Posting/Sending Cues

[Golden]

Apologies in advance if this is a stupid question but what is the best way of sending a cue within the UK?

I've just sold my cue on eBay and need to dispatch it tomorrow but having never dispatched a cue before I have no idea the best way of doing it. I imagine Parcelforce would be the first port of call but I know they have a 1.5m limit on their items and I think the case is slightly longer than that. I'm a bit weary of using a courier as I'm guessing it'll be pretty expensive and I only quoted £12 postage

Any advice you can offer will be greatly appreciated

[DeanH]

check out couriers like Gwhizz, usually a very good price (including insurance) and usually UPS end up doing the delivery anyway
There are many othes that can be just as good, if not better than Parcel Force.
I would also say, ensure you have the cue protected even within a case, say a little bit of bubble wrap around the tip, joints, etc., and very good wrapping around the case. I would add extra cardboard "caps" protecting the ends.
I received a cue and case recently and it was only wrapped in a couple of layers of bubblewrap and obviuously the couriers had thrown it into the van and had hit a edge of something heavy and badly damaged the end of the case. Luckily the cue was ok.
But the sender had not insured the package sufficiently, I did get a refund but the case was a nice one and a real shame it was damaged for a bit more fore-thought

[DeanH]

there have been several threads about posting/couriers, do a seacrh and you should find some good information.
Interparcel seem to be good for some on here.

[Golden]

Thanks Dean, I've just had a look on Gwhizz's website and that'll do just fine

[darrenlowe79]

I have used parcelforce the last few times and they got their ok
£12 should post it anywhere in the uk but you will only be insured for £100

[Golden]

Well I sent it with Gwizz and opted for the CityLink service. £9 including insurance . .

. . and it's just as well I insured it as Gwizz got in touch today to inform me the cue had been damaged in transit. On further investigation, damaged means the cue being snapped in two, six inches down from the tip.

My 1pc John Parris Ultimate that is a true one off which I kept in immaculate condition for ten years, left my possession for the first time ever and lasted a day before it's untimely demise. I wouldn't mind but I sent it padded, in a rigid tube and as perfectly sealed as you'd find.

I've now got to go through the rigmarole of an insurance claim while I have a buyer who wants his money back which I've already paid for my new with.

I'll post some pictures when I get the cue back. It makes me feel sick just thinking about it.

I blame you DeanH

[jrc750]

Oh man that is horrible

[Golden]

Even though I sold it, I'm still absolutely devastated. Every trophy and penny I've ever won was with that cue and I probably treated it better than the wife and kids I honestly pictured it going to a new home and someone else enjoying it as much as I have over the years and some halfwit has ruined that in an instant.

I've been genuinely depressed all day over it. Gutted

[cally]

Gutting, really feel for ya bud

I hope the £9 courier charge with insurance is enough to cover the full value of the cue.

I know when i sent an insured cue recently it was a small amount insurance for the cheaper deivery option, i had to add extra insurance for it to be enough to cover the full value of cue..

Hope your ok on that front bud...

[Golden]

Thankfully its insured up to £2k. Parris Cues are in the process of knocking up a letter to confirm the original purchase, authenticity and value and with CityLink admitting itnwas damaged at their depot it, fingers crossed, should be fairly straight forward.

I feel like crying

[ADR147]

Thankfully its insured up to £2k. Parris Cues are in the process of knocking up a letter to confirm the original purchase, authenticity and value and with CityLink admitting itnwas damaged at their depot it, fingers crossed, should be fairly straight forward.

I feel like crying

my friend i lose one a month!

[darrenlowe79]

my friend i lose one a month!

FFs that is crazy lot of post men must have free cues!!!

[DeanH]

Golden, sorry to hear of your loss.
Glad you got insurance though and hopefully the process wont take to long.
Is it possible to repair the cue?
Are you going to get a new one made?

[ADR147]

FFs that is crazy lot of post men must have free cues!!!

they don't take care of the parcels!

[deant1982]

I went to the PO to send mine to MW for repair. It was "too long" for Special Delivery (despite me using the tubing you sent Special delivery, for the master cue, Andrew) so they were desperate for me to use parcel farce. £15 to send it insured to £100. (no thankyou) so I asked for extra insurance up to £500 to make sure it is fully covered....... £14 extra. £29 to send the cue to the south coast! I could deliver it by hand for that! In the end, they were simply told - Give me the bloody thing back, I'll send it by courier. Took it to work, sent it through our DHL account (I'll be billed and it deducted from my wages), £10 roughly, insured to £2k (I think). It was delivered 10 a.m the following morning. brilliant service.

I do feel ultra sorry for the guy who's cue got broke. I'd be gutted at that. Money is a side issue when that happens to a cue you've used as a playing cue.