posted on November 11, 2007 08:09:08 AM new
I need to ship dinnerware place settings for 12 - any recommendations or suggestions? This is very heavy stoneware - I am concerned about the weight ((do I send in more than one container?) How do I deal with both the weight and the fragile nature of the items? Thanks for your help.
lstew
posted on November 11, 2007 08:54:34 AM new
I usually place a sheet of small bubble between like-sized plates and bowls, and then wrapped the "12-pack" with large bubble. Crumpled paper goes between the 12-packs. Then I double-box.
The real PITA are the cups. If you come up with something handy, let me know. I bubble-wrap them individually, and they go in a box of their own (also double-boxed).
The net cost is usually determined by dimensions rather than weight.
posted on November 11, 2007 09:15:09 AM new
If possible, try not to send it all in one box. The cups and dimensional pieces are more subject to damage than plates (of all sizes). You can pack them tighter and they're supported by having others with them.
That's one reason not to send them together.
The other reason is that the heavier you make it, you have the risk of someone handling it more roughly because it's so heavy and unwieldy.
We have shipped fragile porcelain dinnerware all over the world - without a broken piece (knocking wood as I type).
Don't assume the stoneware is any less fragile. When you do that, it'll be the first thing broken.
Also, we boldly write "GLASS" on the box in large marker - and post "Fragile" stickers on all sides. If it is more than about 10lbs, we'll also write "HEAVY" on it so that someone isn't caught by surprise.
When we have full sets, we try not to sell them together - for that reason as well as we ALWAYS make more when we break up sets. If we have 12 plates, cups/saucers, soups, berry bowls, etc., we set individual types of items in groups of 4 - one auction for 4 dinner plates, one auction for 4 c/s, etc.
Any idea what your total weight is of all combined items?
Wayne
Never explain -- Your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway.
~ Elbert Hubbard
posted on November 11, 2007 09:51:29 AM new
By all means, split it up. Plates can be stacked, as mentioned before. Bubble wrap cushion between each plate, covered with another piece of bubble wrap, AND TAPED TO HOLD ALL PLATES TOGETHER TIGHTLY. Serving pieces separate, with lightest/smallest on top.
I like to set fragiles on a piece of styrofoam for a base, as setting on peanuts may allow the piece to sink thru the bottom peanut layer.
posted on November 11, 2007 10:20:26 AM new
We shipped a whole set from NC to Ca a year or so ago without a broken piece. We put foam plates between the plates and then wrapped each set of 4 in bubble. If you can find a box (or boxes) with the little dividers in them that is also a big help for the cups.
