*
banner

The Force is not with you...

A cautionary tale of using the dark side of Parcelforce may save you hassle and expense...

cOUTOIS
 

Llyr Williams of Goodwick Band recently sold a trombone on eBay to a buyer in the UK and wanted to make sure his happy customer would receive his purchase in excellent condition and as soon as possible.

He used Parcelforce — as he had done in the past with other items — and thought everything would be OK.

Claim

However, as he told 4BR...

"Parcelforce damaged the item during delivery (above), and I proceeded to make a claim for the damage.

I had purchased £1,000 of Enhanced Cover so that I believed I would be covered for any eventuality — and I had also ensured that the instrument was properly packaged. I notified them from the outset that it was a trombone I was sending with them — and they proceeded to sell me this Enhanced Cover."

He added: "Last week I was notified that the claims process was finished and I would receive £100 compensation as Parcelforce's Enhanced Cover doesn't cover musical instruments.

I notified the buyer and he also said that he'd used Parcelforce on numerous occasions and never knew, or was informed, that musical instruments were not covered.

I now hope that others will not use Parcelforce in this way."

As Obi-Wan Kenobi wouldn't say when sending his Christmas prezzies then — The Parcelforce is not with you...4BR

No musical instrument cover

4BR contacted Parcelforce (on a 67p a minute information help line) and after a little bit of waiting eventually found that they do not cover musical instruments under their regular insurance or enhanced services in the UK.

They suggested that any customer wishing to send a valuable musical instrument seek out appropriate carriers, and make sure that they ask for confirmation of insurance details and exclusions before they enter into any postal process.

Obi-Wan

As Obi-Wan Kenobi wouldn't say when sending his Christmas prezzies then — The Parcelforce is not with you...

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


podcast

Join us now — 4BR Review podcast: Lessons from Europe?

October 29 • Join the discussion on whether or not UK banding can learn from the way in which our European friends host their major championship competitions.


Gregson

Gregson at 80 in Scotland

October 28 • Music by and chosen by the acclaimed composer will be performed at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland this evening.


Paul Mealor

Foden's to premiere new Paul Mealor work at leading festival

October 28 • Foden's will give the world premiere of 'Tranquil Abiding' at St Asaph Cathedral as part of the North Wales International Music Festival.


Harry Porthouse

Porthouse reprise at Leyland

October 28 • Harry Porthouse takes over the principal cornet seat at Leyland Band from Lewis Barton — following in his father's footsteps.


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 2 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 2 November • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. SE10 9BJ SE10 9BJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Elland Silver Band

Sunday 2 November • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 7 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band

October 30 • BACK ROW CORNET. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Delph Band

October 30 • The Band are always looking for talented players to join them and are currently looking to fill the following positions - Tutti Cornet, Eb Bass and Percussion.. . We rehearse Mondays and Wednesdays 8-10pm at Delph Band Club.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

October 29 • Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!


Alwyn Green

LRAM, LTCL
Conductor, composer, arranger, adjudicator, teacher and soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd