Shipping Companies
Usual choices are: UPS,
USPS (US Postal
Service), FEDEX.
Each is OK if you pack well
and no additional breakage occurs. UPS
will pay a breakage claim
with some work on your part if it is their fault but it better be
packed well as per their instructions (below). USPS will pay
claims easily up to $50 but over that you may have trouble.
FEDEX will pay claims up to $100 only, we are told, no matter how
much insurance you put on the package.
Packing, the most important
part of shipping.
Double
Box with 2.5 inches of packing all around in both layers.
Inside the box put a piece of
paper with your name, address, telephone and what is in the box,
approximately how many pieces. (This is how we know if it was
broken additionally.) Then mark FRAGILE
on the outside
and, if necessary, "This side up" and "Hand transfer"
to try to keep the box from being tumbled on a conveyor belt.
Also some people put a big note on the box saying "DO NOT
DROP". All these are helpful. But double boxing with
AT LEAST 2.5" of packing all around is essential or insurance
will usually not be granted.
(For bigger, heavier things, 3” or 4” of packing is good.)
Our Return Shipping Charges
Items vary and shipping charges vary. Our
standard shipping charge for a typical simple
item, like a figurine or plate is around $25,
and covers freight (transportation) packing ( double boxing ),
packaging (boxes, packing material), shipping insurance,
correspondence, etc. For on-line auctions a fixed price is
usually chosen and stated in advance so everyone knows and can adjust
their bid accordingly. For very large, special, or
difficult-to-ship items the fee may be much greater and may be
decided in consultation with the buyer.
Shipping charges cover many things. Items are often double boxed so mishandling by carriers does not result in breakage. Even then, breakage is possible. Therefore insurance is usually included because if an item does get broken it must come out of revenues, so that adds somewhat to the cost and varies depending upon the piece. Also the cost can vary depending on the distance. The person doing the packing is paid and packing materials also cost money. Clerical work is involved to track packages , orders, checks, etc.
Some people pick up items at the shop. They should not be charged a packing fee hidden in the price of the item. With all that must be compensated in packing it is difficult to exactly pick a shipping fee in advance and therefore a $25 is typical or some other price is sometimes stated repairs or for on-line purchases so customers can take that into account when deciding.
If you have any comments or suggestions please
provide them and we will respond as necessary.
Shipping To Us:
We sometimes receive items that have broken
additionally in shipment. To avoid breakage careful packing is
recommended.
UPS suggests items be carefully packed with at least two inches of packing material between the item and the box on all sides. This box should then be placed inside another box with another two inches of packing material on all sides. This may be extreme in some cases but it may also be inadequate in the case of some very large pieces with fragile arms or wings or branches, etc. Some large fragile pieces need special custom made packages.
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