I sold a vintage amp on Reverb for $2,000. I packed it well and shipped it via UPS. The buyer sent photos: the cabinet was smashed. UPS denied the claim: “Insufficient packaging.” Reverb Safe Shipping said: “You didn’t buy our protection.” I was out the amp and the money.
Key Takeaways
- Carrier Liability is a Scam: UPS/FedEx often deny claims for musical instruments unless they are packed in an ATA case inside a cardboard box. Bubble wrap is not enough.
- Reverb Safe Shipping is Mandatory: If you sell on Reverb, buy their protection label. If it breaks, Reverb pays you out and handles the carrier dispute. It is worth the 3%.
- Private Insurance Ends at Sale: Your personal MusicPro/Heritage policy usually stops covering the item the moment it is “sold.” Transit to the buyer is rarely covered unless you have a specific “Transit/Shipping” endorsement.
- “Double Boxing” Rule: To win a carrier claim, you must double box. Box -> 2 inches of peanuts -> Box -> Amp.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Insufficient Packaging.”
Carriers use 4-foot drops as their testing standard.
If you put a 50lb tube amp in a single cardboard box with some newspaper, it will break.
The carrier’s insurance adjuster will inspect the box. If they see single-wall cardboard, they deny the claim instantly.
Reverb Safe Shipping is more lenient, but even they require “proper packing.”
The Investigation (My Analysis of Shipping Protection)
I tested the shipping options.
Reverb Safe Shipping
- Cost: ~3% of sale price.
- The Pro: They pay fast. They authorize the repair or refund.
- The Con: You must follow their packing guidelines strictly.
UPS Declared Value
- The Myth: “Declared Value” is not insurance. It is the maximum liability if you prove negligence.
- The Reality: UPS almost always wins the “Improper Packing” argument.
Secursus / Parcel Pro
- The Alternative: Third-party shipping insurance.
- The Benefit: Cheaper than Reverb/UPS protection. Requires photos of packing before sealing.
[IMAGE: Photo of a properly “double-boxed” guitar amp with layers of foam visible]
Comparison Table
| Method | Cost | Claim Success Rate | Packing Requirement |
| UPS/FedEx Direct | Low | Low (Denial likely) | Strict (ATA/Double Box) |
| Reverb Safe Shipping | Med | High | Moderate (Guidelines) |
| Personal Insurance | N/A | Zero (Coverage ended) | N/A |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Buy Reverb Safe Shipping: Don’t cheap out. It’s the only safety net that actually works for platform sales.
- Video the Packing: Film yourself wrapping it, boxing it, and taping it. Show the condition.
- Double Box: Always. No exceptions for amps.
- Loosen Tubes: Remove vacuum tubes and wrap them separately if possible. They shatter in the sockets.
FAQ
Who pays for return shipping?
If damaged, the seller (you) pays. Reverb protection covers this if you bought it.
Can I use newspaper?
No. It compresses. Use rigid foam or bubble wrap.
What if the buyer claims damage but it’s fine?
That’s a dispute. Reverb mediates. Video evidence helps you win.