Question
Thinking about listing a monster 29 inch(top to bottom in pic) x 19 inch(width of bottom) x about 3 inches thick. It is a 26 LB fossil slab!
fossil:
http://www.lotrats.org/000_1489.jpg
closeups:
http://www.lotrats.org/000_1479.jpg
http://www.lotrats.org/000_1480.jpg
http://www.lotrats.org/000_1481.jpg
http://www.lotrats.org/000_1484.jpg
http://www.lotrats.org/000_1486.jpg
http://www.lotrats.org/000_1487.jpg
http://www.lotrats.org/000_1490.jpg
Anyways, how should I go about shipping it? I have no box big enough. I punched in some numbers with the box size being comfortable big enough to fit the thing safely in it, and it said $124 to ship it! Does that sound right?
I did estimate the total weight to be 35LBS just to be safe, also a 35" x 25" x 15" box for it, and punched in a cali zip code. Is that excessive in determining a flat rate shipping cost?
Should I take it to one of those UPS stores that do the packing for you and try to get an estimate? I feel like smacking the thing with a hammer so I get 3 fossils that will fit in a flat rate priority box. Then it wouldn't be "museum quality" if I did that though. Ones this size can go for upwards of $1,000.00 if auctioned at a brick and mortar auctionhouse.
If it's that high to ship, it may be hard to get what I want for it online.
I'm clueless here
Answer
I'd either take it to a professional, or build a shipping crate for it.
That is one sweet fossil, and even at 3 inches thick it could crack easily.
After contemplating the dimensions, I think I would wrap it thickly in bubble wrap, then encase it in a fiberboard and wood frame box, which would then go into a shipping box braced by solid chunks of styrofoam.
Alternatively, if I could find it, 3 inch thick styrofoam sandwiches well taped and into a close fitting box might do, double boxed.
Heck, call a couple Mail Places, give them the dimensions and advise of the fragility and get some quotes. Then add $20 for underestimating, etc.
If you do auction it, let us know how it goes. NIiiiiiice fossil!
Answer
Thanks. I'll hold off on listing it until I make some phone calls tommorrow. Will update. only one broken fossil so far, and that was by Taiwan customs
Answer
That is a gorgeous piece!
If you deal with UPS, just make sure you discuss the insurance in depth with them. Their fine print excludes alot of antiques and valuables, but they won't readily volunteer this information...even though they will be more than happy to charge you for the extra insurance anyway.
Answer
Try to go directly to UPS and not one of their "authorized agents". They want a pretty hefty percentage on top of the actual shipping cost. Check Fedex and DHL too.
Answer
It boggles my mind how a piece 1/2 as big can be crammed into a $7.70 flat rate priority box. BTW, it looks like flat rate priority boxes are discontinued. they mysteriously disappeared from USPS's website.
Answer
ooops, overlooked them. theyre still there
Answer
Don't scare me like that!
I use the "shoebox" size Flat Rate Boxes on a daily basis.