done perfectly and reasonable. On the other end the buyer had to pick up at his terminal and reverse the process.

This took well over an entire 8 hour day, I drove well over 150 miles gathering materials and delivering to the terminal and I would not do it again for myself let alone for another.

When it comes to the big stuff, we would be much better off with a pony express type of deal where one or two members get together to drive towards one another to pass off the speakers.

I think 19s or L 300 would fit in the back of my Grand Cherokee laying on their backs. This could be done fairly easily with help from a friend. The driving would be the killer here and the expensive part. I could go as far as PA, VA, VT, NH, NJ but we are talking some serious dollars when all things are considered and mileage is paid for.

Gary

[avguytx]

I have a Fedex, UPS and DHL accounts and I ship 95% Fedex which has the LEAST problems for me, anyway. Whether I'm shipping things for work or for what I sell on Ebay, Fedex still is the best for what I do. The ONLY time I use UPS is if someone gives me their UPS account number to ship something with. I haven't shipped enough with USPS to have any problems but I use them for lots of legal letters, certified stuff, etc.

[bigyank]

Count me in! We can call it the Pony Express or something!

Yank

[Mr. Widget]

How about it moderators, how do we get the list started??

So how many of the posters on this thread so far would like to be on a list of potential regional contacts?


Widget

[Storm]

I would like to be on the list ---

-Storm.

[johnaec]

I'd be on the list to help out if someone wants something enough to pay a little closer to what the time costs.

John

[bigyank]

I would like to be on the list!:applaud:

[4313B]

So there you have it - if you can't dead-drop a 75 lb packed amp from at least 2 feet off the floor, at any angle, without damage, UPS couldn't care less... :(
Have you seen the carriers/drivers drop stuff from their truck to the ground? I tell people 6ft!!! Even from the floor of the truck to the ground can be 4ft...Groovy! No wonder that 1500AL had the magnet broken away from the frame! :p
Of course I wasn't laughing at the time.

[saeman]

Hey storm I have used usps for 3 years when I can not pick up in person and they have always got the job done for me?:applaud:

John:

You must be thinking of the Canadian Post Office. If you ship a package that is overpacked, small and light weight USPS can get it there in one piece. If it's heavy and marginally or poorly packed USPS will guarantee damage. I've received well packed woofers that were drop kicked so many times that there wasn't a square corner left on the box. Have you ever seen a spherical cardboard box? With USPS it's handled many many times from start to finish by employees who are guaranteed a pay check every week even if they can't read the "Red FRAGILE" labels plastered all over the box. UPS is a close second. FedEx Ground is the winner hands down. DHL ain't too bad either.

Your Buddy - Rick

[mikezcar]

its a great idea,but now hammering out the nuts and bolts will no doubt begin.i have given some thought to the prospect of being responsible for the items after the carrier drives away and frankly i would much rather hold an item while the buyer arranges for his own shipping and just do the local p/u. i have seen forklift drivers skewer crates which looked to be very solidly made and even well packed electronics dont like being dropped.i wonder if regular carriers would be a better option than fed x and ups as they are less concerned with speed and goods are maybe handled less often.are any forum members in the freight business with any insight inclined to chime in here?i bet that in some cases we could even handle a lot of it ourselves leap frogging member to member as a lot of us travel for work etc.

I think a listing of those who would at least consider helping when possible could work. The members can discuss what's needed and what might be available between each other and what fair compensation needs to be. I am in Little Rock, Arkansas and most likely see very few requests but would try to help when possible. Pretty sure I would be one of the ones who manages to find things a 1000 miles away and wishes they were closer, there are some C38s in CA right now,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Anyway put me on the list, Mike

Oh yeah, would someone answer this question for me? I think I know the answer and it has to do with which end has the crossover, but I've been wrong before.

http://audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=14326

[Gary L]

Add me to the list Widget, I will help if I can.

Gary

[mbottz]

I can cover Dallas Frot Worth and surrounding suberbs.

Most of the time I find the local pickups are quite reasonable and even a higher shipping from a fellow member would be worth it to me.

By the way did I mention I work for JBL parts. This can be very effetive as most of us have parts which we aquired very reasonably and no longer have a use for. That way you could have inflation work to your advantage when dealing on your shipping.

MB

[kingjames]

Fed EX were the ones that delivered my 250ti's from Canada,absolutely NO damage.

[jim3860]

i am perfectly willing and able to help in my part of the world. even though there is little here i think that people would be willing to pay shipping on. REGARDS JIM

[Hofmannhp]

I'm in.....
Here's my idea from Dec 2004:

http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=12910&postcount=1

HP