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Package Your Merchandise
Cartons
All shipping cartons should be in new or nearly new condition
and must be able to handle the stacking, handling and sorting
that is natural in any shipping system. Heavy plastic shipping
bags (from catalog companies) are also acceptable. Single-ply
cardboard (shoe-box type) is not acceptable. Thin, off-the-shelf,
cardboard cartons (for example, a coffee-maker box) are not strong
enough for shipping by themselves. These items must be double-boxed.
Boxes that don’t meet shipping company standards cannot be covered
for damage. Padded shipping envelopes are acceptable for unbreakable
items. Plain paper and manila envelopes tear in sorting machinery
and should not be used. If it can't get bumped around safely,
don't ship it.
Tape
Use 2" or wider clear shipping tape. Do not use string, masking
tape, cellophane tape, or heater duct tape. These materials snag
and tear in sorting machinery. Do not attempt to tape packages
together. If they get separated, one package may get lost.
Old Addresses
All prior addresses, including your address, old Shipper Numbers
(Stamped numbers), and tracking labels from any carriers (UPS,
FedEx, Airborne, etc.) must be crossed-out, preferably with a
black magic marker, so that your shipping company’s staff and
machinery do not accidentally send the package to the wrong destination.
Cushioning Material
Proper cushioning for breakable items is 2” of cushioning all
around the item and between items. Good cushioning materials include,
tightly wadded newspaper or brown paper, tightly packed Styrofoam
peanuts or bubble wrap. Bad cushioning materials include, all
types of clothing, bath towels or paper towels.
Fragile and Electronic Items
Glass items (glass, porcelain, crystal, etc.) must be double-boxed:
a box within a box with 2" cushioning material completely
around the inner box. All fragile items must be double boxed with
a minimum of 2” of cushioning around each item in the inner box.
There must be 2” of cushioning between the inner and outer boxes.
Boxes that don’t meet these standards cannot be covered for damage.
If it can't get bumped around safely, don't ship it. Electronics
(computers, TV’s, VCR's, etc.) should be in original shipping
carton and packing materials. All electronic items must be in
their original, factory packaging with a minimum of 2” cushioning
between the item(s) and the box. The box must be in new or nearly
new condition. Boxes that don’t meet these standards cannot be
covered for damage. If it can't get bumped around safely, don't
ship it. If this packing is not sturdy or not available, it must
be double-boxed with 2" cushioning material completely around
the inner box. TV's, 19" or bigger are likely to break, even
if double boxed.
Package Coverage Overview
Only boxes that meet packing standards can be covered for damage.
Package coverage should be used when the value of the package
contents exceeds $100. To get package coverage, you must fill
out the package coverage section of the customer receipt, at the
time of shipment and pay the coverage fee. Remember, if it can't
get bumped around safely, don't ship it. If its not packed correctly,
it may not be covered.
What Package Coverage Doesn't Cover
All items must meet proper packaging requirements. There are limitations
to items that may be sent. Some items may be sent but are not
covered for loss or damage. These items may be shipped at your
risk. Because of their nature no claims for the following items
will be honored for loss or damage regardless of reason: (depending
on shipping company)
Perishables: Food, fresh fruit, flowers,
etc. Negotiable items: Checks, stock certificates, bonds, etc.
Stamp collections: They are delicate and often very expensive.
Airline tickets: They are highly time sensitive. Furs: They are
easily damaged by heat and cold. Articles with sentimental value:
Items that cannot be replaced shouldn't be shipped. Glass, porcelain,
pottery: Unless they are packed extremely carefully, according
to the fragile packing guidelines, these items are not covered
for damages. These items must be double boxed 2" around each
item and 2" around inner box. Extremely fragile items: Some
items, such as a blown-glass sculpture, are so fragile they cannot
be packaged well enough to avoid damage, and cannot be covered.
Prohibited Materials
Under most shipping company regulations, packages may not contain
any of the following:
- Ammunition or firearms
- Liquor
- Cash, coins, currency
- Precious Stones (loose gems are prohibited)
- Precious metals (gold, silver, etc.)
- Sheet glass
- Illegal Substances
- Hazardous Materials
- Jewelry is acceptable, however there
are limits to the amount of package coverage that may be purchased
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