Have you ever shipped your sewing machine to an out-of-state class?

Any suggestions on how to package it so that it arrives safely?

How far ahead of the class did you ship it?

Did you encounter any problems?

Would you recommend doing it?

I'd appreciate anything that you would share about your experience.

Ask Lostn51! He packed a machine for me that took 45 minutes to unpack! I think it could have withstood an explosion! :lol:

Insure it.

If you do not have the original packaging, including styrofoam & box, then do yourself a favor and pay to have it properly packed. I think some of the shipping stores (Postal Express, etc) have the 'spray in' packing foam, that goes into a special bag that expands and becomes a firm and stable packing material. Much more shock absorbent than styrofoam or packing peanuts.

i recently shiped to MI, a janome, ups wraped it up quite nicely with my instructions of course because I wanted it well protected and it was, I did it 3 day weight was 27lbs but they charged me for 42 lbs, i ment to go ask them about that but forgot adn i don't think i have my recipt perhaps it was all the added stuffing and wrapings yet alone the box.ups charges for every little thing if you use ups, try and go to a distribution shop, and not one in a mall. i understand the prices are significant.

I bought a Pfaff 7510 from Brubaker's Sewing, via eBay. They used expandable foam. I was so impressed with the packing they did. Highly recommend them, and this is how I would prefer to ship a machine.

Here's some of the best advice you can get on the topic on the web: :)

http://www.treadleon.net/sewingmachi.../shipping.html
http://www.sew2go.com/packingseries.htm
http://www.whitesewingcenter.com/page9.php

Thanks for the replies everyone. Those links have put the fear of God in me. I don't think I'd want to chance shipping "My Precious." There is too much to lose if something goes wrong.