I may have made a sale of a matted/mounted print to someone halfway across the state and need to ship it. Not having shipped a print before, does anyone have suggestions as far as packaging to protect the print, and which company wouldn't mangle it in transit? I'm not sure of the size of the print, but probably would not exceed 11 X 14 total size. Thanks for any suggestions and directions.
Posted by Buck Ward on November 6, 2007 at 8:30 PM
You can get suitable mailers that are made out of stiff cardboard from an office supply store or website. Or, you can make a flat out of corrugated board cut from a large box and tape. UPS, FedEx, and DHL are about equal in my experience. Choose the one that's the most convenient. You can buy packaging from them, or at the US post office. If you are worried about damage, insure it. If you're really concerned about the packaging, you can pay a shipping store to package it for you.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on November 7, 2007 at 12:24 PM
I've bought boxes from my local UPS store that fit a 13X19 print and are approximately 3 inches deep. They had some larger sizes as well. I layer the print(s) between sheets of vellum to prevent scuffing and fill the extra volume with bubble wrap. Its expensive, but it would take alot to damage the prints.
As for who will not mangle a print, I don't know. It think is a luck of the draw. UPS has brought me some B&H boxes that looked like accordions though everything inside was OK. I haven't had any problems with FedEx Express, but I know someone who had a summer job in the Memphis sorting facility who said boxes get mangled in there frequently. FedEx Express is usually very expensive for shipping. My uncle works for USPS and thinks that "fragile" is Italian for drop kick and his response to an envelope that says "Photos Do Not Bend" is "yes they do" (he is kidding of course).
Posted by Carson Wilcox on November 7, 2007 at 12:36 PM
I always ship UPS, because they have a store near me. I also have them pack,not really that expensive and I've never had any issues with damage.
Posted by Don George on November 11, 2007 at 10:19 AM
When I need a special packaging I check out ULINE. Its a box company that has many choices in shipping boxes. They will send you a free sample of any choice you may be interested in. You can reach them on (800) 958-5463 or keyword ULINE.
Discussion
4 repliesAs for who will not mangle a print, I don't know. It think is a luck of the draw. UPS has brought me some B&H boxes that looked like accordions though everything inside was OK. I haven't had any problems with FedEx Express, but I know someone who had a summer job in the Memphis sorting facility who said boxes get mangled in there frequently. FedEx Express is usually very expensive for shipping. My uncle works for USPS and thinks that "fragile" is Italian for drop kick and his response to an envelope that says "Photos Do Not Bend" is "yes they do" (he is kidding of course).