Shipping Tripod Cross-Country For Repair - Recomendations?

[DF]

Sending Indura to White Plains via Chicago, still under warranty. Never had to "insure" a package. How does that work ? Also, massive bubble-wrap inside box best way to go?

 

[wiltw]

Go to UPS Store, they have sheets of bubble wrap for sale, and they can put the tripod in a suitable container, calculate cost to ship including insurance on the value of the tripod.

 

[DF]

Yes - UPS. Almost forgot what bad experiences I've had with my local post office.
Thanks

 

[AgX]

I do not consider bubble-foil the best padding. I rather would consider high strength foam.

(For instance recycled compound foam: http://www.sv-schaumstoffe.de/typo3temp/_processed_/csm_Verbundschaum_RG_160_V-160_0e5ceb0148.jpg)

 

[Fujicaman1957]

Find a piece of PVC sewer pipe and place the tripod in that for shipping and then stick that in a box.

 

[mgb74]

You aren't shipping fine china. Wrap it well with bubble wrap or foam carpet padding, at least 3 layers. Put in an appropriate sized box (doesn't need to be massive unless tripod is massive), add a bit more padding at both ends, and ship. Take some cell phone pics of tripod as you pack it for insurance purposes. USPS Priority Mail includes $50 insurance, but can be expensive once any dimension exceeds 12" (unless flat).

As to carrier, google usps problems and you'll find lots of "bad" stories. Same for ups and fedex. Pony Express is the only carrier that doesn't seem to get a lot of complaints anymore. Personally, I ship usps unless others are much less expensive.

 

[MattKing]

Find a piece of PVC sewer pipe and place the tripod in that for shipping and then stick that in a box.

Or a large paper core - like those that studio backdrop paper rolls come with.
Depending, of course, on how big the tripod is.
The biggest worry about shipping something relatively long and thin is bending.

 

[bdial]

If you need a large, sturdy box, get a box from a bicycle shop, then cut it starting from one corner to fit the tripod's dimensions. You'll end up with multiple layers of 3 layer cardboard protecting it, add foam or bubble wrap as needed for cushioning.

But, as mentioned, tripods are not especially fragile, except for it getting scratched up, and knobs coming off, you could just as well paste a shipping label on one leg and send it off. If you have a tripod that isn't up to being shipped with minimal protection, you probably don't want it anyway.

 

[Sirius Glass]

UPS can supply the necessary boxes and packing material. They can also pack the tripod for you and then if there is any damage during shipping the insurance will cover the damage. If you package it yourself, sometimes the shipper will blame the customer for not packing it carefully.