Courier recommendations?

Deadman

I usually use Royal Mail and have never had any problems. However with the horror stories I've read now I'm thinking of using TNT as they can pick up from my workplace (and more importantly gain access as security clearance is needed). I've been quoted £30 for a guitar. However I could possibly arrange for someone to be at home for a pick up with an alternative company. Has anyone got any good recs/tips please?

Andyjr1515

There's a risk with all couriers. I think Royal Mail are as reliable as most, TNT also OK, but they both (all) have their moments...

Deadman

Thanks Andy. I've been looking around and a company called interparcel.com are offering the same TNT service for less than £20. Think I'll go with that. Guitars also aren't on the restricted list.

Deijavoo

I use Interparcel only now. 

Fantastic, particularly the drop off service which is cheap for big items under 28kg.

not_the_dj

Just check the insurance cover level. Even with interparcel they'll give you an attractive priced from just the dimensions and weight, it's only later in the booking process where you can increase the insurance value.

Deadman

Thanks lads. All very useful info. TheMoz will want his new Casino delivered in tip top condition!

Parker

UPS are very good. Book interparcel's own product and it's UPS

octatonic

NOT Parcels 2 Go.

Or Citylink.

chrisj1602

I used interparcel to post a box and cased Gibson Les Paul. Good service and best price, properly insured.

Horatio_Caine

InterParcel using UPS, been doing that method for quite a few years now and continue to do so.  They are quick, nice prices and has been reliable for me.

Parker

+1 to avoid Citylink Also Yodel aren't great

dogload

octatonic said:

NOT Parcels 2 Go.

Any particular reason? I'ver never had a problem with them (so far).

stickyfiddle

I've never had a single issue with Interparcel (either their own brand, UPS-delivered service or TNT for faster stuff) after at least 20 uses. 

kos5150

It's such a shame that we have to even worry about these things. That said, there is definitely a gap in the market for someone to come along and offer a guitar-only courier service. You'd think with the amount that get sold on eBay every day that someone with the right resources would come up with a solution as more and more people decide to go the collection only route.

I'd quite happily pay them a premium if I knew that my guitar would get from A to B safely and securely.

OilCityPickups

My hall of shame includes: 'Shitty Link' who left a £70 computert hard drive out in the rain ... then swore blind it had been signed for (couldn't produce a signature however). TNT who damaged a pair of my £150 Tele Wide Range pickups so badly they were almost unrecognizable. 'Parcel Farce' for repeatedly pretending to have tried to deliver and failed ... when I'd been sat next to the door all day. Yodel for wet, abused, crushed parcels delivered (eventually, and  with a surly attitude). UPS (admittedly an international delivery) for demanding cash at the door for duty ... with no card payment option and no warning ... who carries cash or trusts van drivers? Fedex bill you for it after the fact ... in a civilized way.

ToneControl

parcel force do not insure musical instruments

Well, they'll take your money to insure them, you only find out if you try to claim

ToneControl

for big heavy amps, pharos can be good, especially to send to Europe (uses UPS I think)