Official Luthiers Forum!

What are the ballpark figures you all charge for shipping costs when you send your guitars? I'm getting a quote of about $75 from the FedEx website. I am planning on shipping a guitar soon and was getting feedback that shipping should be closer to $30, not $75, and that doesn't include any of the proper packaging materials. I'm interested in 2-day delivery so the guitar's exposure to the elements is limited.

Thanks!

John

I ship my guitars via USPS overnight. I carry private insurance on my
guitars though so I only have to insure them for $500 (my deductable)
and so it works out to about $5-$60 per guitar for overnight shipping.
good stuff.

You can always go priority mail too (2-3 days plus weekend delivery).
That is about $20-$30 (with $500 insurance)

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John Mayes
http://www.mayesluthier.com

John, look into USPS Registered Priority. I think it's the best kept secret in town. You are allowed 108" total (length plus girth). The only bad thing is that all seams have to be taped with paper tape so that they can date stamp it. No plastic tape can be used at all. When the package isn't actually in a truck in transit, it's under lock and key in an indoor environment. I just shipped a guitar and the shipping cost was $13.90 with insurance being $13.85. (I don't want to get dropped by my Instrument Insurance Company so I go ahead and purchase insurance from the shipper)
Definately look into it.

Paul, how about regular plastic packing tape, followed by the paper kind that will take ink?

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http://www.presnallguitars.com

[QUOTE=L. Presnall] Paul, how about regular plastic packing tape, followed by the paper kind that will take ink?[/QUOTE]
It won't stick very well.

Paul,

Why would you have to purchase insurance twice? Isn't that the reason
why you use private insurance in the first place? Does not seem
reasonable for a insurance company to make you buy secondary
insurance as well. (under the guise of dropping your coverage if you
don't) I have heritage insurance as well. What's the deal? Am I missing
something?

_________________
John Mayes
http://www.mayesluthier.com