Shipping of speakers

[torikoos]

Browsing for my next set of speakers I've noticed on several occasions that several floorstanding models, usually those with a price tag exceeding 1000 gbp, are 'available for store pick up' , sometimes even in the store of choice (meaning they might get transferred from one to another), but not for delivery to your home, while others, equally large (and in some cases just as heavy) can be shipped.

I don't neccesarrily need 'free next day delivery', but surely in this day and age, I should be able to get any pair of speakers shipped, even if it means paying a shipping/insurance charge? My next speakers are likely not going to fit in my car , particularly inside their boxes. So why is that, other than very annoying?

Any thoughts?

 

[Gazzip]

Browsing for my next set of speakers I've noticed on several occasions that several floorstanding models, usually those with a price tag exceeding 1000 gbp, are 'available for store pick up' , sometimes even in the store of choice (meaning they might get transferred from one to another), but not for delivery to your home, while others, equally large (and in some cases just as heavy) can be shipped.

I don't neccesarrily need 'free next day delivery', but surely in this day and age, I should be able to get any pair of speakers shipped, even if it means paying a shipping/insurance charge? My next speakers are likely not going to fit in my car , particularly inside their boxes. So why is that, other than very annoying?

Any thoughts?

I have had Kef R700's, PMC PB1 Signatures and PMC Fact 12's all shipped to/from me by dealers using UPS, DHL, Fedex etc.. These are all high price, large and heavy units. It sounds like you should look at different dealers if they won't do this for you.

 

[torikoos]

pretty much every website I reviewed, the likes of the KEF R500's and equivalent priced competition , doesn't ship, or at least doesn't give you the option on the site. Very well possible that by giving them a call, they'd be able to arrange it, but why not just give you that option as a button to click and be done with it?

 

[Gazzip]

pretty much every website I reviewed, the likes of the KEF R500's and equivalent priced competition , doesn't ship, or at least doesn't give you the option on the site. Very well possible that by giving them a call, they'd be able to arrange it, but why not just give you that option as a button to click and be done with it?

I think they would probably want to develop at least a conversational relationship with a client before sending £2K to them in the post. I think that is fair enough, no?

 

[torikoos]

There's something to be said about that of course, but that is something that should be the customers choice. I can order laptops / computers and other gear for similar values online and have it shipped no questions asked. A CD player of similar value also seems not to be a problem.

That's why it seems strange that for speakers it appears not so straight forward, is the packaging of these not up to scratch? Anyway, there are those that are willing to do what I hope more would do , such as Audioaffair, there may be a few more.

 

[Gazzip]

There's something to be said about that of course, but that is something that should be the customers choice. I can order laptops / computers and other gear for similar values online and have it shipped no questions asked. A CD player of similar value also seems not to be a problem.

That's why it seems strange that for speakers it appears not so straight forward, is the packaging of these not up to scratch? Anyway, there are those that are willing to do what I hope more would do , such as Audioaffair, there may be a few more.

I do think you are being a little unreasonable. Shipping large, delicate items is an expensive business. I say delicate because loudspeakers are usually finished to a very high standard in veneer or high gloss paint, which can easily be damaged in transit.

 

[Vaprak001]

I had a pair of Kef 207/2's shipped to Dubai from Nintronics. They were great to deal with, delivered fast and safely. Sure, I bore the costs including insurance but it was worth it for me.

Saying that, I wouldn't have been comfortable not discussing the arrangement via phone or email first. If you've seen the speakers you like - give them a call. If they won't accomodate there are plenty of retailers out there who will!

 

[torikoos]

Fair enough. Finish etc may indeed be a reason, just strange that nobody seems to indicate that properly on their sites. (unless hidden somewhere in small print in terms/conditions etc. )

I don't want to be unreasonable, it was just an observation, and a slight personal annoyance that it seems to be like that . I know with a bit of effort, I will get them home somehow, whoever I buy from in the end. I guess I'm getting used to convenience of ordering anything and everything when I want. (don't get me wrong, I like walking into brick and mortar shops and if they have what I want for a good price, and I'm able to take it home, or have it delivered by them, then that's great!)

 

[Al ears]

Fair enough. Finish etc may indeed be a reason, just strange that nobody seems to indicate that properly on their sites. (unless hidden somewhere in small print in terms/conditions etc. )

I don't want to be unreasonable, it was just an observation, and a slight personal annoyance that it seems to be like that . I know with a bit of effort, I will get them home somehow, whoever I buy from in the end. I guess I'm getting used to convenience of ordering anything and everything when I want. (don't get me wrong, I like walking into brick and mortar shops and if they have what I want for a good price, and I'm able to take it home, or have it delivered by them, then that's great!)

Might be a cunning plan to get you to visit a dealer.... ;-)