Shipping a Convertible: Help!

[justjunque]

Hey all,

I find myself stressing out over something that probably shouldn't be a big deal.
I'm acting as a middle-man of sorts.
I bought a 1970s, plastic-based Convertible locally, and I need to ship it to someone else.

Problem is, I've never shipped a vacuum before, and I'm having massive anxiety about how to get it to its new owner intact.
I have it disassembled, and I'm going to thoroughly bubble wrap each part individually.
I figure styrofoam peanuts galore, to help keep it from moving around in the box.

Anyone who has experience with shipping a Convertible specifically, or receiving one through the mail; can you please offer me some advice on what to do and what not to do to get it to its destination safely?

I was advised by a gentleman who I correspond with on the subject of vintage telephones, to never use the post office for packages.
He advised only using UPS or FedEx, as they specialize in packages.
Anyone second that?

Please help! And be very specific. I've never done this before, so don't assume that any detail is obvious, or not necessary to mention.
Even as far as the vinyl outer bag is concerned.
I don't want it to crack or anything, from being folded or creased too sharply.
I've already kept this poor guy waiting for weeks now, because of my fear of doing something wrong!

Thank you so much for any and all help!

Barry

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Just shipped one from Spokane.

Sean Curry is a pro at this. We shipped it from UPS. After wrapping the base, I've also put it in a bag, then, in box. I was never a fan of 'peanuts', though. Completely pad the machine parts, then, the perimeter of the shipping box.
Good luck!
John Also, wrap the handles so they don't "touch". I've sent things through U.S. Postal, too. I think UPS might be the better way to go.

 

[justjunque]

Thanks John

If not "peanuts", what would you recommend to keep everything from shifting around inside the box?

And do you have any advice regarding the vinyl bag?
Do you think it would be okay folded in half?
It seems pliable, but it is forty years old.
I don't want it to crack.

Barry

 

[gottahaveahoove]

I lay the bag on tissue paper.

Then, you can fold it in half. It will be ok. I'm a big fan of bubblewrap. Stuffing the box w/ newspaper is good, too. Jut, wrap the cleaner in a "cocoon",Then, put it in the box.

 

[relhall]

We ship a bunch of vacs. There is no way to guarantee that your vac will arrive without damage in spite of all of your efforts.

That said, you'll want at least one inch of cushion around everything; individual items within the box, as well as between the item and the box itself. Wrap everything in as much bubble wrap as you can afford. Crumbled paper can work well for packing, just make sure to pack it in well to prevent items from shifting.

Putting the heavy items on the bottom seems correct, but once that box is sealed there is no longer a "bottom" or "top" so consider placing items less susceptible to damage on the outermost portions.

Picture someone standing with one foot on top of your box (to reach another?) or it being dropped on its corner from three feet off the ground - these things happen. Get the insurance.

Take pictures as you go, if it's truly this important, so you have record of each items condition as you pack it and it's placement within the box. If you're not sure how to wrap something, start with an old pillow case then proceed with the bubble wrap and additional packing materials.

A secondary outer box - sacrificial, if you will - may help you to sleep better.


You can also ride to the nearest UPS store and let them handle it all for ya ~

 

[justjunque]

Thanks

I can't really say that I feel "better" about it, but I'm just going to do my best to overdo the packing materials, cross my fingers, say a prayer, and hope for the best.
Hopefully, the recipient doesn't end up with a situation like Justin, I believe it is; who received the older Convertible, and found it in pieces when he opened the box.
I know, there's no way to guarantee that won't happen.
It would just be really upsetting.

Barry

 

[madman]

Definitely suggest UPS or FedEx. Post office sucks for more than one reason. Also as a general packing rule, place the more delicate sides of an item inward towards another item, away from the sides of the box. That way, if box damage occurs, it should limit the damage to the items.