Shipping Damage Claims

[djwesp]

Well!!! GRRRRRR

My Kanstul's bottom bow was dented during shipping and it turns out it can't be repaired without leaving signs. Has anyone ever had their Tuba Replaced by a Shipping Company?

The inspector is coming to see the damage monday.

Yes, with greyhound express. Well not replaced, but claimed, trying to cash out the insurance.


It was the most frustrating thing of my entire life. Then the cops found the stolen horn and I didn't have to deal with a claims department.


I've also had to deal with damage and losses of other items with other shipping companies. Be prepared, IT WILL be your fault somehow, or they will try to wiggle out of it. Stand firm and FORCE THEM to replace or buy out. These "bounty men" they bring are not there for "customer service".

[trseaman]

Goodluck... And keep us posted.

Tim

[Tom]

Has anyone ever had their Tuba Replaced by a Shipping Company?

Completely replaced?

Hate to break it to you, but getting the shipping company to completely replace the tuba is unlikely for an item they haven't declared a "total loss" that could be repaired one way or another.

The most likely scenario is that they will issue you a check for the amount of the repair estimate, which they will have verified. This might be a good time to get to know your repairman and have him write an estimate for as close to like new as possible. I have gone through this:

I actually had UPS pay up the full high repair estimate amount on a claim I made with them several years back involving a shipped tuba. The key to dealing with a shipping claim with a company like UPS is to document everything and obtain written repair estimates from reputable repair shops. In addition, don't do anything to the damaged area or packaging until they have had a chance to inspect it (I had to go through that too).

Although it was frustrating to have to settle for a check, I envisioned a long struggle and eventual loss for any other type of settlement.

[Dylan King]

United Airlines severely damaged my Yorkbrunner when it was shipped new from Custom Music in 1993. The bell was smashed in real good and some of the bracing was shmooshed by the impact.

I overlooked the damage and was so happy how the horn played (as I had tried other Yorkbrunners and this one stuck out as a special horn) that I decided not to send it back, although Custom agreed to take it back if necessary.

United paid Robb Stewart to fix it up, and in the process he did a few custom tweeks as well and charged it to United's dime. The tweeks were minor in nature and neither Robb nor I thought it was dishonest at the time (after all they had smashed my brand new $18,500 tuba), but looking back that was probably something I wouldn't do today.

Good luck, but if you like the sound of the horn, you should seriously consider keeping it. One never knows if the next one is going to be a (perfect) dud.

[trseaman]

I don't know if i could send it back to Anaheim

You shouldn't have to... If UPS has agreed to pay and that is not the issue... Then I would imagine that Zig at Kanstul would be more than happy to send out a new bottom bow to fix your horn. If you trust your local tech and he can do it quickly it should be finished in a matter of a couple days. Just explain to Zig and your tech about your time concerns??? Another happy customer!!!

Tim

[UTTuba_09]

My sob story,

Had my Kalison in the $500 protec flight case when i went out to Arizona. when i got back to knoxville, a hefty 4 inch crease in my bell, looked up information online about my flight, most all luggage damage insurance MUST be addressed no later than 24 hours after landing, it was unfortunately day 2 for me. Ugh... if you want some tips on flying with tubas, i have an article on my website (harmless plug) about flying with tubas and the mistakes that i made. Hope this helps! http://www.hammytuba.com/mysite1280x102 ... 0Horns.pdf

[tubadaddy92]

unless it drastically effects the way the horn plays then it shouldnt matter too much. i mean i understand that you are super hyped about your new tuba but if you have something coming up i would not go through all the trouble to fix a dent in bottom bow. my advice would be not to worry about it but thats just my two cents.

[Chuck(G)]

What Wade said. Any repairman worth his salt can bring back a bottom bow that's been smashed nearly flat. You don't think that new bottom bows get purchased for all of those middle-school tubas, do you?

You're not dealing with the right folks.

[Bandmaster]

Gee.... if you get someone really good they can do this...

Before....

After.....

[TubaRay]

Like magic!