I recently sold an Ice Cold Beer bezel. But, before I shipped the bezel I searched the KLOV site to help me find the best way to pack a glass bezel for shipping. I found lots of comments, but few pics of how and what was used for shipping. So I decided to take lots of photos of the steps I took to get the glass bezel ready for shipping.
I needed lots of material for shipping a glass bezel. Such as a box, tape, paper, packing peanuts and anything that would protect the glass bezel during shipping.
I measured the dimensions of the bezel. I searched for shipping boxes that would work best and the packing materials that were suggested.
I found that U-Haul was the best place to get a box and packing materials that would work for shipping glass items. I found a box that was designed for shipping mirrors. And a separate Picture Packer Kit.
U-Haul – Mirror Box – 37" x 4" x 27" cost $4.25 Just the box.
http://www.uhaul.com/MovingSupplies/Boxes/Mirror-picture-boxes/Mirror-Picture-Box
Picture Packer Kit cost $4.95 including four Styrofoam corners with a strap.
http://www.uhaul.com/MovingSupplies/Protective-stuff/Picture-Packer-Kit?id=617
I now have the basic box and corners. I need to determine the best filler material to fill in the air gaps inside the box. I have peanuts, but they shift and create air pockets during shipping, bubble wrap may pop if punctured, newspaper is not strong enough to protect the glass. I decided that if the corners can use solid Styrofoam, why can't I use solid Styrofoam for the entire bezel? I found several thicknesses of 4 x 8 ft. sheets of solid Styrofoam at Home Depot. I measured the thickness of the glass bezel and cardboard and determined I could use 1.5 inch thick Styrofoam and still fit it into the shipping box. The sheet of Styrofoam cost $16.00. I only need half the sheet, but it's good to have extra just in case.
Here are the steps as I progressed:
1. I cleaned the glass and wrapped it with several layers of industrial strength plastic wrap.
2. I cut cardboard to fit over the entire surface of the glass bezel. Taped the edges so the cardboard would not slip.
3. Unpacked the Picture Packer Kit and placed the Styrofoam corners in place. Wrapped the strapping around each corner and tightened the strapping. I then wrapped tape around the strapping in several places so it would get loose during shipping.
4. I measured from the top to the bottom and from left to right of the bezel with the Styrofoam corners in place. I marked the lines on the sheet of Styrofoam and scored it with a knife. You only need to cut about half way through, then bend where the cut is and the Styrofoam will break on the cut. I then cut the corners off.
5. I placed the Styrofoam between the corners and checked the fit.
6. I taped the corner piece and the rectangle piece together so they would not shift during shipping.
7. I did this for the front and the back of the glass bezel.
8. I place wrapping paper in the bottom of the shipping box to fill in small amount of space. I also did the same on the top of the box.
9. I then taped all of the outside edges of the shipping box for reinforcement during shipping.
10. I taped big fragile glass signs on the sides of the shipping box.
I checked the box for any settling of the packing materials. Everything seemed to be very solid within the box. I have included lots of photos as I progressed. So far my total cost is:
Packing Box - $4.25
Picture Packer Kit - $4.95
4 x 8 ft. 1.5 inch Sheet of Solid Styrofoam - $16.00 (only used half - $8.00).
Roll of Packing Tape $1.00 (45 yds. in Length) from the Dollar Store.
$4.25
$4.95
$8.00
$1.00
$18.20 Total Material Cost
Now to add in the shipping cost with tracking and insurance:
$26.00 First Class shipping
$02.45 Insurance on estimated item worth $100.01 to $200.00
$00.70 Tracking
$29.15 Total Shipping costs.
Total cost of materials and shipping: $47.35.
This does not include the cost of your time and gas to get the materials and box the item for shipping. I am sure everyone appreciates the time and effort that is put into getting an item ready to ship, so please expect a fair price on the item depending on the condition, along with all the time spent in preparation to ship the item.
Thanks,
Johnny