Ken Ealey Audio -- Shipping

Ken Ealey Audio

An audio amplifier rebuild, mod, & upgrading center
Acoustat Acurus Martin Logan SAE Threshold

Shipping

Shipping Costs:

The buyer will pay for shipping both ways. The rebuild package prices have been priced very reasonably by also taking the added expense of shipping into consideration. I wish I could make it go away, but it's a fact we all must live with now more than ever. Still, it doesn't have to be as bad as what a person might think, as explained in the following section.

Shipping:

It's fine to ship the item in it's original packing. But if it's not around anymore, then finding the correct box is highly encouraged if possible. After having shipped many parcels I do have a few pointers that you may not be aware of.

First, try locating a box just large enough to fit the item, leaving perhaps 2 inches per side for preamps and 2-4 inches for amplifiers depending on weight. Larger boxes or even double boxing don't really serve much of a purpose except for increasing shipping costs. If you're worried about protecting the item even more, then cutting out cardboard pieces and taping to the gear's sides might make you feel a little more secure.

Secondly, packing is key here and I have found using wadded up newspaper works great and packs like iron. Bubble wrap can be ok too if used properly, such as being wrapped snuggly and taped directly around the item. Used loosely, it's not as effective I don't think. Besides, newspaper is free and accessible by almost everyone. Mylar packing tape can be had for $1.00/roll at any discount store such as Dollar General and works very well. Taping up any minor holes or weak spots in the box is a good idea and will do the job. Boxes aren't always perfect and sometimes all we have on hand. Don't be shy about tape reinforcing the bottom and sides either. It's easy and fast to do, and provides that much more stability.

Thirdly, you can label any way you wish. Going to the computer and making a label is fine, but so is using a good felt tip or ink pen. I find that taking a blank-sided piece of computer printer paper and writing on it, then taping to the box work great. The box can be used over and over with that approach.

Next, using bathroom scales for getting the weight can be useful when going to the UPS, USPS, Fedex (if available in your area), or DHL websites for an online shipping estimate. I've had good luck with online estimates, and it can eliminate lots of running around or any surprises. Let the phone and internet work for you here. I do have my personal preferences for what shipping I'd use, but we all have different luck, so use whatever works for you. If the USPS is selected, taking out delivery confirmation for 50 cents is like tracking and can be more useful than insurance. It's what I use all the time and have very good luck. PACKING WELL is your best insurance!

What should be shipped:

It would be nice for all peripherals to be shipped along with the unit. Examples include preamps and their respective remotes and any detachable power cords. This enables total QA to take place, assuring proper operation and avoiding any issues. Let's face it - stupid things can happen, so let's both avoid them.