Shipping a Leica

[WalterM]

I plan on selling my Leica MP + 50mm Summicron on the classifieds, and just wondering how much it would take to ship(in the continental US) and how I should ship. Any advice?

I haven't shipped anything nearly this expensive before 😛

 

[easyrider]

UPS, FedEx

UPS, FedEx

I have shipped stuff via UPS and FedEx. Some UPS outlets will pack it for you for a charge. Cost depends on where you are shipping to and whether by land or air. Also, weight.

Make sure you buy insurance.

 

[nikon_sam]

Make sure you buy insurance.

That's all I had to say...😀

 

[rover]

I just sold my M6, shipping usps priority mail with confirmation and $1,200 insurance was $25 ish. That is from CT to TX. You can go to the usps web site and there is a shipping calculator there. They have flat rate boxes too, one price shipping anywhere in the US. One that will fit the MP will be around $12 or $15, then you add the confirmation and insurance so you will be back up around the $25. Note too that you can get a price on the web site for insurance at a higher level which would be appropriate for the MP.

 

[thetooth]

i have always been happy with usps . for expensive items i always buy insurance and signature confirmation . also i find there prices pretty reasonable .

 

[BTMarcais]

I'm generally pretty happy w/ USPS, but in a recent trade, because of the rural location of the other party, UPS was a better option. (Just based on delivery issues the OP had had in the past). I sent a good sized box full of contax gear, insured for $2500, UPS ground was about 27$ or so. All within CA though (different ends of the state).

You can generally figure out an amount pretty close to the final price using the shipping calculators the shippers have on their website.

And yes, always signature/delivery confirmation, tracking of some kind, and insurance!!!

-Brian

 

[35mmdelux]

Make sure you get tracking and signed del confirmation, in addition to insurance.

 

[ymc226]

Whenever I have something shipped to me that is valuable and fragile (such as bamboo fly rods), I insist on USPS Registered mail + insurance. It is the safest as the mail travels separately in a safeguarded compartment and has to be hand carried (not thrown) as most packages are. It is not that much more than USPS Priority. The package can't be taped up with regular cellophane tape but you must use paper tape as it is stamped across it so any tampering will be evident. It is the way stocks and bonds used to be sent and I understand Harry Winston used to send diamonds this way.

 

[Tim Gray]

I would definitely get deliver confirmation. Screw UPS though. I'd rather ship Fedex or USPS.

 

[abenner]

I like FedEx Ground. I think for stuff in that price range it's cheaper insured than USPS. But I'll use either. Double box to show you care. International, go EMS (Express Mail, through USPS).

 

[WalterM]

well, i suppose i could double box and have UPS or something package for me and get confirmation and stuff, although i still have the box for the 50mm summicron so i dont know.. i'll figure it out.

I guess all that's left is take pictures and hope people think my prices are reasonable. 😛