Quoted from High_End_Pins:Shipping games isnt a big deal. I use STI myself.
They’re typically more expensive and slower than other shippers.
They(STI) reason that they charge more and take longer because they carefully pack and move the games.
My experience is that is not true at all and there is no discount when you pack it yourself.
That said when it comes to insurance they will and do accept and properly insure high value items.
Shipping $10-15k machines through more common carriers is extremely risky. When there is a claim to file you will be put through the ringer and normally told at the end of it all that there is a 50 cents per bill pound limit.
In theory and in practice they can destroy a $12k machine run you in circles and at the end of it all mail you a check for $175 AFTER you have paid their freight bill.
I have seen and been through it. STI is your best bet when shipping but you must give accurate values and pay to be insured even still you are really not getting what you are paying for truly just better accountability.
I agree with the above, like Chris says you must adequately insure the game and properly document everything if there is damage, STI in my experience has been very good at covering claims. They have shipped many games for me over the years and I have only had one game arrived damaged. I wrote detailed description of the damage on the shipping paperwork and even drew a sketch of the game and where the damage was on the shipping paperwork, then I had the driver sign and acknowledge the damage. When the driver left I called Michelle at STI and she emailed me the damage claim forms, I sent the forms in with detailed pictures and an estimate for repair of the game.. STI cut me a check within 30 days with no questions asked. The key here and I can’t stress this enough is, buy adequate insurance and document everything while the driver is still there (make him wait while you unwrap and inspect) thoroughly inspect the game and document everything, if you find damage have the driver acknowledge it, write it on his copy of the shipping documents and have him sign it.
If you don’t want to read through everything I just wrote I will give you the condensed version, if you’re shipping with STI... cover your ass!
Eugene, OR
