How to post heavy camera equipment?

Matt0

Matt0

Suspended / Banned
Messages
108
Name
Matt
Edit My Images
Yes
I am about to sell all my DSLR kit since switching to mirroless, however I am looking at postage costs and to send either my D7100 or Sigma 70-200 (which all packed up are over 2KG each) special delivery insured is £26.60! But I can use Parcel Monkey broker service and send DPD for £7.14 uninsured, even if I add insurance their terms and conditions exclude Cameras and Lenses from being covered by their insurance.

Obviously I can pack them up really well to reduce the risk of any damage and I did post a cheaper body recently unisured without any issues I just wondered how other sellers found affordable ways to post their kit with insurance?
 
I just send it normal post as I'm covered with my camera insurance, no point paying twice.
Check your insurance policy
 
admirable said:
I just send it normal post as I'm covered with my camera insurance, no point paying twice.
Check your insurance policy
Click to expand...

Your insurance covers you sending gear you have sold?
 
Covers me for any item in transit, for repair, sold, loan gear etc
 
@KIPAX I'm sure he has the same deal?
 
To me, the insurance is in the packing as any insurance might want proof of good packing.

Back in the day, Royal Worcester (china company) used to test its packing from time to time by grabbing something randomly from the despatch area then rolling it down a flight of stairs. If it broke, they improved the packing or gave more training. I learned much about packing when I heard this.

Good, old fashioned newspaper is a great material when rolled into loose balls - light and energy absorbing. For a camera body it would probably take half a newspaper and a wine case sized box.
 
EdwardL said:
To me, the insurance is in the packing as any insurance might want proof of good packing.

Back in the day, Royal Worcester (china company) used to test its packing from time to time by grabbing something randomly from the despatch area then rolling it down a flight of stairs. If it broke, they improved the packing or gave more training. I learned much about packing when I heard this.

Good, old fashioned newspaper is a great material when rolled into loose balls - light and energy absorbing. For a camera body it would probably take half a newspaper and a wine case sized box.
Click to expand...

You can pack it in three bales of cotton wool but it won't help if it gets nicked
 
Parcelforce is certainly cheaper at the heavier weights.. Until you factor in the insurance, standard is only £100 I think where as RMSD is £500 and doesn't put the price up too much increasing it.
 
Never quite understood insurance for posting something. I, the customer, has to insure against the Post Office cocking up. Surely they should have there own insurance.
When I take my car for a service I don't have to pay the garage to insure against damaging something.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BBR
Graham W said:
Never quite understood insurance for posting something. I, the customer, has to insure against the Post Office cocking up. Surely they should have there own insurance.
When I take my car for a service I don't have to pay the garage to insure against damaging something.
Click to expand...
They do have their own insurance, but rather than forcing you to have it, they give you a choice.
 
Graham W said:
When I take my car for a service I don't have to pay the garage to insure against damaging something.
Click to expand...
Yes you do. But it's hidden in the costs so you don't notice it and you don't have the option of not paying it.
 
I just sold my 500 F4 and some postage/courier prices were a joke.in the end I agreed to drive a 2 hour round trip and dealt face to face and in cash.i know this isn't always practical though.
 
admirable said:
I just send it normal post as I'm covered with my camera insurance, no point paying twice.
Check your insurance policy
Click to expand...
But once you receive payment the goods are no longer yours and therefore insurance companies can opt not to pay your claim. I wouldn't chance it.
 
robmac said:
I just sold my 500 F4 and some postage/courier prices were a joke.in the end I agreed to drive a 2 hour round trip and dealt face to face and in cash.i know this isn't always practical though.
Click to expand...
Parcel Monkey might be your friend :)
 
When selling I've gone with RMSD, ok its expensive at £25-30 but when selling items £500-1000 is not much in the grand scheme of things. Anything more expensive than that I would look at travelling and meeting face to face as its an anxious time waiting and hoping it arrives safely.
 
I use Doddle. Only good if you have one locally!
 
Bazza155 said:
But once you receive payment the goods are no longer yours and therefore insurance companies can opt not to pay your claim. I wouldn't chance it.
Click to expand...


From my policy and I have checked with them

General Merchandise connected with the Business owned by You or which you are responsible for
 
boyfalldown said:
Parcel force 24 is normally cheaper then special delivery. But for the value of kit you're sending is £26 that much ?
Click to expand...

Parcel force was actually a few pounds more, but you are right for the value of item I will pay for special delivery.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top