What To Look For In An Art Shipping Company
You have sold your original art through Msanii HOUS and are beyond excited to ship it to the art collector. Where do you begin? Which shipping carrier should you choose? How can you trust that your masterpieces will be safe in transit and arrive to the art collectors intact? The following are things you’ll need to consider when picking a shipping company.
Carefully preparing, and planning for its transport by selecting a reputable shipping company is crucial. This will ensure that the art collector receives a masterpiece that they will appreciate for many years to come!
Shipping Costs
When it comes down to it, this is one of the biggest determining factors of which carrier you’ll select. Doing your research on carrier rates while keeping your shipping needs in mind will go a long way in choosing the best option. Delivery times are another factor that affects carrier rates. Fedex Custom Critical, for example, specializes in same-day and overnight delivery and provides specialized fine art shipping services. Ultimately, your selection will depend on which shipping carrier best suits your needs as well as the needs of the recipient of your artwork.
Shipping Boxes and Packaging Materials
Whether you are shipping smaller pieces like a canvas in a tube, or larger pieces like a sculpture in a crate, it’s very important to have the right materials and appropriate container to package your valuable art. These are what will protect your artwork during transit. The safety of your artwork is primarily your responsibility, not the carrier’s. Improper packaging is a common reason for insurance claims to be denied. Therefore, it’s essential that you use the right materials. Whether you use bubble wrap, glassine paper or a wooden crate, you should make sure the materials are structured well and properly accommodate your pieces of art. Companies like Uline, for example, are great resources for sturdy cardboard boxes. To learn more about shipping paintings, check out our guide on How to Pack Paintings for Shipping.
Shipping Insurance Rates
Even with the best preparation and mode of transport, there’s always the risk of damage during transit. That’s why insurance is imperative. A good shipping company should have a straightforward process for handling insurance claims in case your art is damaged in transit. It’s frustrating enough to realize that your masterpiece succumbed to the rigors of transportation. Adding a complicated insurance claim process on top of that is the last thing any artist wants.
Because different carriers have varying terms depending on the nature of the artwork, it’s strongly recommended that you purchase third-party shipping insurance from a reputable insurer regardless of which shipping carrier you choose.
Level of Personal Service
A good shipping company will be able to provide you with assistance to package your work of art should you be unable to, or don’t have a lot of experience packing. This would of course come at an additional cost but is still a great benefit to have and would ease the shipping process. Packing your own art, however, will enable you to save money and give you the assurance that your artwork is packed appropriately. A great customer service team and availability to meet any schedule are other factors that will help you determine the right shipping company.
Tracking
Most shipping companies offer a way to track your shipment. A good shipping company will have an easy way for you to monitor the movement of your art pieces. Some companies provide multiple ways for you to track your shipment, including email and text notifications or mobile apps. They will also offer detailed information about your shipment. That way, whether you’re doing domestic or international shipping, you have peace of mind that your artwork is on its way to its destination.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, you want your valuable piece of art to reach its destination in the best condition possible. Carefully preparing, and planning for its transport by selecting a reputable shipping company is crucial. This will ensure that the art collector receives a masterpiece that they will appreciate for many years to come!