When preparing your packages for shipments, there are many steps you should take to make sure the package arrives to the intended recipient intact. Please use this website as a resource to educate yourself in proper shipping techniques. Even seasoned shippers will learn a tip or two from our list.

General Shipping Tips

	Wrap the Item(s) for Shipping Wrap item(s) individually with at least 2” of bubble wrap or foam material for protection so they fit snugly inside a corrugated box.
	Boxing Use a strong, new shipping box. Leave space for cushioning inside the carton and make sure your items are not pressed against the side of the box. Use ample padding of newspaper, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or fitted InstaPak® inside your packaging. Ample padding is a minimum of 2-3 inches. Fill voids on all sides with more cushioning material.
	Double Box Fragile Items Cushion fragile items inside one box and then put that box into a larger box with 2" to 3" of cushioning around the inner box. Make sure it can survive a drop of AT LEAST 6 feet.
	Use Proper Shipping Tape Use pressure-sensitive tape, nylon-reinforced tape, or paper tape. Regular office "Scotch®" tape is not meant to secure a box for shipping.
	Add the Signature Required Service to Valuable Packages What defines valuable? We suggest packages that are valued at $500.00 and higher. This threshold is lower for high risk commodities such as electronics, cell phones, laptops, and jewelry. This is a good practice as the carriers will leave packages without retaining a signature. Make sure your residential shipments are not left "in the rain", "on the front porch" or "by the garage". These shipments will disappear.
	Make Sure the Recipient Does Not Discard the Container, Packaging Material, or Contents. Include a package insert or decal notifying the recipient to inspect the package carefully and to notify you immediately of any damage or shortage. If there is any damage or loss in transit, the container, packaging material, and contents must be made available.
	Verify the Delivery Address Double check the delivery address for accuracy, including room or suite number as necessary. Make sure the recipient phone number is listed on the shipment.
	Label Your Shipments Clearly Use large, well-printed white labels and make sure the printing is large and legible. Apply the label to your box and then take your packing tape and securely cover the label. This will protect the label in case it gets wet. If you are shipping overseas and double boxing, add another address label to the inner box. This way, if the outer box is discarded or destroyed in transit, the carrier will have all the shipping details available on the inner box.
	Do Not Use Descriptive Labeling When labeling your packages for shipping, be weary of words that will tip off anyone with access to the parcel. Some examples are: Auto Parts, Gold, Tiffany, iPad, Artwork, or Computer. Mask the origin of the shipment by using an acronym in the return address. For example: The House of Jewels and Gems - THOJ&G
	Make Sure the Package is Meant to be Shipped Via Small Parcel Carrier Some items are packaged in a way that is not meant for small parcel transit. They are meant to be stacked, banded, and shipped palletized via motor freight. Some examples of this are televisions, monitors, bicycles, and speakers. Often these items contain minimal packaging protection are are meant to be laid down or stood up in specific directions. When they are shipped by themselves they have a tough time surviving the rigors of transit. These items should be repackaged or double boxed.

Jewelry Shipping Tips

Packaging Pack jewelry in a nondescript 6" x 6" x 6" boxes or larger and make sure to insist on obtaining a signature upon delivery. Double box smaller items so if the outer box is punctured, the item does not fall out of the box. Stabilize jewelry in the inner box by surrounding it with bubble wrap and taping it to the box

Electronics Shipping Tips

	Packaging If you have the original boxes and packing materials that came with the item use this for the inner box. The electronics should fit well in their original box. Next, place that box in another new, nondescript, corrugated box surround by at least 2" of cushioning.
	Double Box Electronics Use a second, outer box that is at least 6" longer, wider and deeper than the inner box. Place the previously boxed electronic items inside the larger box with 2" to 3" of cushioning around the inner box. Remember, items should be packaged to withstand a drop of AT LEAST 6 feet!
	Separate Loose Parts If there are any parts that may come loose separate them and wrap them individually. Examples of this are computer cards (video, sound, ethernet, etc) and vacuum tubes (amplifiers).

Holiday Shipping Tips

	Know the Carrier Schedules The shipping carriers also take time off. During the holidays they close their entire shipping operation. Visit the carrier websites for exact dates and last minute shipping options.
	Weather-Proof Your Shipments Winter brings cold, rain, sleet, and snow to many parts of the world. If your shipments can be damaged by the elements, make sure to wrap them in a plastic or a weatherproof bag. This way, they will have some protection if they are left out in the elements.
	More holiday shipping tips from Shipsurance

Shipping Insurance Tips

	Notify the Carrier or Insurance Company of Any Potential Claims When you find out about potential non-delivery, damage, or shortage of any shipment, LET EVERYONE KNOW! A simple phone call, fax, or email is sufficient notice. Often times the carriers can use this information and locate lost packages.
	Understand the Coverage Limitations Whether you are declaring the value with the carriers or using a 3rd party insurer, read the coverage terms and make sure you understand them. Just because you paid for "declared value coverage" or "insurance" does not mean that your shipment is covered. Carriers and insurance companies have rules you must follow. Make sure you understand them.

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