Top Tips on Packing and Sending Valuable Items
Shipping valuable items, whether they are fragile heirlooms, expensive electronics, priceless artworks or precious metals, requires meticulous care and attention to detail. Ensuring these items reach their destination safely is crucial.
If the valuables you are sending are for sale and they have been poorly packed, the final price you receive from the buyer could well be reduced to reflect the quality of the item on arrival.
Here are some top tips from the experts in our Despatch team, sharing their insights on how to pack and securely send valuable items.
1. Sending Valuable Items: Choose the Right Insurance
Before you even start packing, it’s essential to choose an appropriate insurance service. Not all insurance policies are equal. Here are some factors to consider:
- Coverage Amount: Ensure the insurance coverage matches the value of your items.
- Type of Coverage: Look for all-risk coverage, which protects against a broader range of potential issues. Does the insurer protect or allow the items you wish to send?
- Provider Reputation: Choose reputable insurers with a history of reliable claims processing.
2. Sending Valuable Items: Use Quality Packing Materials
The use of quality packing materials is essential for protecting your valuable items:
- Sturdy Boxes: Where possible, use new, double-walled corrugated boxes for added strength.
- Bubble Wrap and Foam: Provide cushioning by wrapping items in bubble wrap or foam padding.
- Packing Peanuts: Fill empty spaces in the box to prevent movement during transit.
- Anti-static Materials: For electronic items, use anti-static bubble wrap and packing peanuts.
3. Sending Valuable Items: Packing Techniques
Care when packing your items can significantly affect their safety during shipping:
- Use gloves when handling: If handling items such as silver coins, ensure you wear gloves to protect the metal from reacting to any skin oils or products.
- Wrap Each Item Individually: Ensure each item is individually wrapped to prevent them from hitting each other in case they move in transit.
- Layering: Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter, more fragile items on top.
- Seal Gaps: Fill all gaps with packing peanuts or foam to immobilize items within the box.
- Double Boxing: For extremely valuable or fragile items, consider double boxing. Place the item in a box, then place that box inside a larger box with additional cushioning in between.
- Double check: ensure the parcel contains all the expected items.
Once packed, secure the package carefully to prevent tampering and ensure it remains intact:
- Heavy-Duty Tape: Use strong packing tape to seal all seams and edges of the box.
- Label Clearly: Label the box with “Fragile,” “Handle with Care,” and “This Side Up” stickers as required to alert handlers.
- Tamper-Evident Seals: Use tamper-evident tape or seals to detect any unauthorized access during transit.
- Be Discreet: There is no need to advertise what’s in the box.
4. Document the Contents
Keep a detailed inventory of the items you are shipping:
- Photographs: Take pictures of each item before packing. This can be useful for insurance claims if damage occurs.
- Description and Value: Document the condition and value of each item.
5. Sending Valuable Items: Choose a Reliable Shipping Carrier
Select a shipping carrier known for handling valuable items with care:
- Experience: Choose a carrier with a track record of shipping valuable goods. Will they allow the transportation of the goods you are sending? Always check prohibited items listings.
- Tracking Services: Ensure the carrier provides comprehensive tracking services so you can monitor the shipment in real-time.
- Signature Confirmation: Always opt for a signature confirmation upon delivery to ensure the package reaches the intended recipient.
- Double check: Recipient name and address details. Will the recipient be available to receive the parcel?
For extremely high-value or fragile items, consider using specialised shipping services:
- Art Shipping Services: For artworks and antiques, use services that specialize in handling such items.
- White Glove Delivery: For high-value electronics or delicate furniture, white glove delivery services offer extra care, including in-home setup.
6. Understand the Claims Process
Despite all precautions, damage or loss can sometimes occur. Being prepared for the claims process can save time and frustration:
- Know the Policy Details: Understand the insurer’s requirements for filing a claim.
- Timely Reporting: Report any damage or loss promptly within the stipulated time frame.
- Documentation: Provide all necessary documentation, including photos, inventory lists, and proof of value.
Sell To Bleyer
Shipping valuable items securely requires careful planning and the right approach to packing and selecting services. We hope these tips assist you in minimising the risk of damage or loss, and ensure your valuable items arrive efficiently and safely at their destination. Remember, the additional effort and cost of quality packing materials and insurance are well worth the peace of mind they provide.
Thinking of selling precious metal? If you would like any advice on how to ship your gold, silver, platinum or palladium to us, please contact our award winning team.
