Hello AGN, today is my first time sending airgun through the mail. Anything that should I be aware before sending back the gun?
Question about sending back airguns
- Thread starter qq200758258
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I have done this several times, but my guns were under warranty. Always talk to the seller directly by phone beforehand, and clearly agree on the reason for the return, shipping and insurance responsibilities. “Clear communications” is important when returning a new order.
Sometimes, the seller will agree to pay for shipping and insurance ( at least for one way ) especially if they believe there is a legitimate defect or problem after speaking with the buyer. If you are just sending the gun in for non warranty work ( I.e., tuning, reseal O rings, etc ), than the buyer almost always pays for round trip shipping and insurance coverage. Many times, you can remove the action from the stock and save on weight and shipping/insurance costs by just shipping the action back for repairs.
I insure my guns for at least 75% of original purchase price in case the shipper damages the rifle. Had two incidents where the shipper did damage my rifles, but fortunately the damages were minor. Insurance coverage is subjective; some insure for the entire amount and others may roll the dice and not insure.
In your case, if the seller incorrectly botched the order, I would expect them to pay for shipping and insurance for a return.
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Great knowledge Tom,
you well explain everything that I need to know. I order a short version airgun but I got the long version in my hand. Thank you so much and I will talk to the seller about the shipping cost and insurance.Upvote 0
If you ever need to send an airgun in the mail for non-warranty work go through Fedex. It is cheaper when insurance is added. About 1/3 the cost of UPS. Also never tell them it's a "firearm". Make sure when you declare it's for a "airgun or BB gun", which is completely legal to ship. Check what they write down, they don't always put what you tell them. Insure for replacement cost of YOUR rifle and keep all your documentation. original receipt, accessories, tuning work, labor, it can all be claimed. They will want this uploaded for the claim process. If you only insure for 75% you only get 75% max. Assume they will lose it. Make sure you take pictures of your airgun before sending. This is very important in the claim process.
Only last thing, it's good to have a ring door bell for seeing the package. Airguns are adult signature required. Most delivery persons will not bother and just put whatever down as the signature and leave it. This evidence is important for your claim.
Only last thing, it's good to have a ring door bell for seeing the package. Airguns are adult signature required. Most delivery persons will not bother and just put whatever down as the signature and leave it. This evidence is important for your claim.
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FedEx, left my new Leshiy 2 on my front porch without getting my signature, even though it says signature required on the tracking information. Waited all,day looking out the window, around 6PM went out back to take the dog out. Around 7PM checked the tracking and it said delivered, opened the front door and there it was. If it would have been stolen, I would like to see what the delivery guy did about the signature.
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Hey Gregory, thank you for answering my question. Sorry for reply you this late, but i like you point out the things that i need to knowledge when i talk to the ups lady. And thank you for info me that fedex could save me some money. The box came with the fedex and it was fine but i send it back by ups just want to make sure they take better care then the fedex(That just my opinion.) I insure $2000 and commercial shipping only cost 67 dollars (I’m not sure how much usually cost) but i think it is fair price to ship it across America with the insurance. Again thank you for share your excellent experiences and knowledges.
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While that statement is true ,I have had snowflake Fedex Staff freakout on me when I am declaring an airgun. Also, some of the smaller Kinko/FedEx locations are not set up to accept airguns. And then send you to one of the large distribution centers.
Shipping from UPS or USPS is fair simpler for me
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Okay, you have received good advice, and I'll relate my experience merely FYI, not a recommendation. Dealing with my local UPS doesn't work, as it is a privately operated franchise store and will not accept air guns, so I have to go to a hub, not convenient. The local FedEx is marginally better, but if I declare a value of over some nominal amount, they cut the box open to inspect for proper packaging. And it's expensive. When I'm shipping at my expense, I go in my USPS account, buy and print a label, tape it on, and drop the package off at a local custom postal office. I usually do it without insurance. It's easy and inexpensive, and I've never had a problem. It can get expensive with insurance, but still easier than dealing with UPS or FedEx. I expect the same can be done through their accounts as well, but I don't have one. Remember, buying insurance is easy,but if you have a claim, you have to show documentation of purchase and value, and any claim payment may have a deduction for depreciation. It is not replacement value coverage.
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I shipped a PCP twice in the last two months within CONUS:
1. UPS gave me a real hassle about shipping an airgun. The clerk had to make several phone calls, but they finally agreed to ship it.
2. USPS didn't even ask me what was in the box.
Insure it and require a signature.
1. UPS gave me a real hassle about shipping an airgun. The clerk had to make several phone calls, but they finally agreed to ship it.
2. USPS didn't even ask me what was in the box.
Insure it and require a signature.
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USPS is without a doubt easier most of the time, but I find FEDEX better than UPS. A lot depends on the individual store, especially with UPS. The bigger stores or hubs are OK though. Like has been said above, always insure it. It’s also a good idea to document, with photos, the packing process and the state it is in when you drop it off. Having a doorbell or other camera is really useful when it comes to proving that (a) it never came or wasn’t delivered, or (b) that it was damaged when you got it, or tossed from a distance (and yes, I’ve seen all of the above on my front door and house cameras.
Finally, NONE of the carriers are actually doing Signatures these days. All three have Covid protocols which allow the delivery drivers to “sign”. I have noticed that some of them (FedEx most often) actually take a photo when they put the package down. Amazon does this now on every single package I receive from them. For more expensive stuff then the driver will sometimes ring the bell and wait until you come to the door. They then ask your name, but they don’t let you sign. I’m sure there are exceptions where they actually take a signature, but I’ve literally had over 40 packages delivered that way on the last 15 months.
Chris
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I'll NEVER use UPS again after they denied a claim stating inadequate packaging. Noteworthy is the fact that the "inadequate" packaging had already made a 7000 mile trip intact. Cost me the entire price of a new Tuxing compressor AND shipping charge as well plus they would not even return the unit they destroyed (broken crankcase).
At that time I also closed accounts with several firms that refused to give me a choice on whom they used to ship parcels to me. Amazon was the biggest firm and the worst packager on the planet that I closed my account with. They then proceeded to steal every Kindle Book I ever purchased out of spite after telling me in writing that they would still be mine after the account was closed but that is an entirely different subject.
At that time I also closed accounts with several firms that refused to give me a choice on whom they used to ship parcels to me. Amazon was the biggest firm and the worst packager on the planet that I closed my account with. They then proceeded to steal every Kindle Book I ever purchased out of spite after telling me in writing that they would still be mine after the account was closed but that is an entirely different subject.
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Alright this is my personal experience sending the package in the ups, the ups store that i went looks old and traditional. I believe they own directly from ups. The girl did asked me what is inside the box and i told her that was an airgun, and she looked in the screen and told me that she needs to talk to the manager about this. And i said it was ok. Then she turn back to her manager room and her manager was having conversation with other on the phone and she turns back to me and say everything is fine but they dont ship anything that is pressured. I told her the gun was empty. Everything runs smoothly and no problem on the ups. But I’m sure if there is different clerk serving me might be a different story.
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I’ve shipped numerous airguns with UPS with no trouble.
First, create a UPS or FEDEX account online, measure/weigh your own boxes, and print your own shipping label. You can even add insurance.
For item description I always put “sporting goods” even when I declare it to the salesman, if asked. I ship my guns with some air already in the bottle
Last, when your package is already taped up and label affixed to your package, all you end up doing is walking in to the UPS/FEDEX store, tell them you’re dropping off, and get a receipt of drop off with tracking number printed. That’s it. No questions asked. No hassle. No problem.
First, create a UPS or FEDEX account online, measure/weigh your own boxes, and print your own shipping label. You can even add insurance.
For item description I always put “sporting goods” even when I declare it to the salesman, if asked. I ship my guns with some air already in the bottle
Last, when your package is already taped up and label affixed to your package, all you end up doing is walking in to the UPS/FEDEX store, tell them you’re dropping off, and get a receipt of drop off with tracking number printed. That’s it. No questions asked. No hassle. No problem.
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I need to do this! My buddy does same and has not had a problem.
In the past, I have gone to two different UPS stores. The last time I sent a recently purchased Taipan .25 Long back to TT for some warranty ( regulator issue ) work, and when I dropped off my box at the local UPS store, I specifically requested the UPS manager to 'securely wrap' the inside of my box with bubble wrap. I had some bubble wrap and paper inside, but was not comfortable with having enough. He assured me he would do this!
I left off my box, but he forgot to insulate the inside of my rifle box. I know, because Tony let me know when it arrived damaged and how it was wrapped.
My takeaway - wrap my own contents, weigh the item, print my label, create an account and add my own insurance. Don't trust others, and also I don't need the drama of 'what's inside the box' if I am doing all of this myself and just dropping it off.
Thanks for the recipe for shipping.
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If you want something done right you need to do it yourself! Sad but true these days. I've shipped a number of guns back for repair or because I've sold them but I always package myself. I always add a flash card in the box with the rifle with my phone number, address and order number if I have one. I've only used UPS and never any problems yet! I do declare it as a pellet gun when asked. Good luck!
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