Packing Information

PLEASE PACK CAREFULLY!  All too often, I receive items broken in transit, invariably because they were not properly packed.  Writing FRAGILE on the outside is no substitute for adequate packing. Please read and follow the following recommendations for packing.  Neither of us will be happy if an item is broken in transit.  In most cases, neither UPS for the Post Office will pay a claim if they determine that the item was inadequately packed.  And, all too often, they follow the old adage:  "The proof of the pudding is in the eating."  That is, damage in transit is strong evidence that the items were inadequately packed.  I ship THOUSANDS of fragile items and have virtually no breakage because I use the time and materials that it takes to do the job correctly.  

DOUBLE BOXES:  UPS suggests that all fragile items be double boxed (packed in one box, and that box packed inside a larger box) with at least two inches of cushioning material (packing chips/plastic peanuts or crushed newspaper) between the inner and outer box:  all four sides, top and bottom.  In most cases, UPS will not pay insurance claims for fragile items that are not double boxed or are inadequately protected from damage in transit.

NEWSPAPER:  Newspaper can be a good material for wrapping and cushioning but be sure to use an adequate amount.  A single sheet of newspaper is not enough to separate plates; I use a minimum of 8 layers of paper between plates.  If you use newspaper  as protective cushioning between the inner and outer boxes, a few sheets of crumpled up paper is not enough.   The BEST method is to crush the paper TIGHTLY into balls about the size of tennis balls, and line the entire bottom and sides of the box with them.

INNER BOXES:  Most damage is caused by items banging together inside the box, not by a blow from outside.  Heavy or fragile items should be individually boxed; then several small boxes can be included in one larger outside shipping box (leaving adequate room for cushioning material all around).  If two heavy items are placed in the same outer box, be sure that there is adequate protection between the inner boxes; two thin pieces of cardboard are not enough protection for two beautiful vases.

PLATES:  If available, please include the original boxes for collector plates; they provide additional protection during shipping.  Plates valued at $100 or more should be individually boxed or adequately protected with bubble wrap (especially the edges).  Less expensive plates can be wrapped in stacks, but be sure there is enough protection between the plates (at least eight layers of newspaper, or a layer of bubble wrap, or equivalent); plates can get scratched during shippment, and they are heavy enough that a stack of plates can break the ones on the bottom if a box gets dropped.  If you have more than one stack of plates, be sure the stacks are separated so that the edges of the plates do not bang against each other, chipping and breaking plates in both stacks.  Inner boxes for each stack of plates is the best protection.

USE STURDY BOXES:  Use only sturdy, good quality corrugated boxes for shipping; paperboard boxes, such as shoe boxes and cereal boxes, are inadequate.  Re-using second-hand boxes is OK as long as they are sturdy and structurally sound, with all flaps intact.  Double-walled corrugated boxes (twice as thick as regular cardboard boxes) are especially good for large or heavy items.  Computers and TVs are usually shipped in double-walled boxes, and these boxes can be excellent for shipping porcelain.; I pick them up whenever I see them being discarded in good condition.  Double-walled are more expensive, but may be worth the price if they help ensure the safe arrival of your items.

USE ADEQUATE PACKING MATERIAL:  Packing material can settle or crush during transport, so make sure the box is as full as possible.  An improperly filled box can allow the contents to shift or settle.  If a fragile item settles to the bottom of a box, it is more likely to be damaged.  If items shift inside the box, they are more likely to damage each other.  I have received boxes where the packing chips have settled three inches, leaving a huge empty space at the top; such boxes are much more likely to get crushed when stacked, destroying the structural integrity of the outer box.  As you pack the box, be sure to fill any cavities with packing material;  shake the box lightly from time to time to help the chips settle; and slightly overfill the box so that it takes a small amount of pressure to close it.  Be sure all seams and edges are taped securely, especially on the bottom; broken seams can allow packing material to leak out, leaving the contents of the box exposed.

IN TRANSIT:  Boxes are often stacked on their sides in transit to make address labels more visible, and they may be turned upside down during handling.  Placing heavy items on the bottom and fragile items on top is a good idea, but individually boxing heavy and fragile items is the best protection.

PROFESSIONAL PACKERS:  UPS Stores will pack and ship your items for you, but they charge for labor as well as materials, shipping and insurance fees.  On the other hand, they are much easier and they usually guarantee that your items will arrive safe and sound.  They are too expensive for me to use every day, but many people find the convenience worth the price.

INSURANCE:  UPS is substantially cheaper than the Post Office when it comes to insurance.  UPS includes the first $100 free in their shipping charge, and charges 55 cents per $100 of coverage after the first $100. The Post Office charges $2.20 for the first $100 of insurance coverage, and $1 for each additional $100.  If you are shipping items with a high dollar valuation, UPS may be your best bet.  (An independent UPS Store or other shipping store will usually charge a small premium above these rates.)  But adequate insurance is no substitute for adequate packing; PLEASE take the time to make sure that your items arrive in the same condition in which they were sent.

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