I know I'm beating a dead horse, but I'm really nervous about using UPS or FedEx to ship an instrument that I recently sold.
I read online that if it's sent Ground, that it can be loosely tracked, but that doesn't sit well with me.
Joe insists that the safest way to get the tuba from point A to point B is to drive it there your dang self. However, driving on the highway can be dangerous, my car could break down (and I would be stuck who knows where with a broken car AND my undelivered tuba), plus I am only hoping that the buyer exists, will show up, and will pay me (and not rob me).
For me, when I picked up my short-loved Neptune, it very nearly did not fit in my trunk. I was almost stuck in a WalMart parking lot in eastern Ohio with a tuba too big for my car. I have no idea what I would have done.
If you are exchanging money for a tuba in a Walmart parking lot, first wrap the tuba in an old rug. Make sure the buyer hands the cash to you in a brown paper bag. This will draw less attention.
Last edited by Mark on Sun Jan 10, 2016 1:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I've made several face - to - face transactions, with no incidents.
Just be absolutely certain that you meet in a location where there are many people around, and always do it during daylight hours. I've used shopping mall parking lots, but the police station lot is an excellent idea.
Also, it's a good idea to have a description of the car of the person you are meeting, along with their license plate number, and if possible get there well before the meeting time, just to "case the joint". If the person is not there five minutes before the transaction, leave the parking lot, come back five minutes later, and drive around the lot until you recognize the person you are waiting for. This will give you an opportunity to "case your buyer" also.
If at all possible, try to vet your buyer before you leave home. Use the Internet to see if the buyer (or seller) is "on the level" (for example, see if there's any evidence that he is in fact a musician, etc.)
In short, try to be as in much control of the situation as you possibly can.
I picked up my Hirsbrunner personally, as well as the tuba that is now lost's Conn Orchestra Grand. Delivered two other big Conns to buyers in person.
With UPS you have to budget for the repair bill afterwards. With Greyhound you have to adjust to not knowing where it is most of the trip. Driving it personally, I worry about theft during stops for gas and meals. You pays your money...
