[Clayart] shipping pots

[Robert Harris]

​I'd note that if you're shipping anywhere out of the US (and especially
Canada), FedEx and UPS (or their local distributor) insist on dealing with
the customs forms (at the other end) themselves and charge the recipient
through the nose for it (>$40). Shipping by USPS ends up in the hands of
the domestic postal service which allows the recipient to deal with the
customs forms at their local post office for no charge.​

I shipped a number of pots to different customers in Canada and they all
asked that I use USPS for this reason.

I would warn you not to lie on the outgoing customs forms about the value
of your pots. I have heard some real horror stories about that!


On Thu, May 10, 2018 at 3:30 PM, Gregg Lindsley <gerrg42 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi all
>
>   I ship 2 and a half gallon crocks every week around the world. I have
> sent over 900 so far, and have three break, two in Arkansas. draw your own
> conclusions about that one.
> anyway, one of the packing practices i find very useful, and which i think
> is responsible for the lack of breakage, is to make a false bottom  in the
> box. I use peanuts, biodegradable it is claimed, and put a layer two inches
> deep in the bottom. I cut out a piece of cardboard and put it down on top
> of the peanuts. The theory is that in shipping, the boxes get shaken all
> the time, and pots settle to the bottom. Then, after they reach the bottom,
> and the driver or whoever, drops them, bam goes the pot. I do not double
> box, expensive, and only have two inches per side and on the top. I pack
> very very tight, and use Fed Ex. they have a good reputation domestically,
> and usps is good for alaska, hawaii, canada and oversesas.  they seem to
> take more care there. also, they are way more inexpensive, as fed ex is in
> the us.  though not by much.
> I think the false bottom saves the pots. hope this helps.
> --
> Gregg Lindsley
> Earth and Fire Pottery
> 10325 Brookside Drive
> Middletown, Ca. 95461
> 707-490-7168
> www.earthandfirepottery.net
> At home among the lost and found
>  aka Gregg from Mendocino
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