How to Ship Art Prints: A Guide to Shipping Fine Art Prints with Care

Shipping art prints can be a delicate and intricate task that requires meticulous planning and attention to detail. Whether you’re an artist looking to send your prints to a gallery or a collector seeking to transport their prized possessions, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to ensure your art prints arrive safely and in pristine condition.

1. Preparation for Shipping:

• Condition of Prints: Before shipping, inspect your art prints thoroughly for any damages or imperfections. It’s crucial to note these beforehand to avoid any confusion upon arrival.
• Packaging Materials: Gather the necessary materials for safe shipping, including sturdy cardboard or boxes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and acid-free tissue paper.
• Proper Packaging Techniques: Ensure the art prints are protected against any form of damage. Place each print inside a sheet of acid-free tissue paper and wrap securely with bubble wrap or packaging peanuts. This helps absorb shock and minimizes damage in case of any mishandling during transit.

2. Choosing the Right Shipping Box:

• Select a box that’s not only sturdy but also big enough to accommodate the prints without excessive movement within the box. Remember, a box that’s too big can leave room for damage due to shifting during transit.
• Ensure the box is in good condition and free from any labeling that could damage the prints.

3. Proper Identification and Labeling:

• Clearly label the box with ‘THIS SIDE UP’ indications and provide detailed address labels with the recipient’s contact information. It’s also recommended to mark the contents on the outside of the box – ‘Art Prints Inside’. This ensures handling staff know its contents, giving them greater care during transportation.
• For additional protection, consider adding a ‘Fragile’ label on all sides of the box to indicate its contents require extra care.

4. Shipping Considerations:

• Choose a reliable shipping service that offers tracking and insurance options for valuable items.
• Consider weather conditions during shipment. Art prints can be damaged by moisture or extreme temperatures, so ensure they’re shipped during optimal weather conditions or are well protected against such elements.
• Opt for signature-on-delivery if available to ensure secure delivery and ensure someone is available to receive the package in person.

5. Post-Delivery Check: Upon receipt of your art prints, inspect them thoroughly for any damages or issues immediately upon delivery. If any damages are found, immediately notify the recipient and your shipping service provider for assistance. Take photos of any damages as evidence for claims or returns.

Related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q: What is the best way to protect my art prints during shipment?
A: The best way is to use sturdy boxes, acid-free tissue paper, bubble wrap or packing peanuts to ensure minimal movement and shock absorption during transit.
Q: Should I use insurance for shipping art prints?
A: Yes, especially if your art prints are valuable or irreplaceable. Shipping services often offer insurance options for such items that can help cover losses during transit.
Q: What should I do if my art prints arrive damaged?
A: Immediately notify the recipient and take photos of any damages as evidence. Contact your shipping service provider for assistance and seek their recommendations on filing claims or returns.
Q: How long should I wait before opening a claim for damaged art prints?
A: Ideally, you should inspect your art prints upon delivery and file a claim immediately if there are any damages or issues noted. Each shipping company has its own claim processing time frame, so it’s important to act promptly in case of damage to ensure your rights are protected as per their policy. If you have included insurance in your shipment arrangement, you should be able to file a claim with your chosen shipping service provider within their specified time frame (usually within a few days of delivery).