Shipping: Supplies, Advice, Tips, Etc.

[appletree]

So,
With my first and (sort of) new attempt at selling my work I have pretty much wrapped everything up except for shipping.

I have spent a few months getting frames ordered and ready, stamps designed and carved, framing, matting, taking product photos (finding someone to borrow a nice digital camera from was difficult and even then I used some sony point and shoot...a little nicer than basic model since it has a removable lens, but the photos aren't miraculous...I hope good enough to look professional on the web). All that is left is to actually sell something and then be ready to ship it safe and sound to a new and loving home.

I want it to be effective, look professional, and minimize the amount that are ruined/damaged during transit. I suspect my volume of sales will be very low.

Was looking at these options below:

Boxes
http://www.uline.com/BL_1304/Jumbo-Kraft-Easy-Fold-Mailers
http://www.uline.com/BL_1402/Literature-Mailers-Kraft
http://www.uline.com/BL_1406/Kraft-Tab-Locking-Literature-Mailers

Bubble Wrap
http://www.uline.com/BL_7750/Uline-Air?keywords=uline cushioning
http://www.uline.com/BL_470/Uline-Economy-Air-Bubble?keywords=uline cushioning

Already have cardboard corners.

Now, what about non-framed pieces. Sold as matted? Put in a poly bag and then tape down to some cardboard and ship it flat in a thing box?

Thanks for any advice, tips, suggestions, links, etc.

 

[Rick A]

I never ship framed photos any more, too many returns due to broken glass. I ship matted photos between extra pieces of stiff cardboard in special photo mailers and marked PHOTO: DO NOT BEND on the exterior front and back.

 

[appletree]

Thanks for the information and advice Rick.
These have been framed using UV Acrylic to avoid any shipping disasters.

As far as matted, I have an option to purchase in that manner as well, so looks like we were on the same thought process of packaging those up.

 

[Jim Jones]

For unframed photos, I use envelopes somewhat larger than the photo or mat, and a layer of corrugated cardboard on each side. The corrugations of the cardboard should be at right angles to each other, not always true with store-bought photo shipping envelopes.

 

[fdi]

Since I own Frame Destination, I am use to shipping frames and framing supplies. Uline is the best source for large flat boxes which are not standard. We use a combination of bubble and crumpled paper around the frame. It is critical that no side of the frame is near any side of the box. Corners are the most important. We ship glass without trouble but do not ship glass larger than 24x28. For larger pieces we ship acrylic. For mats and foam, even if just a single sheet we still put them in a box. When you send just a flat piece of cardboard it is too easy for it to be propped up against one box and then have another box put on top of it forcing it to be creased. Best way to ship prints is rolled in a tube. No matter how you pack you must expect some damage. If you pack well your damage rate will be low, but not zero. I don't know how, but we have had the shipping company break the acrylic before. When packing keep in mind that the box will riding on a truck for a few days where it is just being shaken the entire time. If you have some items loose inside the box where they can rub against each other, they will be damaged.

 

[appletree]

Been in meetings the past two days. Thanks for all the advice and information. Any experience from anyone on particular boxes, cardboard thickness/quality, and bubble wrap size, etc?

Thanks again for everything.

 

[fdi]

Been in meetings the past two days. Thanks for all the advice and information. Any experience from anyone on particular boxes, cardboard thickness/quality, and bubble wrap size, etc?

Thanks again for everything.

We use 1/2 inch bubble. Most of our boxes are single wall cardboard, but we occasionally use doubewall for larger heavier shipments. In our case if you will be shipping larger than 16x20 or 18x24 frames you might consider doublewall. They will have a significantly stronger corners.

 

[appletree]

Thanks for the information and details. Have a nice weekend.

 

[fotch]

The only suggestion I have is to not buy anything from Uline. Their employment practice is to discriminate. JMHO

 

[appletree]

Interesting, I will keep that in mind. Unfortunately there is dirt under the carpet at many of these establishments/corporations.

Any advice on alternative box companies located in the states, in the event I did want to branch out?