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Shipping Metalware
(If you would like to ship something to us, please contact
us for our shipping address and to let us know how and when your item is being
sent.)
Packing your metalware for shipment
As a metal repairer, a large part of my work comes from shipping damage.
If you ship
to us or anyone, remembering a few simple guidelines will save you a lot of
grief, time,
trouble and/or money.
1) Pack in a sturdy container so that the object won't be crushed from the
outside.
2) Pack the item inside the container so well that it won't move around during
shipment.
--Most of the shipment damage I see is caused by the piece
damaging itself, usually when
the container falls or drops and inertia takes over .
If the piece is made from a soft
metal like pewter, or it is thin, or long and narrow, suspend
it in a customized structure.
You can cut and fit cardboard boxes to do this. The
main thing is to secure the piece where
it is the strongest.
--Use packing material ("popcorn," "peanuts," wadded up
newspaper, etc.) to secure the
"structure" that is holding the piece. Use it also to
keep the piece from moving around.
--Visualize the box dropping about 3 feet onto concrete.
Try to anticipate what will happen
inside and take measures to correct any problems.
The above is my advice. Here are a few places on line that offer their
professional advice:
--FedEx
"Preparing and addressing your shipments correctly, plus using the proper
packaging, will ensure that everything you ship with FedEx arrives on time and
in great shape. This section contains helpful packaging advice for both your
FedEx Express and FedEx Ground shipments."
http://www.fedex.com/ca_english/shippingguide/preparepackage/index.html?link=2.
--Robbins Nest
"Packing instructions for fragile items:"
http://www.robbinsnest.com/packinginstructions.html.
--UPS
Guides for good packaging:
http://www.ups.com/using/services/packaging/guidline.html.