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by Dennis Prince
Once
an auction is completed, packing the merchandise can seem like
an afterthought. Actually, it can be kind of annoying. Do you ever
have the right size box? The proper tape? A decent marker? (Or
do you go over and over the address with a faint blue ballpoint
pen, trying to make it legible?) But proper packing is an
important element of a successful auction enterprise: it can
translate into satisfied buyers and repeat business--or, if
you're careless, lost or broken objects, canceled sales, and
poor ratings. Take the time to stock up on materials and learn
to pack carefully, and the process can be easy and almost
fail-safe.
Supplies
First, you'll need supplies. You can purchase shipping materials
at office supply stores such as Mail
Boxes Etc. Smaller boxes, mailing tubes, and padded
envelopes can also be purchased at your local U.S.
Post Office. Some shipping companies, such as Federal
Express and UPS,
supply their own cartons, envelopes, and labels to account
holders (they'll even deliver them, too).
You'll also want to have a
comprehensive inventory of packing-related materials. Make sure
you have the following:
Chunky black markers (we like medium
Sharpees because they are fine enough for writing out a label,
yet bold enough for directions like: THIS END UP).
A good pair of scissors.
An Exacto knife for opening and breaking down cartons.
FRAGILE labels for glass, ceramics, etc.
4-by-6-inch blank white adhesive labels (frequent shippers might
want the benefit of professional-looking printed labels or a
less-expensive rubber stamp with return address).
Make
It Last
How do you get packing supplies without spending a fortune?
Easy. If you ship regularly, hoarding and reusing materials can
save you considerable expense. Though UPS advises using a new
carton, we take this to mean a sturdy one, with flaps, that will
withstand reasonable pressure. Here are some ideas:
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Ask friends, your local market,
and the shipping department at work to save boxes and
packing materials for you.
-
Save space by breaking down boxes
and storing them flat. Capture Styrofoam packing peanuts in
plastic trash bags.
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When a sturdy padded envelope
crosses your path, peel off the old label (carefully, or
you'll be covered in grey stuffing) and use it for shipping
books or other flat objects.
-
Bubble wrap, too, can be reused
(if only for the valium-like effect of popping it between
your fingers).
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Save cardboard mailing tubes for
posters or unmounted works on paper.
-
Keep old newspapers; some packers
swear by it--whether it's balled-up or shredded--as the best
packing material around.
Tape
Of course, tape is a packing essential. But there are many
varieties of tape you should know about, including:
Wide plastic tape, which works great
for rebuilding, reinforcing, and sealing boxes.
Brown paper tape in 60-pound grade, which comes as either
self-adhesive or ready for you to moisten and smooth down.
(Paper tape works very well for reinforcing beat-up boxes.)
Filament tape, an almost indestructible product for sealing
heavier cartons.
Masking tape, which isn't suitable for sealing boxes but is
great for wrapping and securing fragile pieces; some art packers
use masking tape criss-crossed directly onto the glass on framed
works of art, to minimize damage if the glass breaks.
(Unpackers: use orange oil or Goo-off to remove the traces of
glue left behind on glass.)
Technique
Yes, it's true: the devil is in the details. Sellers need
to ensure that their merchandise arrives intact. With that in
mind:
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Use a corrugated box.
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Be aware that boxes usually have
the maximum weight they will withstand printed on one of the
flaps--make sure your merchandise doesn't exceed that
amount.
-
Use a box that is the proper size
for the object you are packing.
-
Make sure the carton doesn't
exceed the shipper's maximum size or weight (rules vary) .
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Place enough packing material
above, beneath, and between objects to keep them from
touching the insides of the carton or each other.
-
If packing multiple objects in the
same box, wrap them individually with bubble wrap, foam, or
layers of tissue or newspaper; and bind snugly (but not too
tight!) with masking or other tape.
-
If objects are extra fragile, pack
them, wrapped as above, in individual boxes within the
larger carton.
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Use packing peanuts for
lightweight objects that won't shift during handling.
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When you pack a carton with
multiple pieces, write the total number prominently on the
top, then number each piece within: "#1 of 3,"
"#2 of 3," and so on, so nothing gets left behind
in the peanuts.
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Use at least two strips around the
carton to reinforce it (other than the tape used for
building and sealing it).
Looks
Count
As we learned in high school, whether it's fair or not, a
good-looking package will be treated more kindly by those who
encounter it. To handlers and recipients alike, sloppy wrapping
and labeling bespeak insignificant contents. Neatness and proper
documentation make sellers look professional. Here are some
pointers:
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Seal packages carefully, tape with
straight lines, and cut the tape cleanly (no biting!).
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Some shippers place a transaction
record or packing slip in an envelope, which, taped to the
top of the box, doubles as an address label.
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Include the ship-to address on a
label or slip of paper inside the package.
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Create neat, clearly legible
address labels.
Go
With a Pro
For objects that you are reluctant to tackle yourself (perhaps
they are too large and awkward, extremely fragile, or of great
value), you may want to enlist the services of a professional.
Companies like The
Packaging Store specialize in hard-to-pack items. Most major
cities have on-site packing and handling services for fine art.
Check your local listings.
Back to Auction tips &
tactics
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