Tips For Mailing Posters And Art Prints Without Damage
Posted on: 6 March 2017
Posters may be easy to sell, but they're certainly not easy to ship. Because posters need to be delivered in "ready to hang" condition, they often require special preparation for mailing. If your business sells posters, art prints, or other paper products, there are a few things you might want to do to ensure that your customers are satisfied every time.
Mark the Item Fragile -- But Don't Bank On It
You should always mark your items "fragile" if they are, but fragile is more a suggestion than it is a rule. Keep in mind that "fragile" means that the post office will try to take extra care with the item, but it doesn't mean that they guarantee it.
Use the Right Packing Materials
It's tempting to mail posters and art prints in sleeves, especially smaller ones. But a standard white shipping tube is actually still the best option. Items get bent, creased, dented, and even torn while they are in the mail. You want your poster or print to be entirely protected, and that means having a hard structure surrounding it.
Always Get Insurance for Expensive Items
If you're mailing an antique print or something that is otherwise very expensive, you should always invest in insurance -- in fact, you should insist upon it. Not only can things get damaged, but they can also get lost entirely. Having insurance -- or at least tracking -- will provide additional protection.
Consider Waterproofing
In addition to rolling your art work in a tube, you should also consider placing it in a waterproofed package. Though a tube may be able to traverse the system without getting dented or bent, it could still end up caught in the rain or falling in a puddle. A simple addition of a plastic bag (or even an internal plastic tube) could help.
Don't Forget to Seal It
Packing tubes are made to quickly snap shut, but that doesn't mean that you don't have to seal it with additional tape. Not only could the ends come loose while in transit, but someone could very easily steal a poster or print directly from the tube if it is not taped shut.
Whenever you're mailing a fragile item, you run the risk of it being damaged. Posters and art are no exception. But as long as you follow the above tips, you should be able to reduce your risk and keep your clientele happy.
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