Thread: mailing a quilt

Originally Posted by tessagin

Do Not write on the outside of the box what the contents are. You don't even have to mention scraps. You don't even have to tell them what it is. I just tell them it's repairs needed.

[QUOTE] A Priority box is the way to go...it includes tracking. You can watch as it travels the country.
But please, if anyone asks what it is at the post office....tell them you are trading scraps with a friend. Never mention that it is a quilt. [QUOTE]

[QUOTE] DO NOT write QUILT on the outside of the box.......don't put the quilt in a box AT the post office or FEDX or UPS stores. Don't let anyone know what's in the box. I used the priority boxes at PO, too and sent a LOT of quilts out.....never lost a one. {QUOTE]

The only time someone should ask or you were to write on the box what is inside, is if you are shipping overseas. Then you are required to fill out a Customs Form. Shipping within the US does not require a customs form. Why would you write on the box what is inside. I have never heard of such a thing. They are allowed to ask if there is liquid or flammable. But even then, it is a yes or no question. That questions is for bio-hazardous material. If you are shipping soup and it leaks, they need to know it is not necessary to call in the bio-hazard team. Yes, bio-hazard material is mailed all the time. (blood, urine, etc).

I use Fedex, and add the extra insurance to the true value of the quilt.

USPS boxes are the way to go. Be sure to include your address inside and put it in a sealed Ziploc type bag. I believe that priority mail is NOW insured but you will never get what the quilt is worth, just the value of the fabric. Make sure the label is glued and securely taped to the box. You can track its progress on the USPS website.

Make absolutely certain that "someone" has to sign for it. I sent one to my favorite new correspondent. The post office said it got there just two days after I sent it out. He says he never got it.

I use a sharpie and write the address TO: right on the box and then no one can tear it off.

Write the name and address of the recipient on a card, and safety pin it to the quilt. Wrap the quilt in a clear plastic bag. If you don't use a metered box from the post office, use strapping tape and go all the way around the box in at least one place, (two are better) in both directions. This is in addition to taping the box closed along the entire flap area on the top and bottom. Look at the box and also tape the edges where the flaps meet the sides. You do not want there to be any loose place on the box that can catch on something. Write the name of the recipient in large print with a permanent marker on the box. Same with your return address. Request a signature.

The nice postal clerk will take your money for any amount of insurance you want, however, as far as collecting the insurance goes, you can only collect anything you have a receipt for. Materials, long arm quilting (get a receipt) or if you have had the quilt appraised by a licensed quilt appraiser. Otherwise, there is no way you can get paid for your time. Go to the PO site:
http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/609.htm
and read the last entry under:
"4.3 Nonpayable Claims"
Even if you use another carrier, the claims process is similar.

Well I can tell you that I had my husband send off a quilt to my Aunt. When he got home from work that day I asked him for the tracking #. He didn't have one as he just sent it without insurance, with no tracking or anything. This was an applique, lots of time and money into it. I held my breath until it got there, no problems, thank goodness. He sent it USPS. That was the last time I had him do that for me.