I've just sold this vintage Fire King teardrop jadite bowl on Ebay and I thought I'd share my tips on packing glass for shipping with you. I've shipped over 400 pieces of glass through the mail and can proudly say that nothing has ever arrived broken.
Preparation is the key when packing glass. You will need the following items:
A strong, sturdy box suitable for shipping across the country - the Post Office will provide Priority Mail packing boxes free of charge. You can pick up some sizes at the post office or go on their website to order the sizes you need. You must buy them in groups of 25 online.
Strong packing tape - don't buy the cheap stuff - you'll hate it when it gets tangled and stuck together and it doesn't hold well on long distance travel.
Good quality bubble wrap - use clean, unpopped wrap. I'm using the large bubble size for this heavy bowl.
Styrofoam peanuts.
Tape the box together making sure to tape the center and both sides to keep the box strong. Remember that it may have to travel across the country - this box is going to Virginia - and it's going to be tossed into at least one mail truck.
Fill the bottom fourth of the box with styrofoam peanuts. This will provide a cushion for the glass.
Make sure the box you're using is large enough for what you're packing but not too large that the glass can shift during mailing. This 12x12 priority mail box is perfect for most pieces - they make a smaller size for cups or salt/pepper shakers.
Cover all sides of the glass with bubble wrap - tape completely to keep the glass protected. Again, you can't use enough tape especially when you're shipping vintage glass. If it breaks, there's one less vintage piece left in the world - they're not making any more.
Place the bubble wrapped glass in the box and fill with styrofoam peanuts on all sides and the top.
Make sure the peanuts fill the box completely - when you tape it shut it should feel full and the top of the box should not sag at all.
Tape the center and both sides of the top of the box as well. Attach your shipping labels and insure the package, if possible.
2 comments:
I would like to commend you on a very very fine article that more people need to pay attention to. I buy off of eBay and resell the glassware that I purchase, that is if it makes it to my hose in one piece. That is a 50 - 50 chance, with people using diapers, newspaper. etc.... I sell to Japanese and have been doing so for over 6 years without any breakage. Again thank you for such a fine article on how to properly package glassware. I will pass this on to all I know. Have a great day.
eBay user id:
grizzy-wolf
Thank you for your nice comments Jay. I know what you mean about people using other stuff for packing glass. It's really a shame. I too send glass to Japan - sent something on Monday. It always arrives just fine.
Good luck to you!
Wendy
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