Collection of packages or equipment that are too heavy or bulky
SB-LAB reserves the right to refuse the collection of packages or equipment that are too heavy, too bulky, and generally too difficult to be moved by a single person working without forklifts, pallet jacks, or other warehouse equipment, in a small-sized workshop.
Working alone, if I cannot even lift a particular piece of equipment from the ground by myself, I simply cannot repair it. It has already happened that amplifiers exceeding 40 kg in weight were shipped to me, impossible to handle safely. In such cases I was forced to refuse collection and request the courier to return the package to the sender. Therefore, if you have particularly heavy, fragile equipment, or equipment you do not trust to ship, the only option is to bring it to me in person whenever possible, or otherwise refrain. In any case, I kindly ask you to always agree with me in advance on the packaging methods you intend to adopt, especially if they involve wooden crates or bulky packaging.
Shipping of transformers, other goods, or repaired equipment
All prices in the SB-LAB price lists (unless otherwise specified) include standard courier shipping without insurance. Upon request, insured shipping is available by paying the corresponding additional cost. However, it is essential to know that courier insurances, although formally applicable to any shipment, are considered valid only if the equipment travels in its original factory packaging. In the absence of such packaging (a frequent circumstance with vintage equipment or items without their original box), couriers reject any claim for reimbursement, regardless of the insurance.
SB-LAB always strives to create the best possible packaging to protect the equipment shipped: in over ten years of activity, transport damages have occurred only in one or two isolated cases. Nevertheless, SB-LAB cannot be held responsible for any damages caused by the courier, as handling and transportation methods are beyond my will and control.
Customer obligations in case of insured shipping:
- Report anomalies: always carefully check the package at the time of delivery and, if possible, open it in the presence of the courier. Note on the delivery slip any damage to the packaging or contents.
- Accept with reservation: declaring this to the courier grants the right to verify integrity at a later time (automatic if the package is picked up from storage).
- Document with photos or video: open the package and record the operations to demonstrate the courier’s liability.
- Contact SB-LAB immediately: in case of damage to an insured shipment, I will notify the courier and open a dispute to obtain reimbursement and replacement of the damaged item.
If these procedures are not followed, the courier’s insurance will not recognize any compensation. SB-LAB normally ships with SDA or Bartolini, or other couriers in special cases. The customer may request a different courier or arrange for their own trusted courier to collect the package from SB-LAB, in which case assuming full responsibility for the transport and releasing SB-LAB from any liability related to damages, losses, or issues during shipping.
Shipping of very fragile goods
If I consider an item too fragile to be shipped via express courier – for example, Hi-Fi or guitar amplifiers that are particularly heavy and lack their original packaging – I may require the customer to collect it personally with their own means.
Alternatively, it is possible to arrange a direct delivery by myself (only within the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and Bologna), at the cost of €35 per hour plus a one-time €8 fuel surcharge. Otherwise, since I cannot guarantee the safety of the item during ordinary courier transport, the collection must be managed directly by the customer.