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How To Prepare Items for Shipping Safely

Packaging Shipping Art - Craft Jewelry

How to Prepare and Package Return Items
1. Use a Sturdy Corrugated Box
2. Provide Internal Protection
3. Close Your Container Securely
4. Use Proper Labeling
5. Insure your Shipment for its Full Value.

1. Use a Sturdy Corrugated Box

Repack the product in its original packaging materials, unless the package's condition is not suitable for a safe return back to Stowe Craft. In that case, you may be able to place the original box inside a slightly larger new box. Remember, you are responsible for any damage in return transit.

UPS says, whenever possible, use a new box. The more times a box is used, the more it loses its original protective qualities, so a previously used box may not adequately protect your shipment.

If you must reuse a box, make sure it is rigid and in excellent condition with no punctures, tears, rips, or corner damage, and that all flaps are intact. Remove any labels and all other shipment markings from the box.

2. Provide Internal Protection
It´s important that you cushion the contents of your package properly.

Please be sure that you wrap each item separately. Fragile articles need both suitable separation from each other and clearance from the corners and sides of the box.

Each item should be surrounded by at least two inches of cushioning and be placed at least two inches away from the walls of the box. This will protect your items from product-against-product damage and shield them from the shock and vibration that can be conducted from the exterior of the box to its contents in transit.

Please use proper cushioning material, combined with a strong outer container, to protect your shipment fully. Make sure you use enough cushioning material to ensure that the contents do not move when you shake the container. Do the shake test: Shake your package after it is sealed. If you hear anything, open it up and add protection until the sound is eliminated! (That's what we do with every package)

Improper cushioning material includes clothing, blankets, and pillows. Instead, please use the materials listed below to cushion and protect your shipment:

Air-encapsulated plastic (bubble pack)

Designed to protect and cushion lightweight items
Used in multiple wraps and layers to ensure that the item is completely protected, especially on corners and edges

Expanded polystyrene "peanuts"
Peanuts are great at cushioning BUT only if your items stay in the center of the box. You need to do somsething to prevent items from shifting through the peanuts - toward the side of the box. We find the best way is to place 4-6 cardboard dividers (the size of the side of the box) around them. The cardboard keeeps the peanuts beween the items and the outside of the box.

Used primarily as void-fill material for lightweight items. Overfill the box with peanuts, gently close the flaps, and seal securely. Do not use with flat or narrow products that may move to the edge or bottom of the carton in transit.

Due to the shifting and settling properties of peanuts, it is recommended that a minimum of three inches of cushioning be used around the contents when using peanuts.

Corrugated liners and inserts

May be added to the package to increase strength and improve package performance

Crumpled kraft paper

Used primarily as a void-fill material for light-to-medium weight, non-fragile items and items that are suitable for such packing materials.
Must be tightly crumpled. Place at least four inches of paper between contents and outer box

Note: Fragile objects -- such as glass, ceramics, and artwork -- require special packaging for safe shipment. Packages containing these and similar items may require added cushioning or a double box

3. Close Your Container Securely
Proper closure of your container is just as important as proper cushioning for the safety and security of your shipment.

To close a box securely, do not use masking tape, cellophane tape, duct tape, string, or paper over-wrap. Instead, use a strong pressure-sensitive plastic or nylon-reinforced tape -- two inches or more in width. Apply three strips to both the top and bottom of the box.

4. Use Proper Labeling
Include our full address:

Stowe Craft Gallery, 55 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 05672. UPS & Fed Ex ask for a phone number- Use 802-253-2305 ext 100.
Place the shipping label on the top of the package. To avoid confusion, place only one address label on the package. If you are using a packing slip, place it on the same surface of the package as the address label.
Do not place the label over a seam or closure or on top of sealing tape.
Examine all six sides of the box for old labels. Remove or completely cross out old labels or markings on a used box.
Always include your complete return address, including full street address and postal code. For international shipments, include a contact name, telephone number, and postal code.
Place a duplicate label or other form of identification inside your package.

If you are using a mailing tube, place the label horizontally, with each end of the label pointing toward the ends of the tube, so the bar code can be scanned.

UPS does not provide special handling for packages with "Fragile", package orientation (e.g., "UP" arrows or "This End Up" markings), or any other similar such markings. If your package requires this sort of special handling- it requires special boxes. Fed Ex or DHL may be a better choice for these kinds of shipments.

5. Insure Contents for Their Full Value.

When you ship an item to us, you are responsible for it arriving at Stowe Craft in like new condition. If it is lost or damaged in transit, you must file a claim. We are glad to help or even file the claim for you, but we do not give refunds or exchanges for items that arrive damaged. As long as the items were insured and packaged properly, the shipper will replace, repair or refund you directly.