Seeking advice on shipping artwork,,,

Hello,
For something at a high price point, I would use UPS.
My question is for low priced point paintings, what have you done to make shipping them as affordable and low as possible? I have seen commercial and retail shops offer shipping, even free shipping,,,,I can not buy the right size of box for less than $12 or $15.
Does anyone have suggestions for shipping artwork please? I wish there was a USPS option like Flat Rate! Thanks in advance.

 

No, it just costs a lot to ship artwork, it's the reason I don't buy it often anymore.

 

Thanks. That seems to be the reality of it from my experience so far.

 

It never was cheap; now it's ridiculous. One more reason I don't sell anything bigger than an 8x10 any more when I sell any at all.

 

Always found better rates with FedEx for large relatively lightweight packages. Haven't shipped in a couple years so don't know if this is still true. Smaller pieces I usually shipped USPS. Always made my own boxes to help defray costs. Large appliance/furniture boxes are a good source for free cardboard. I usually offered free shipping on anything $100.00 or more and tried to build the cost into my profit. On lesser priced items, I kept the shipping low by partially subsidizing it. Free or cheap shipping is definitely an aid to sales.

 

Thanks. I like the idea of making your own boxes, and giving FedEx another look. That is something I can do. Thank you again.

 

The only time I shipped a larger painting I custom made a box out of a larger box. Then I scavenge materials constantly in anticipation of shipping stuff. I live in a condo building and people here order tons of stuff in the mail. Whenever I see styrofoam, bubble wrap, bumble mailers, and cardboard shipping inserts in the trash room I take them and save them. It may make me a trash picker but other than poly mailers I never buy supplies and I ship a LOT.

Edit: spelling

 

That’s great idea. In my apt. bldg likewise, there is plentiful discarded boxes from Chewy and Fresh Direct. Thanks for the insight.

 

Oh and if you’re selling on eBay make sure you checkout the discounts they offer. I’m sure that is obvious but just in case it’s not they are pretty good for some services. Also if you create a business account at FedEx it can make shipping some things to some places significantly cheaper.

 

FedEx gives some good rates. How ever they do require a min. box size that is 2" larger all the way around then the piece that is being shipped. Also they do not insure any piece for more then $1,000, you have to go to an outside source.

 

Uhaul sells a great box for aboutv$5.00. I use that for large paintings..they also sell a prepacked carton at the counter which contains styro corners and the material to tighten them in place..approximately $5.00..Worth the $10.00 investment..Then to Fed x...Good Luck..

 

Here's an old site (software no longer available) that has a great way to pack artwork, used it myself for many years.

http://www.packmeister.com/ExPntgs2.htm

 

Thank you. Fed Ex keeps coming up as option I’d overlooked in the past under some assumption they were premium rats.

 

They are premium rats!

 

Premium "rates." I do not want FedEx to come after me for slander.

 

The premium rats are all currently in elected office!

 

Worldwide!

 

FedEx has been good for lower 48 (wouldn't use smartpost though) ground/home delivery,they deliver 1 biz day per 500 miles has been my experience.

 

Uhaul also has a “free box” box where customers recycle boxes after they use them.

Fed-ex “Smart Post” is a low cost Fed-ex/USPS combo delivery.

There is a “max weight” (but it’s should cover most larger pieces) and it has to be delivered to a residence but those are the only restrictions to the best of my memory.