mailing a quilt
 

I am in need of advice of how to prepare a quilt to send in the mail/what is the best way--UPS or what?/ insurance?
It seems I have somewhere in my stacks/files of quilting articles of how to do it but can't find the instructions. It will be going from Iowa to Texas. Please advise and thanks.

There was just a discussion on this on another thread. If size is right - priority mail flat rate boxes from the post office are good choices - they can be tracked along the way and are a reasonable price. If large - sometimes FedEx is a better choice - again they can be tracked and can be cheaper than the post office. I am not a fan of UPS.
You can go on line to USPS, FedEx and UPS and put in box weight and dimensions and get prices. There is something that not everyone is familiar with call "DIM weight"....but putting in weight and dimensions on these sights will cover that contingency.
All can be insured, all can be tracked.
PS>........i ALWAYS put mine in a clean plastic garbage bag before putting it in the box....that way, if for some reason the box gets wet, it doesn't get to the quilt.
For a ginormous quilt - i've put it in a space bag and sucked the air out, then boxed using nylon strapping tape (just in case the suction doesn't hold and it tries to expand.
Good luck.

Your shipping tips? Started by just_the_scraps_m'am, 04-19-2015 05:39 PM <DL id=pagination_threadbit_264220 class=pagination><DT class=label>2 Pages • <DD><!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: threadbit_pagelink -->1 <!-- END TEMPLATE: threadbit_pagelink --><!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: threadbit_pagelink -->2 <!-- END TEMPLATE: threadbit_pagelink --></DD></DL><!-- iconinfo -->This article may give you some answers to your questions.
I usually just put it in a priority box, put a to and from address in
side the box, cover the outside address with clear packing tape, and insure it for more than the post office standard $50 that is included in priority shipping.
I also track my package on the net, and have confirmation of delivery sent to my phone. then I send a text message to the receiving person.

I would not go with UPS. They drop the pkg at the door without a signature. No guarantee it made it to the right house or was not picked up by someone else. I go with post office and request signature upon delivery.

One of the biggest mistakes made when shipping a quilt is trying to save money on the shipping.

I had it so the recipient had to pick it up and sign for it at the post office - along with the sbove. I did not want s box setting outside for anyone to pick up.

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.

I also use Priority Mail and add insurance value. This gives you tracking and if insured I think they require a signature upon delivery. Never had a problem this way.

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.

Have had success with UPS. Just dropped one off this morning. They're not inxpensive but come with $100 insurance so the fabric, batting and thread for a crib size quilt is covered. But I don't insure for my time.

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.

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.

I have had good luck using the USPS, knock on wood. I have never ever had to tell them what I'm sending. They do have a standard question they are required to ask as to hazardous substance, glass, fragile, etc. I just say no. They don't really care what we are sending, other than that. There are so many options as far as insurance, shipping time, tracking. You can request a signature for delivery. You just need to decide what works for your situation. I do send quite a few things to my daughter and grandkids who live in another state. I do put my items in some sort of plastic wrapping, either a clean garbage bag or whatever fits. I like the idea of including a name and address inside the package, just in case, but so far haven't remembered that before closing up the package. As far as insurance, I usually just choose the standard amount. We all know these things are actually priceless:)I don't ever take the fastest delivery time, like next day, expensive and so not necessary. Usually two or three day is pretty reasonable and often is delivered early.

I've only had to answer no to the questions asked about the contents, never had to say what was in it. If your first instinct is to say what is in the box, that is not a good thing.

Definitely insurance. I took one to the local pack and post where they can tell you which shipping method is more reasonable.

I totally agree with cjsews. I would go with the US Post Office. I would also require a signature and with extra insurance. DO NOT tell them it is a quilt, just non liquid and non perishable. I too would send Priority, may cost more, but well worth it in the long run. You can track it through P.O. and will not be just left at the door, like UPS does. I would never send it UPS. I really hate to get anything by UPS, because of their delivery practices. The last time I sent by UPS was in 1997, when DD was going to school (only 100 miles away), mailed her some T-shirts she has yet to see that pkg. UPS said they delivered but who knows to where - took forever to get reimbursed and they were really tacky about it. Yes the pkg. was insured I always insure any pkg.. Be sure to keep your receipt and tracking number.

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.

Beware using USPS to mail it. I lost a quilt I worked on for months and mailed to my niece in CA. The box labels arrived minus the quilt and an extensive search by the PO in CA, or so they say, couldn't find the quilt. I hope someone enjoyed the Christmas gift meant for my niece.

My post master said to use the falt rate, and put the quilt in a plastic bg incase of it getting wet.
they said they've seen some boxes go thru #e// in puddles and such. the box comes with $500
insurance . good luck.

[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've shipped quilts via UPS as well as the USPS, with tracking and insurance. I always put the quilt in a white plastic kitchen trash bag, they usually are large enough, or if I have one available, I will use the vacuum seal bags, which can compress the quilt. I'm about to ship a quilt top to my niece in KS so that she can quilt it for our family reunion July 4th weekend. She has a long arm quilting machine and I would never refuse the offer of her quilting it for me, as she told me that I cannot retire from making the bi-annual family reunion quilt that gets raffled off, but she at least offered to quilt them for me. It's a God send for me as I'm having shoulder surgery next month and I'm doing good to get it done in time to send it to her so she has time to quilt it. When I made the first reunion quilt umpteen years ago, I never dreamed it would be such a big hit at the reunions, so they have become my legacy.

I have shipped my quilts by wrapping them in a big plastic garbage bag. Always put a label inside with the quilt with your name, address and phone number in case the box is damaged in shipping. Make sure it is a sturdy box. Be generous with the packing tape sealing it very well. I insure them and get a tracking number. I also take a picture of the sealed box at the post office...just in case. DO NOT WRITE QUILT ON THE OUTSIDE. I also ask for a signature when delivered. It is more expensive to ship that way but well worth it. Insure the quilt for what you think it would take to replace it. I have shipped several quilts and they have always arrived safe and sound but I still worry. I have shipped UPS, USPS and Fed EX and had no problems.

I just mailed, from Texas, a toddler size quilt to a friend in Tennessee, using US Postal Service. I wrapped it in white tissue then put it in one of those plastic zip cases that sheets come in, and then in a sturdy cardboard box I happened to have (about 14x14x6). I did seal all seams with clear plastic shipping tape. I chose 2 day delivery which cost about $14.00. I didn't insure it but it was not heirloom quality, just a child's quilt I'd made for my friends. The package arrived safely and on time, and apparently without harm. My friend didn't mention any problems when she called to thank me.

Another time, though, I think I might use a flat rate box from the p.o. Not sure what the difference would have been in mailing costs had I done that this time.

Edited to add: I purposefully did not indicate what was inside the box, either in writing or when I mailed it. The clerk only asked me if the contents were hazardous. I did include a note to the recipient but at the rate I paid, I believe I paid for that.

The last shipment from Amazon to me was shipped UPS, and they delivered it to a different address in my town. They let them sign for it, and when I complained, I was told to go get it back myself! Uh. No!

When packing NEVER use a garbage bag. If your box should come open and the contents come out someone could think it is trash and throw it away. Use a clear bag only then put it in the shipping container. But a label folded inside your quilt, then out the quilt in a CLEAR plastic bag , label the bag. Finally put it in the shipping container , seal, and label the box. Then you can ship it.

Priority Mail comes with $100.00 insurance, if the value of your quilt is more than that you have to purchase the additional amount.

Priority mail comes with $50 insurance. Express Priority comes with $100. All UPS comes with $100. You can purchase extra coverage with all services. (about $2 per $100). You can purchase "signature required" with all services. The postal service will also leave packages on your doorstep if signature isn't required. While we all feel that quilts are valuable, Fed Ex, USPS and UPS all ship many items with very high values. After all, they do all the Amazon deliveries. Cell phones, computers, IPADs would be much easier to steal and sell than a unique hand made quilt. They are all safe services. I only use UPS because they guarantee a delivery date even with ground services and if you need to file a claim, the postal service is much more difficult to deal with. Use a good strong box. Don't cram a quilt into a small flat rate box if it's a "surprise". The receiver could slice through it while opening.

One more thing, The value of the package and contents are embedded in the bar code. Drivers NEVER know the contents or the value. They WILL know if signature is required. If you lie about the contents and later have to file a claim, you will have trouble getting your money. I own a UPS Store. We handle Priority Mail AND UPS. We always give our customers all their options and ship many high value and hand made pieces of art (including quilts). Loss or damage with any service is extremely rare, but it does happen. Millions of packages are handled every day with all services. All services use automatic transport and sorting in their facilities.

The folks at a UPS Store OR the Post Office should only be giving you correct information. Please don't assume you know more than they do. We are ALL only trying to get your packages delivered in the safest way.

Did you know that the post office will only pay up to the amount of materials used in making the quilt. They told me that the time in making it is not insurable.

Yes this is correct with all services unless you sell it and have the sales slip. But, if you insure it for $200, are there any of us that cannot produce receipts from JAF, MSQC, etc for pattern, batting, thread, fabric, etc totaling over $200?

Do NOT use UPS!! I shipped a quilt from FL to CA for my daughter's bridal shower. I shipped it because it was so large (124" square) it would have needed its own suitcase! I had it shipped to the business of the girl who was hosting the shower and requested a signature. It was only insured for $50 because who keeps receipts of the fabrics used or time?? Anyway I put it in a space bag which helped with the size and took it to the UPS store to be packaged & shipped. It would take a week to arrive and had to be delivered Mon thru Thursday only. They kept trying to deliver it at lunch time when the office was closed and after 3 tries was going to ship it back to Florida!! We would have passed each other somewhere over Texas!! Anyway the girlfriend begged them to hold it till Monday (this was over Easter weekend) & she would pick it up. It finally arrived for the shower but next time I might just get it's own suitcase and pay the baggage fee!! Or make it small enough to fit in a Priority Mail box!! So beware!

If you are using USPS for Priority Mail, you do have the option of selecting extra services, preparing the label, and paying for the shipment on-line. For me it is so much more convenient to do this in the comfort of my own home. The post office gives a modest discount in rates if you pay on-line. Then you can either drop it off at the post office or request free carrier pick-up. Our local post office has reduced the number of clerks so much that the wait in line is now excessive.

Note to the person above who indicated that their carrier had said the package was delivered and signed for. Does your recipient live in an apartment complex? Check their office. This happened to me just recently--I mailed a package to my neice who lives in an apartment complex on Westheimer Blvd. I had a bad feeling when I mailed it, but did include her apartment number--it got to the apartment complex and sat in their office from sometime around the middle of March to something like the 10th of April......after I had agonized over it all that time, I swore that I would never use the USPS system again, especially for such a complicated address.

When packing NEVER use a garbage bag. If your box should come open and the contents come out someone could think it is trash and throw it away. Use a clear bag only then put it in the shipping container. But a label folded inside your quilt, then out the quilt in a CLEAR plastic bag , label the bag. Finally put it in the shipping container , seal, and label the box. Then you can ship it.

I mail mine the cheapest way at the post office, no insurance. Pray to God, He has had my back every time so far! Thank you Jesus!