Boxing Charge
12-06-17 | 10:35 AM
#26
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 16,150
Likes: 9,531
From: PDX
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Please do get the insurance as well, I don't think its that much more. On mine the total with it was $95 on Bikeflights from Virginia to Oregon for $1000 on F/F and wheels. They are self insured so when FedX damages it, Bikeflights takes responsibility, worked out as well as it could have for me.
Agreed.
After going back and forth with multiple options including meeting half-way, having him pack the bike himself etc, I finally gave him the option to choose whichever was most convenient for him (including paying the shop $85 to pack). In the end, he chose to have the bike shop pack. Although it does drive the total purchase price up somewhat, I keep reminding myself that this is a grail bike after all (1984 TREK 720). Been looking for one of these for a while and they are not easy to come by at a reasonable price.
After going back and forth with multiple options including meeting half-way, having him pack the bike himself etc, I finally gave him the option to choose whichever was most convenient for him (including paying the shop $85 to pack). In the end, he chose to have the bike shop pack. Although it does drive the total purchase price up somewhat, I keep reminding myself that this is a grail bike after all (1984 TREK 720). Been looking for one of these for a while and they are not easy to come by at a reasonable price.
12-08-17 | 02:08 AM
#27
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 798
Likes: 362
From: La Habra, California
Bikes: Italvega Super Speciales and Superlights
Per CR, bikeflights does their own insurance and doesn't involve FedEx except as the shipper. I would suggest you handle the shipping via bikeflights after you get the box dimensions and weights from the LBS. IME, the cost differences among the boxes and weights is relatively minimal because bikeflights rates are really good compared to regular FedEx rates.
Just be sure since you're paying for the shipping that the LBS reads up on bikeflights packing requirements and can and will pack to those specs, and IMO, should provide you with photo documented pics of the packing job before it's boxed up. For $85 and cell phone pics to your phone or email, that should be easy and required, both to protect them, And you, and the seller.
Just be sure since you're paying for the shipping that the LBS reads up on bikeflights packing requirements and can and will pack to those specs, and IMO, should provide you with photo documented pics of the packing job before it's boxed up. For $85 and cell phone pics to your phone or email, that should be easy and required, both to protect them, And you, and the seller.
12-08-17 | 06:44 AM
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,869
Likes: 575
From: Philly
The worst packing I ever received was from a UPS Store. One box for the frame and one box for the wheels filled with packing peanuts and nothing secured. It did arrive undamaged. Glad I did not pay for shipping.
I am still finding peanuts from that one.
I am still finding peanuts from that one.
__________________
84 Bridgestone 400. 90's Basso Highway, 07 Rivendell AHH, 16 Clockwork All-Rounder , 22 Rivendell Roadini
84 Bridgestone 400. 90's Basso Highway, 07 Rivendell AHH, 16 Clockwork All-Rounder , 22 Rivendell Roadini
12-08-17 | 05:32 PM
#30
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,973
Likes: 145
From: Tampa, Florida
So....
Boxes:
USPS cut off is 130"
FedEx cutoff is higher than that so NO cutting down is required. Too big of a box and the bike may move around...cutting may be required to keep it from moving in box.
The only boxes I pay for are Trek Madone clamshell boxes. Simple the best LBS charges me $20 for the box. I only use them for bike >$1000
WLH: If you have an option go for a wider box every time.
Cost:
Up to $75-85 is reasonable to me. $100 is excessive
Courier:
Bikeflights isn't always the best option. I ship my mediocre bikes through them. Anything higher end goes direct with FedEx. High end bikes I'd prefer to be shipped and insured by the same company. With BikeFlights your dealing with 3 companies, BikeFlights, FedEx and the 3rd party insurer.
Nickels and Dimes: Don't cheap out trying to squeeze a penny. Better service comes at a premium.
Shake n rattle: Shake the box. There should box NO rattles or other related noises. If you hear anything its not packaged correctly.
Seat post: When possible I leave the seat post installed without the seat. I'll raise the post as high as possible. This becomes my 'impact point' if the box is dropped upside down
Boxes:
USPS cut off is 130"
FedEx cutoff is higher than that so NO cutting down is required. Too big of a box and the bike may move around...cutting may be required to keep it from moving in box.
The only boxes I pay for are Trek Madone clamshell boxes. Simple the best LBS charges me $20 for the box. I only use them for bike >$1000
WLH: If you have an option go for a wider box every time.
Cost:
Up to $75-85 is reasonable to me. $100 is excessive
Courier:
Bikeflights isn't always the best option. I ship my mediocre bikes through them. Anything higher end goes direct with FedEx. High end bikes I'd prefer to be shipped and insured by the same company. With BikeFlights your dealing with 3 companies, BikeFlights, FedEx and the 3rd party insurer.
Nickels and Dimes: Don't cheap out trying to squeeze a penny. Better service comes at a premium.
Shake n rattle: Shake the box. There should box NO rattles or other related noises. If you hear anything its not packaged correctly.
Seat post: When possible I leave the seat post installed without the seat. I'll raise the post as high as possible. This becomes my 'impact point' if the box is dropped upside down
