Here's the deal. I have amassed a LARGE amount of packing material over the last several years. I have foam, peanuts, boxes and lots of other stuff. I don't mind gathering the materials and packing something up if the gathering, fitting and final packing doesn't take a lot of time. But for large amps, the time is excessive and the materials too limited to do this. It's not like I have a packing station with all the stuff at my fingertips!

After three hours scrapping for packing material and trying my best to securely pack the 807 PP amplifier, I have decided that all larger amps will be professionally packed at the buyers expense. I will continue to self-pack and ship amplifiers no larger than 12x12 and standing no more than 8" high EXCEPT amplifiers of unusually high value, these also must be pro-packed.

I am regret having to do this, but I just have no choice. After umpteen hours building your amp at virtually ZERO profit, it seems highly unfair I should then be stuck with this packing issue. I want your amp to arrive intact and safely, and I just do NOT have the resources to do this or maintain such resources. One sheet of foam packing is $10. Do the math.

This decision takes effect immediately (as of July 2007), and affects all who have contracted for amps.
For any exceptions, I will write the individuals.

Your costs?
At a store-front packing/shipping service I have paid $70 for packing and shipping. This was a fairly large, heavy amp, and it did not go too far from here. More recent shipments have SHIPPING cost in the $50 and up range for UPS 3-Day Select service for 25-30 lbs. (a fairly large amp) that went to Texas and a commercial address. Residential costs more and takes longer. This type of packing service is typically a wrap job with foam sheets for support. They know nothing about shipping amps, but every one I've shipped this way has arrived OK so far. There are other services at other locations that do foam-in-place and other deluxe packing. No matter what your amp is, you can expect a minimum of $35 for the basic packing. I do not know what foam-in-place costs, but will try to find out. I suspect it is not cheap.

Another change is that I will use ONLY UPS for all large and high-value shipments. This is due to conversations I had with other people who ship large items much more than I do, and their experiences. Basically, the USPS insurance is worthless, as the claim will sit forever. FEDX also drags its feet on claims, and is generally rougher on handling ground shipped items. UPS has a record of making good on claims. And except for stories about the North-east coast UPS center, in general the handling is good. For smaller amps I will continue to use USPS or UPS at your option.

If you are overseas (and I have made a few amps for overseas voltages etc.) we'll have to work out the best method.