Musical instrument shipping guide

Impact protection creates distance from the outside and spreads mechanical loads.

Increase protection around corners, edges, handles, headstocks, protruding controls, displays and other areas likely to take a direct hit. Do not compress components that should remain free of load.

The goal is not identical thickness everywhere, but understanding where an external impact could most easily be transferred to the item.

If the parcel or item is damaged, promptly check the procedure provided by the marketplace, carrier or coverage used.

Gather the shipment identifier, photos, damage description, evidence of value and required documents. Avoid repairs, disposal of packaging or modifications that could remove useful evidence before you understand the process.

Reporting windows can vary, so always use the current terms of the actual service involved.

Make a list of everything actually being shipped: instrument, case, power supply, cables, manuals, original parts, pedals, footswitches or other accessories.

Small heavy objects deserve special attention: a power supply left loose inside a case can become an impact hazard during transport.

Group, protect and secure accessories separately. Before closing the parcel, compare the contents against what was agreed with the buyer.

After handover, share the tracking number through the transaction channel where available.

State how many parcels were sent and mention any relevant agreed details. Ask the recipient to inspect the exterior on delivery and keep all packaging until the item has been checked.

Avoid moving important agreements to channels that are difficult to document when the marketplace provides messaging linked to the transaction.

Use suitable packing tape and secure every seam that could open under load.

For heavy parcels, pay particular attention to the base; the contents should not depend on one narrow strip of tape. Remove loose flaps and old labels that could cause confusion.

After sealing, check again that the box does not deform when carefully lifted.

During a claim, retain the outer box, internal packaging, label, receipt, tracking record and original photographs.

Do not try to recreate the packaging only after damage occurs; real images from the packing and opening stages are much more useful.

Dispose of materials only once you know they are no longer required by the applicable process.

Before shipping, check whether the service specifies requirements for boxes, materials, double boxing or sealing methods.

Those requirements may differ from basic parcel acceptance conditions. A parcel being collected does not necessarily prove that its packaging meets every coverage term.

For valuable or fragile items, photograph key stages of the packing process as well.

After protecting the item, fill empty spaces so the contents cannot build up momentum inside the box.

Gently test the parcel during preparation: if you can hear or feel movement, the system is not yet stable. Void fill should keep its position under the item’s weight.

Do not use very soft material as the only support for heavy components; it can compress during transit and create new empty space.

Use external handling labels when appropriate, but do not design the package on the assumption that it will always remain in the preferred orientation.

A “fragile” or “this way up” label does not prevent impacts, vibration or turning. Protection comes from immobilisation, distance from the walls and box strength.

Pay particular attention to the shipping label itself: it should be readable, firmly attached and not obscured by reflective tape or folds.

Do not calculate shipping from the manufacturer’s published product weight. The final parcel includes the case, boxes, protective materials, accessories and sealing materials.

Measure the length, width, height and weight of the finished parcel. An error can affect price, available services or whether the shipment is accepted.

If the packaging changes after weighing, check the figures again before generating or attaching the label.