I have shipped a couple of very heavy receivers (Sansui 9090 and a Pioneer SX-1250) of late with no problems and just wanted to share some advice.
1. Always use a double walled box - ALWAYS. Buy a box that is at least 2 inches bigger in every dimension than the equipment.
2. Remove any switch covers or knobs that might do damage. For example, on the 1250 always remove the tuning knob and all the switch covers.
3. Wrap the unit in bubble wrap designed for electronics. Wrap until you brain says good enough then double that.
4. Line the bottom of the box with foam. I have always used pool noodles, they are readily available and cheap and seem to provide the right amount of cushion. Get them on closeout at the end of the season. I raid all the dollar stores locally and get them for $0.25 each.
5. Place the unit in the dead center of the box.
6. Place more foam around all sides of the unit..make it tight so the unit cannot move. Be careful in the front and fashion the foam such that it won't bend a switch.
7. Place foam on top to ensure the unit cannot move when the box is closed.
8. I always label the unit both fragile and heavy. I do this so FedEx can't claim I did not warn them should something happen.
9. This applies only to FedEx -
1. Sign up for a FedEx Account - they give you a discount on each shipment.
2. Always ship the unit to a FedEx store near the final destination. This can save $10-$20 on shipping. The added bonus is that the unit is dropped at a secure location and you can see the condition of the box before pickup.
Can something still happen? Sure, but I would be willing to bet it would be minor rather than catastrophic.
Anyway, just my $0.02...feel free to chime in with your methods.
1. Always use a double walled box - ALWAYS. Buy a box that is at least 2 inches bigger in every dimension than the equipment.
2. Remove any switch covers or knobs that might do damage. For example, on the 1250 always remove the tuning knob and all the switch covers.
3. Wrap the unit in bubble wrap designed for electronics. Wrap until you brain says good enough then double that.
4. Line the bottom of the box with foam. I have always used pool noodles, they are readily available and cheap and seem to provide the right amount of cushion. Get them on closeout at the end of the season. I raid all the dollar stores locally and get them for $0.25 each.
5. Place the unit in the dead center of the box.
6. Place more foam around all sides of the unit..make it tight so the unit cannot move. Be careful in the front and fashion the foam such that it won't bend a switch.
7. Place foam on top to ensure the unit cannot move when the box is closed.
8. I always label the unit both fragile and heavy. I do this so FedEx can't claim I did not warn them should something happen.
9. This applies only to FedEx -
1. Sign up for a FedEx Account - they give you a discount on each shipment.
2. Always ship the unit to a FedEx store near the final destination. This can save $10-$20 on shipping. The added bonus is that the unit is dropped at a secure location and you can see the condition of the box before pickup.
Can something still happen? Sure, but I would be willing to bet it would be minor rather than catastrophic.
Anyway, just my $0.02...feel free to chime in with your methods.