Shipping Glassware

In our collecting, somewhere along the way, we’re likely going to have to ship glassware. Particularly if you, as we do, take part in Ebay sales, or online sales of any type.

Paying close attention to detail is the only way you’re going to get your package where its going all in one piece.. literally.

Several times I’ve purchased something from an individual, who wasn’t well versed in packing to ship. That results in a package that offers an unpleasant tinkle when its handed to you and that doesn’t make anyone happy.
Every glass collector, whether or not they sell their glassware, needs to know how to wrap it properly for shipping or just for traversing with you to Aunt Emily’s house.
To send, or to carry with you, any kind of glassware, pottery or  ceramics, there are some materials that are going to be essential to a safe arrival at their destination.
Those will be.
Solid thick cardboard box.–One that is solid, has no squashed corners or floppy sides, is sturdy corrugated cardboard and offers at least an 1/8 inch thick sides, definitely NOT a think, single layer cardboard box. Make sure that the box is at least 2-3 inches bigger than what you’re trying to ship on all sides to allow for proper packing material.

Packing peanuts (styrofoam) buy them by the box at shipping stores, or get them used from something you’ve ordered, but have at least enough to half fill the box you select.

Plastic bubble wrap—again, used is fine so long as the air bubbles are still intact. Can also be found at any store that sells shipping supplies, or at the local UPS store but its going to be the cheapest at Walmart. (Yes I hate it to but sometimes you have to unbend) Buy the wrap with the smaller bubbles as opposed to the larger ones since its a better protection..

Packing tape.–Lots of people don’t use this, but I prefer a heavier sturdy tape, particularly when packing smaller items such as the lids to tea pots and etc.. I wrap them completely in bubble wrap and then secure it all the way around with tape.

 You will find that a lot of shippers, particularly amateur ones will use wadded up paper or shreds of paper.. Don’t.. Not only does it add unnecessary weight to your package (ever FEEL a stack of newspapers..  heavy aren’t they?) but it also doens’t protect nearly as well as the peanuts and bubble wrap.

Pour about 3 inches of packing peanuts into your box. Securely wrap what you’re sending in the bubble wrap held in place by tape. Although most people will know  not to do this, I’ve actually received a tea pot with the lid taped onto the top of the pot.. Bad Idea.. Remove it and wrap it separate from the teapot.
Layer one sheet of bubble wrap over your packing peanuts and lay your items onto the bubble wrap.
Pour in enough peanuts to fill all the empty spaces now and push them down into any open spaces so that they completely fill the box and don’t leave a lot of room for things to shift and move around.

Definitely don’t overpack it as that places stress on your glass a well when you close the box.Make it firm and full but not bulging.
Place a return address label inside the box as well in the unlikely event that it should come open or your address label not be secure.

Tape the box all the way round double, so that the lid canot come open. Personally I wrap it around the top and then cross the  tape and tape it the other direction as well, much like tying a ribbon round a holiday package.
Lastly, secure the return and recipients address on all four sides with tape so that its held securely.
If you pack your boxes correctly, you’re going to get whatever you’re sending their safely and not be dissappointed by having to go and collect the insurance rather than your check.

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