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: These are very good points; the care taken in carefully preparing a
: valuable item for shipping can pay dividends for both the buyer
: and seller. Having observed first-hand the pitfalls which can
: occur to a package while entrusted to a shipping company, I
: would offer the following observations/recommendations:

: A box within a box is an excellent method of a second line of
: defense against damage or theft.

: ALWAYS include a copy of the shipper and consignee address
: within the package. If using the "box in a box"
: method, affix the extra label to the inside box.

: Adequately cushioning your valuable item is the first line of
: defense against damage. I recommend bubble wrap around the item
: for the inner box, and tightly balled newspaper sheets between
: the inner and outer walls. The goal should be a 3" cushion
: between inner and outer, so that the small box is
: "suspended" by the newspaper material. The finished
: package must be able to withstand a 30" drop (minimum) with
: no damage. I would also advise that the item (either before or
: after the bubble wrap) be placed in a tightly sealed zip-lock
: bag to prevent against moisture.

: Use a high quality, clear tape (such as 3M) only for sealing the
: package and affixing the label(s). Cover every edge of the
: package with the tape so that no raw cardboard edges are
: exposed. The only exception to clear tape is when using USPS
: Registered which requires brown paper tape on all edges for
: security stamps. This service is, I believe, for domestic only,
: but provides an extra level of security.

: Use only NEW or LIKE NEW cartons. Used cartons may have lost
: some structural integrity AND secondary labels can create
: confusion to the carrier, even when covered over.

: Make your "TO" and "FROM" labels on a word
: processor in bold and clear font, print them out on regular
: paper and then cut them to fit the package. Use a larger font
: for the "TO" label and then affix them securely to the
: package with two layers of clear tape.

: Do not cover the carton with any material such as brown paper
: (sorry, Jeff), as it can be easily torn and, with the paper,
: goes the shipping label.

: Do not add any markings to the box which might indicate a
: valuable item. I'm sure that this is self-explanatory.

: Any of the companies which provide international or domestic
: shipping services have printed guidelines for preparing
: packages, and these are thoughtful instructions for getting your
: valued shipments through their system safely and securely. You
: can also find instructions and recommendations on their
: websites. Spending the extra time and effort to assemble a
: protective cocoon for your valuable will help to ensure its safe
: arrival.

: I'm open to discussion or questions.

: Jim
: UPS, Retired