[peverett]

After receiving a couple damaged sets, I have a rule similar to Tony V. The only modification is that I might ship a portable set that is about table radio size. I have had ok luck with these.

Of course, even picking up the set does not always preclude damage. I met someone near where a set that I purchased was located. They had loaded it in to their pickup truck to meet me. They loaded it with the back down and damaged all of the control pots located on the rear of the chassis. Luckily the CRT did not stick out and was not damaged.(Also lucky is that I have a spare chassis in my garage).