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Packaging Artwork Safely
There is nothing more exciting than seeing “You Have A Sale” in your email inbox.
Selling art prints online is a great way to increase your revenue, and to learn the best way to ship art prints will prevent a loss during shipping.
You have total control of storing your art in your art studio or home, but you lose control once you hand over the package to the post office.
Even though you do not have control of how the shipping service handles your package, there are some steps you can do to protect your art prints during the shipping process.
Your art collectors will take notice of all the extra steps you have taken to keep their investment safe during the shipping process and will feel safe purchasing from you again in the future.
Please note that there is no guarantee that your package will be shipped safely, even though you have taken the extra steps highlighted below.
But, the additional steps outlined will lower the chances of a shipping mishap.
Shipping Materials Needed:
- Tape measure
- Craft Cardboard Mailer
- Glassine paper
- Scissors
- Painters tape
- Chipboard Sheets
- Clear plastic envelope bags
- Bubble wrap
- Packing tape
- Shipping scale (optional)
- Tissue paper (optional)
Clean A Table
The first step is to clean off the table or counter you will be working on, so the materials you are using will not get soiled.
Ensure there is enough room for all of your art print packaging supplies, and it is comfortable to work on.
Most art prints are not too large, where you will need an extra-large table to work on.
If you are finding it difficult to find a space that is large enough for the shipping process you might want to consider using a folding table dedicated just for shipping art.
Measure Your Art Print
You already know the size of the print you are shipping, but if there is a border around the print, you will have to consider that to properly package your artwork.
Take your tape measure and measure the print’s height and width and write that down on a piece of paper.
Wrap The Print
Next, cut a piece of glassine paper large enough to wrap your print. For example, if your print is a 5 x 7, the glassine paper’s measurements should be 5 1/2 x 14 1/4.
Tape the sides of the glassine paper with painters tape to prevent the product from slipping out.
Clear Plastic Bag
After wrapping the print in the glassine paper, place it in a clear plastic envelope bag.
The plastic envelope should be large enough for you to slide the covered print without forcing it.
You can seal the envelope with packing tape, but it is not necessary.
How To Ship Art Prints Flat
Next, cut two pieces of chipboard sheet one inch larger in height and length than the print you are shipping.
For example, if your print is a 5″ x 7″, the chipboard sheet should be a 6″ x 8″.
If your print is a 6″ x 8″, the clipboard sheet should be a 7″ x 9″.
Lay one piece of the clipboard on the table, place the print in the middle of the clipboard and place the other piece of the clipboard on top.
Tape the clipboard on each side with painter tape or packing tape.
One piece of tape in the middle of each side will be enough to prevent the procuct from sliding out during the shipping process.
Shipping Box
Next, place the print in a craft cardboard mailer.
If you are using a box with extra room, fill the spare room with bubble wrap or tissue paper. The objective is to make it so the print doesn’t have room to slide around in an open box during the shipping process.
Seal the box or cardboard mailer with packing tape.
Print a shipping label and tape it on the box or print the shipping address neatly with a pen or marker.
Shipping Services
Depending on what country you reside in and what shipping service you decide to use, you might have the option to print labels from your home.
USPS has a click n ship service that allows you to create shipping labels from home and schedule a pickup, so you do not even have to go to the local post office. They will pick up the package for you. You will need to invest in a shipping scale if you are going to use this service.
When creating the label, make sure that you mark the package as fragile so it will be handled more carefully during transit.
You might also want to consider having your package insured and provide tracking.
If you decide to use tracking, send the tracking information to the email address of the buyer so they can track the shipping progress. This will also protect you because you will have proof that the product was shipped to the address provided.
Shipping Costs
Shipping costs will vary depending on the shipping service you will use to ship your art prints.
Visit your local UPS store and the United States post office to research the shipping fees and see if the services offer free mailing boxes.
For example, if you will use USPS Priority, you can order free priority boxes, saving you money on shipping products.
Some services offer a shipping tube, but we do not recommend using tubes for shipping prints. The print will take on the form of the tube, and when the buyer receives the package, it will be difficult for them to straighten out the print so they can frame it.
Be sure to add all of the shipping costs and the materials (shipping and handling fees) into your pricing strategy.
There are two options you have for adding in the shipping costs:
- Charge the customer a shipping fee
- Add the shipping costs into the price of the print and offer free shipping
To learn more about pricing prints, visit How To Sell Art Prints Online.
International Shipping
Research all of the international shipping policies before you decide to offer your prints worldwide. There will be different policies and prices depending on what service you are using.
Final Thoughts On How To Ship Art Prints
Selling your original artwork’s reproductions is a great way to increase your art sales and reach a broader audience.
The stressful part of shipping artwork is that you have no control when you hand over the package.
For the most part, all shipping services handle all packages carefully; however, there will be times when a box might become damaged.
Use the tips outlined above to protect against any shipping damages.
Keep in mind that there will be a lot of movement when you ship artwork in an oversized cardboard box. Make sure that you add extra tissue paper or bubble wrap to prevent damage inside the box.
Mailing art prints safely will prevent you from losing your profits if damage occurs during shipping.
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