I’d argue any insurance should cover its current market value, not some notional value determined by the carrier/insurer. Otherwise, I agree, the insurance is not worth the paper it’s written on (or not, in today’s digital world!).
Bear in mind that you might want insurance not only against damage, but against the item going missing. Under such circumstances, you might find you could open a legal claim against the shipper, but that is a pain and the laws vary country by country.
Thanks, Angus. Really useful to know 
I ordered this wrap for future sales/shipping:
Hi All,
As a rule it’s always best to “hide” the identity of any items being sent via any means (post, courier etc.) but if the couriers insurance specifically requires this then it should state it in their T&Cs otherwise they can’t just add it as a requirement after the event.
Of course that does require the T&Cs to be read rather than just ticking the “I have read the terms and conditions” box and I probably do exactly the same as everyone else there… 
Phil
Good point. I think having a separate section for selling/buying used equipment on the forum could really be useful - many find it easier and safer to exchange within the community than to look for third-party sites.
At the same time, you are absolutely right that all practical nuances need to be taken into account: the difference in voltage, shipping costs, and especially taxes/duties in international transactions. For some, this can completely eat up the benefit of buying “at a good price”. I think it is precisely these types of discussions that help newcomers avoid unpleasant surprises and take a more conscious approach to buying abroad.
The issue of creating a separate section should probably be brought up for discussion with the forum administration - if there is interest from the participants, perhaps they will meet you halfway.
Would you like me to help you draft a proposal for the moderators to make it as convincing as possible?
Just a friendly suggestion:
There are numerous websites that I am sure everyone is on where you can buy and sell high end gear. I don’t think we need to replicate those, for the reasons previously disicussed.
I believe we could have on this forum–with deference of course to @Phil and @AndrewS– a thread, “Equipment for sale” (or the like) where members could inform members that they have listed or were planning to list equipment for sale on one of those sites, and provide a link. That could facilitate the member-to-member exchanges you are interested in, without dCS needing to wade into all of the mechanics of a transaction….
R
Hi RG,
Many thanks for that constructive suggestion, we are always looking for ways to improve the ownership experience for new and existing dCS owners.
Currently our position is that dCS shouldn’t have a direct role in consumer-to-consumer sales. We do offer a number of programmes for pre owned dCS product sales through our authorized retailer network including Dealer Approved and Certified Pre-Owned,
Both Dealer Approved and CPO offer value added services such as installation and set-up support, enhanced testing and product warranties underwritten by us. We are currently looking to improve the visibility and access of both of these programmes.
Hi All, I have appreciated in being able to follow the discussion around this topic which I believe I may have brought up a while back at one point. I appreciate the complexities and position of DCS on the issue. Let me first reiterate I think DCS is one of the finest Highend products available today with great on line support . I attend the HP shows and have met many of the employees and some leaders. Again great group.I think you hit on a gap, these programs you mention in the last 7 years I have been active in the hobby and well over a dozen high end purchases I was not aware of nor ever had a single dealer mention to me. So this new information and approach I think would be great. Without being snarkie and of course with exceptions I’m sure say dealer experience has been very uneven for me. I have been living in east coast markets like Florida and NY and never once had a dealer offer to set anything up for me much less let you audition gear in your home. You can buy it and return it if you don’t like it and pay the shipping both ways? I don’t think that’s reflective of this kind of purchase. Local actual “Stores” where dealers have equipment are far fewer in Audio than years ago so there is a gap in the community (IMHO) owners have in getting confident with on line audio site buying at this level. That said programs like mentioned I think could help both the dealer and consumer and I hope DCS builds or enhances them to make them meaningful with things like extended in home trails, upgrade path information and more. Great products, great brand , great company has an opportunity to make their base of owners more loyal with help. The $$$$ involved warrant a bit more had holding from the dealer network again in my experience. So I welcome any thoughts along these lines. I envy sometimes people in the various forums who discuss how their dealer set up a component and made them try a different one then showed them a comparison etc. I think where are these dealers??? The ones I have experienced fine in most ways are just doing a typical sales transaction. There is a place on line called “The Music Room” that has a good approach to buying, selling, trading high end. Maybe DCS certifying a re-seller that’s out there could be a solution as they can be more flexible with inventory than most dealers can or will be. Anyway good discussions and I hope DCS will work on those programs
It’s unfortunate you are not able to work with dealers who will allow you to audition gear you are interested in right in your own system. Every component and cable in my set-up was A/B’d in my system prior to purchasing save for my speakers. My main dealer has even offered to place their Varese gear in my room. I love the product but since I am not comfortable purchasing gear at that price point, I will not be taking advantage of our relationship.
You are not being snarky at all as there are many of us who share your same opinion.
Unfortunately there is a massive chasm between our US dealers and those in the UK. I say this as someone who has spent the last +25 years exclusively with UK brands in my system. My friends in the UK are extremely fortunate to have a high quality dealer network. Unfortunately the same cannot be said here in the States.
I have many hifi friends who share the same opinion - together with many tales of unpleasant experiences.
Thx, it is unfortunate and in my view short sighted for their business especially going forward