Posting Large Item

AdamKels

I have a wall plaque of Madonna being sent to Devon, it measures 31" x 22", and I don't know whether to go through a courier or just take it to the post office. I set the price at 15 pounds so im hoping it's within that range. Guessing, I would put the weight at 4-5kg.

Which courier would you recommend? How would you package it?

Thanks, im new to this. Ha.

Adam

soolin

How fragile is it and what insurance value do you need?

AdamKels

It's glass in a wooden frame, and around 50 pounds.

thanks

Adam

soolin

AdamKels wrote: »

It's glass in a wooden frame, and around 50 pounds.

thanks

Adam

Ah, in that case you are going to need a specialist courier as framed /glazed items are rarely covered .

I was going to suggest Parcelforce but as I feared they do not insure glass:

http://www.parcelforce.com/help-information/compensation-refunds-and-claims/items-we-exclude-compensation

Items we exclude from compensation
Please be aware that goods are excluded from compensation as follows:

Glassware** - items wholly or partially made of glass or containing glass, e.g picture frames, TV's and laptops that contain glass

about 2 years ago I got hold of a load of framed and glazed art work and thought I would make a fortune on ebay- but couldn't find any courier that was convenient enough for me, that woudl carry it.

You might want to ask on the dedicated parcel thread as there are some courier gurus on there and I'm sure they will be able to recommend something.

soolin

Try asking on this thread:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2008047

AdamKels

Thank you soolin!

Contains_Mild_Peril

I've sent pictures in glazed frames via Royal Mail a few times and so far they've all arrived intact (as far as I'm aware - still awaiting feedback for the most recent so fingers crossed!) but I realise it's a gamble. If it's a biggish picture I don't even list it until I have a suitable box, since some shapes and sizes can be hard to find. TV boxes are often suitable, and may come with useful inner packaging (e.g. polystyrene). I try to have a big bit of polystyrene on each side of the picture if possible (if I only have one large sheet of polystyrene it goes on the glass side), polystyrene in box corners, loads of bubble wrap round the picture, fill any gaps with more bubble wrap and/ or polystyrene chips, tape package thoroughly, apply big red "FRAGILE!" stickers to all sides and hope for the best.

martindow

Using a carrier it is normally the same price up to 25kg and the box can be a lot larger than your picture so you can put a lot of packaging around it. You will be lucky to find a carrier who will insure as it contains glass, so you need to pack it well as you will be taking the risk.

It is a good rule after it is packed to feel that you would be happy to hold the parcel up high and drop it onto a concrete floor.

Roxie

I find the parcel2go site very helpful when trying to find the best method of sending items I don't want to send via Royal Mail/Parcelforce (usually because they are too expensive). You put in details of weight/height etc of item and it brings up options and costs of delivery. Haven't sent any glass before but have sent large china/pottery and some odd sized sporting equipment Hope this helps.

AdamKels

Thanks for the help guys, i'll find myself a huge box and buy some more bubble wrap!