Before he got sick, my son Logan set-up a Reverb Store to sell items in my collection. The funds will be donated to the Habitat project in New Orleans for displaced musicians. I got a special dispensation to permit a tax-free exchange. That means while I cannot take a deduction for an allowed donation, I will not have to incur capital gains tax. That makes it possible for an additional $210,000.00 or so to be dedicated to the Habitat, instead of capital gains tax.

Logan was going to list 10 or so items under $100.00 for starters, to generate a good review rate. Can't list $50,000.00 plus guitars, yet.

We have ordered 50 custom guitar/bass boxes (have over 200 for sale, eventually) and have smaller boxes for other items. We use UPS daily for the business. In over 20 years, we have never had a lost, damaged or late shipment and we ship and receive every day. We have a dedicated person who has been shipping out of the business for years. Most items are literature or other things that are not prone to damage.

When I shipped a guitar to Nigel a year or so ago. Regular shipping, plus stated value insurance was $125.00 or so.

Questions: 1. Is there a cheaper way to ship? 2. How do you set charges for shipping? Is it better to charge one price, regardless of the ship-to destination?

We will not get going until Logan is back on his feet....about 6 weeks from now, if he progresses as expected, so I'm not in a hurry.

HELP, HELP!

Russ (guitar junky) Lay