Shipping Policy
Last updated: October 2026
Shipping is built into Trading Basses. Because escrow releases only after the buyer confirms delivery and condition, every shipment requires tracking and signature delivery. This page explains how shipping labels, rates, and costs work for buyers and sellers.
Built-in labels Buy a discounted UPS/FedEx bass label right on Trading Basses via Shippo.
Tracking required Signature delivery is required before escrow can be released.
How shipping works at checkout
Each listing offers one of two shipping options set by the seller:
- Live carrier rates — you enter your destination and we fetch real-time UPS/FedEx rates through Shippo so you see and pay the actual carrier cost for your address.
- Flat-rate or free shipping — the seller sets a fixed shipping cost (or offers free shipping), shown directly on the listing.
Whichever applies, the shipping amount is added to your order at checkout and charged along with the item price into escrow.
Label purchase for sellers
When your item sells, you can purchase a discounted shipping label directly through Trading Basses (powered by Shippo) — sized for bass guitars and bass amps — or use your own carrier account. Either way, the shipment must include tracking and signature delivery so the buyer can confirm delivery before funds are released from escrow.
Buying the label through Trading Basses gives you the carrier discount Shippo negotiates and keeps tracking in one place, which speeds up escrow release.
Where we ship
Trading Basses currently supports shipping within the United States. Sellers set their own shipping cost or offer free shipping; live rates reflect the actual carrier rate to your address. We do not currently support international shipping; listings marked for local pickup should be picked up in person.
Packing basses safely
Basses are fragile in transit. Sellers must pack in a rigid box rated for instruments, loosen the strings, support the headstock, and pad the case so the neck and tuners are protected. Insufficient packing that causes transit damage is the seller's responsibility and may forfeit escrow.
Transit damage and lost shipments
If a shipment is lost or arrives damaged, the buyer should not approve condition and should open a return/dispute immediately. We'll work with the carrier record (and the insurance value elected at checkout where applicable) to resolve escrow. The carrier's liability is governed by the carrier's terms; Trading Basses facilitates the claim but the shipping label and its insurance are the responsible party's coverage.
Costs and refunds
Shipping you pay at checkout covers the carrier label and, where you elect it, declared-value insurance. Shipping is non-refundable once the label has been used, even on a condition-based return — but where the seller caused the return (misrepresented condition), the seller covers return shipping. See our refund policy for details.
Shipping Best Practices for Sellers
Pack and ship your bass so it arrives safely — and so you stay protected by escrow if anything goes wrong in transit.
Use a proper bass-guitar box
Ship in a dedicated 48×16×8 guitar box or hard case inside a corrugated outer box. Never ship a bass in a gigbag alone — the headstock and tuners will not survive transit.
Immobilize the instrument
Loosen the strings one full step to relieve headstock tension, then pack foam or crumpled paper around the body and neck so the bass cannot shift. Fill all empty space in the case.
Insure for full sale value
Declare the full selling price as the insured value. UPS and FedEx base coverage is limited; add declared-value coverage so a transit loss is fully reimbursed through escrow.
Require a signature on delivery
Always use signature-required service. Escrow condition approval starts only after signed delivery is confirmed — a porch drop leaves you unprotected against a dispute.
Use Live Carrier Rates for accuracy
Selecting Live Carrier Rates (Shippo) at listing time gives buyers real-time USPS, UPS, FedEx & DHL quotes based on their address and your package size — no guessing or undercharging.
Photograph before sealing
Snap photos of the bass, the packed case, and the sealed box with the label visible. These protect you if a buyer raises a condition dispute during the 48-hour inspection window.