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Packaging and Shipping Help

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In addition, to assist you with your packaging and shipping needs we have asked representatives from independent shipping companies to answer some common shipping questions and provide related shipping information.

Ceramic Objects
Damage to ceramics is generally caused by shock. In order to minimize damage, ceramic objects need to be separated from each other and the outside walls of the carton and fully supported on all surfaces.

Adequate packaging techniques:
* Provision of at least 2" clearance between the object and the carton walls.
*  Provision of cushioning material to protect from shock.
*  Filling void in object (i.e. inside of vase) with paper-do not force paper so it is tight, but insert enough to help the object become more "solid"
*  Separating each ceramic object when more than one is placed in a package.
*  Restraining the object so that it can't impact carton walls or other merchandise.
*  Over packing the original package, i.e. double boxing.

Inadequate packaging techniques:
*  Product able to contact carton walls.
*  Lack of separation between fragile ceramic items.
*  Little or no cushioning against shock.
*  Failure to restrain objects.
*  Product too heavy for interior packaging.
*  Not filling void in object.

Dishes/China

Adequate packaging techniques:
*  A carton strong enough for the contents.
*  Plates or dishes separated from one another (using single face corrugation or foam inter-liners).
*  Product immobilized from movement in the container.
*  Product separated from outside walls of the carton.
*  Inventory list with damage noted should be included in each box, taped to the inside lid.

Inadequate packaging techniques:
*  Selection of a carton too light or small for contents.
*  Inadequate stacking/separation of components.
*  Failure to properly stack/separate components.
*  Lack of space between content and carton wall.
*  Components move around when pack is shaken.
*  Merchandise fills carton and is subject to compression.

Electrical Equipment, Stereos, TVs
Electronic equipment, together with retail packs for stereo, radio and TV sets are often shipped in the UPS system. Shipments for repair are also made by individuals, and often without the original adequate packaging.  Besides the obvious need to protect the exterior case and faces of various electronics, the fragility of internal assemblies unseen under the surface must be considered.

Adequate packaging techniques:
*  Molded Styrofoam suspensions.
*  Custom corrugated die-cut suspensions.
*  Air bubble wraps.
*  Urethane foam pads and blocks.
*  Take the time to 'tie down' loose appendages.
*  Sturdy outside corrugated cartons.
*  Mark cable connections with masking tape for ease of putting together for the consignee
*  Remove any cassette tapes , CDs, etc from equipment

Inadequate packaging techniques:
*  Device loose in a carton.
*  No corner protectors.
*  Components not secured to unit (Example: Stereo turntable and needle arm).
*  Assembled devices shipped normally disassembled.
*  Shipping carton not intended for product.
*  Inadequate package closures.