Readying for Delivery: Your Vinyl Records Set for Dispatch
Sending Vinyl Records: A Comprehensive Guide to Secure Shipping
Shipping vinyl records, whether for profit or personal reasons, can be a source of anxiety due to concerns about damage, cost, and loss. However, with careful preparation and the right materials, you can securely transport your cherished vinyl collection. This guide provides essential advice and steps for packing and shipping vinyl records.
Materials and Tools
To effectively ship vinyl records, gather the following essential materials:
- A flat work surface
- 12-inch vinyl inner sleeves
- Record cleaning supplies
- A shipping container (either a specialized vinyl box or a sturdy cardboard box)
- Protective plastic
- Bubble wrap or foam paper
- Cardboard or foam board
- Tape
Preparing the Box
Select a suitable container for your records. Many shipping companies offer vinyl-specific box options, ranging from basic to more protective designs with internal bumps to minimize record movement. Alternatively, crafty individuals may opt to create their own vinyl shipping box using old cardboard. Regardless of type, the box should ideally measure around 12 inches wide.
Packing the Records
A well-organized packing process ensures a safe journey for your vinyl records.
- Remove the records from their old inner and outer sleeves and carefully inspect each one for signs of damages, such as scratches or scuffs. If you're shipping your records to customers, particularly, it's crucial to document their condition before shipping.
- Clean the records meticulously using a cleaning kit, machine, or vinyl brush to ensure they are free of dust prior to shipping.
- Replace the inner sleeves with fresh ones and secure the records in their respective album covers, with the clean record inside the new sleeve.
- Place the protected records in a "sandwich" formation, with each record nestled in its inner sleeve and layered with protective plastic, to facilitate easy and secure stacking.
- Securely place cardboard stiffeners or foam board on the top, bottom, and sides of the stacked records to prevent movement during transit. Wrap the entire stack in bubble wrap or foam paper, securing each side with tape.
Labeling and Shipping
Once packed, affix a clear shipping label to the box and label it as "FRAGILE" and "DO NOT BEND" to ensure proper handling by carriers. If you're shipping multiple records, repeat the packing process and stack the additional boxes carefully on top of the first. Keep in mind that over-packing can lead to warping or damage to the records.
Now, you're ready to ship your vinyl records securely with confidence, knowing that you have taken the necessary steps to protect your valuable collection. By following these steps and paying attention to detail, you can minimize the risks associated with sending your vinyl through the mail.
- For optimal protection during shipping, utilize a vinyl brush to clean your records and replace their inner sleeves with fresh ones before placing them back in their album covers.
- To prevent movement within the shipping container, pack your records in a "sandwich" formation, wrapping each stack with bubble wrap or foam paper and securing it with tape.
- To maintain the integrity of your vinyl records, consider incorporating home-and-garden supplies such as cardboard or foam board as stiffeners, or choose a specialized box from home-and-garden or shopping stores made for vinyl record shipping.
