Shipping a bass to Europe?

[2elliot]

I'm looking into shipping options for sending a bass to Belgium.  Has anyone recently posted a bass into Europe and if so, who did you use and did everything go according to plan? 

 

Thanks in advance. 

 

[BlueMoon]

DPD would be my recommendation.

[Hellzero]

Trouble free shipping is UPS or FedEx when it comes to international shipping wherever you are located: I know it's more expensive, but you can trust them.

 

DPD wouldn't be my recommendation at all, too many issues with them like parcels touring Europe before delivery, and lost or damaged parcels are their routine.

[fretmeister]

TBH I think most of the couriers are pretty similar.

Apart from Evri. Absolute tossers. Of course Parcel Force won't insure instruments properly even if you buy their own additional cover.

 

Whatever you do, get proper insurance. Third party insurance can be better.

 

Hardcase and then loads of bubble wrap and then a double walled box. Take photos of the entire packing process for future evidence needs. If it's a bolt on, think about taking the neck off to reduce the chance of damage. No matter how you pack it, some jobsworth will claim you didn't do it well enough - so completely over-do it!

[Bolo]

Just hand it to Nguyen on the Oostende ferry and it'll be fine. 

Expect a call in the future from someone redeeming a 'favor'.

[Hellzero]

As @fretmeister said, and of course always document your packing process with photos that you send to the recipient and keep records of all photos of the instruments before shipping for insurance purposes, so you can confirm its condition.

 

I've literally sent hundreds of parcels worldwide with only two problems: A stolen parcel in the unlocked French Post delivery van and a totally damaged parcel by Parcel Force.

 

Both were fully insured and fully reimbursed after a full inquiry.

 

In fact, making a real bomb proof parcel takes a lot of time as nothing must be able to move, and everything must be highly protected.

 

At the moment, DPD has lost a parcel I was waiting and has misdirected parcels so many times that's it's ridiculous.

 

And remember that the cheapest courier is certainly not the best.

[walshy]

UPS or FEDEX are the only option I use for VBR stuff. Wouldn't trust anyone else