Shipping High-Value Art and Collectibles: What Can Go Wrong and How to Prevent It
The majority of damage to collectibles in transit happens because of packaging failures, not carrier mishandling. Proper packaging is the first line of defense; carrier insurance and signature requirements are backstops, not substitutes.
Packaging Standards for High-Value Items
- Prints and works on paper — Sandwich between two pieces of rigid backing board, wrapped in glassine, then boxed with at least 3 inches of foam or bubble wrap on all sides. Double-box for items above $500.
- Figures and three-dimensional items — Wrap in bubble wrap with tissue paper buffer against the piece, nestle in a box with foam on all sides, minimum 3-inch clearance from box walls.
- Framed items — Requires corner protection and cross-bracing to prevent glass breakage. Specialist art shipping for framed works above $1,000.
Carrier and Insurance
UPS and FedEx both offer declared value coverage up to $50,000. This requires declaration at time of shipping and carries a surcharge. For items above $10,000, consider specialist fine art shippers. Gauntlet Gallery uses UPS with adult signature required on all shipments above $500.
