Shipping your instrument

Of course the very best way is personal delivery – if you can collect your instrument in person that is also a good way to clarify any queries. This also applies when your instrument requires a service or adjustments.

Often personal delivery is not possible because of the distance involved. In this case I will post the recorder to you and you will have to do the same if your recorder needs to come back to me.

My way to send your instrument

Over the years I have gained some experience in sending instruments – both positive and negative. I have certainly learnt that the cheapest way is not always the best.

Things are changing all the time, what has been good once may develop bad, and it may be time to look for alternatives.

After a (too) long time with disappointing experience with my long year carroer I came to a new decision.

For some time now  I have sent my instruments using the service of DHL and DHL Express.
This works satisfyingly well, and their service quality really has been improved in the past years.

DHL is good for shipping within the EU.
For shipping outside, for all customs-related parcels, I strongly recommend to use DHL Express as it is much faster event if the price is some higher, of course.

What is the best way for you to send me your instrument?

It is your choice which postal service you choose even though I prefer some over others. Please note that there is one exception:

When returning instruments from countries outside the EU please do not choose a postal service that would deliver the package to me via Deutsche Post/DHL standard service. This is usually the national postal service.
(DHL Exrpess is ok however.)

The reason for this is that the packages will not be delivered directly to me but will have to be collected from the local customs office. This requires a complicated and expensie customs clearance done by a customs agency. Unfortunately I will have to pass this extra cost on to you, no matter what the reason for the return of the instrument is – increasing the cost to you.

Please consider the following if you have to return your instrument:

• Please make sure you put your full address including telephone number and email address inside the package.
• Please do not forget to add a note with a description of the reason for the return even if we have talked on the telephone.
  I may not necessarily connect the right phone and recorder.
• Please pack the instrument carefully: a sturdy box with shock absorbing material – a padded envelope does not offer sufficient protection against damage.

• Please use my address as follows:

  Stephan Blezinger
  Floetembau
  Deitmerstrasse 9
  DE- 12163 Berlin
   - if necessary:
  Phone: +49-30-7970 8883
  Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Please always send your instrument as a registered parcel, not as small packet or letter. Also do not send the package ‘signed for. Only a registered parcel is insured against loss and can be traced if necessary.

If you take all of this into account your package will arrive safe and intact with me.

Is the package insured in transport?

For delivery services within Germany packets are generally insured to a value of €500 (there may be different regulations for services to and from abroad). Very often this is not sufficient for an instrument.

For this reason I have taken out a separate insurance for all instruments I send out which covers the instruments until it arrives safely with you.

Whether you prefer to take out separate insurance for sending your instrument to me, is your decision. In my experience the risk of loss is small but not impossible.

However, I must point out that you are responsible for your instrument until it arrives on my doorstep.