When you ship a ceramic vase, it’s not enough to label every side of the package with “Handle with Care” or “Fragile.” Shipping companies and the post office do not seem to care whether your package contains a precious crystal vase or an old pair of boots. Thus, the safety of the item being shipped lies on the shipper and how he packed the items. Fragile items like ceramic vases can end up in a heap of broken shards if not properly packed before shipping. Here are some simple tips on how to pack and ship a ceramic vase and ensure that it arrives in one perfect piece.
If you are sending a wide-mouth vase, fill it up with shredded paper, packing peanuts or bubble wrap. Then, wrap the entire vase with a couple of layers of bubble wrap. Secure the wrap in place with tape so that it will not get undone easily. Make sure that the tape does not have direct contact with the surface of the vase as the adhesive material might be difficult to remove or ruin the finish of the vase.
Get a sturdy shipping box that is big enough to snugly accommodate the ceramic vase and still have enough space for packing materials. Fill the bottom of the box 1/3 of the way with packing peanuts. The shredded paper might not provide enough cushion especially when shipping a heavy vase.
Place the vase on top of the packing material in the center of the box. Fill the sides with more packing peanuts until you reach the top of the box. Make sure to fill all the void with packing peanuts so no movement is possible during transit.
Close the box and seal it with heavy-duty packing tape. To be safe, tape all seams and flaps to prevent it from bursting open during transport.
Address and label the package. Make sure to affix the correct and complete address. Protect the address with clear tape so it does not accidentally get pulled off during shipping.
Ship a ceramic vase using a reputable shipping company or your local post office. Don’t forget to insure your package especially if sending a valuable item.