Shipping a TV to Germany?

matsy1

Hi, Im probably in the wrong place, couldn't figure out where to put the thread, MODS move if necessary..

So I am trying to ship a 36 inch second hand TV to my brother who is living in Bremen, Germany. I tried to get UPS to do it, they quoted me €150 approx on the phone. I packed the TV in a box that I got from Power City, it fitted in nicely and I also wrapped the TV in bubble wrap, and stuffed foam around it. The UPS man came to the door and said unfortunately he would not be able to take it, without reason?? I tried asking if its the way its wrapped or what? He just said no.

Is there anyone out there who knows what I need to do to send this to Germany, its approx 20 kilos.

Thanks

dudara

Moved to Online Buying & Auctions - more experience with this kind of stuff over there

dudara

cgarvey

Could it be the way you wrapped it? Bubble wrap doesn't quite cut it for a valuable fragile item, so that might be why they refused it. It would need its original sturdy wrapping (the moulded polystyrene/aeroboard/cardboard it came in originally), or something that offers similar protection. Bubble wrap doesn't do that (even if tightly packed).

Maybe ring the office and push for getting a reason and/or advice on packing requirements. Did they know it was a TV when quoting you?

Certainly regardless of courier company, you'll need much sturdier packaging than bubble wrap. It needs sturdy/structured wrapping to protect it from other stuff lying on it, and ideally needs beads (or packed small bubble wrap) to absorb shocks during transport.

matsy1

Thanks cgarvey. The TV is wrapped in bubble wrap and fitted snugly in the Styrofoam moulds from the other tv. Then put in the box, and more bubble wrap is packed around it. Then I wrapped a full roll of brown masking tape around the box. Its only short of being in a metal box.. I called UPS and they couldnt give me any answers until today they said they could be liable if it got damaged! I understand it could get damaged, I didnt take out the expensive insurance because it would make no sense, he may aswell buy a new TV. But its a risk I am willing to take. Do people not send TV's, or other electrical items internationally from ebay? How are they shipped?

rubadub

I got a 42" plasma from richersounds up north years ago, the manager brought it down himself with a helper. My father stayed in my house to collect it, they brought it in and unwrapped it, took it out to confirm it was all OK, great service from them, I got to pick the time too. They said they have had problems with couriers in the past and that plasmas must be handled very carefully, I think they must be kept upright or something.

Surely the guy must have given a reason to refuse it? had you told them it was a TV in the first place?

Do people not send TV's, or other electrical items internationally from ebay?

To be honest I am surprised you are doing it, the cost and effort is going to be high for my liking, you could probably be better off selling it here and give him money to buy one secondhand there.

Maybe they have had dodgy claims in the past, like box up a broken TV, send it and claim insurance, or they legitimately are just being damaged too frequently.

Obviously TVs are sold online & shipped though, I think pixmania use DHL.