Shipping Silver

Packing Guidelines for Safe Shipping:

1. Contact me for my address and to assure that I will be expecting your box.
   

2. Label the box “Harriete Berman.” Do NOT label the box using the words “silver,” “silverwork,” or Berman Fine Silverwork. We don’t want the box to look like it is worth stealing.
   

3. Please fill out the Contact Information Form below.
   Include your contact information in the box (not just for me) but just in case the mailing label is damaged.
   

4. Disassemble any objects that comes apart. Examples are listed below:
   Unscrew candlesticks that come apart. Wrap each part separately.
   Unscrew candlesticks from main stem/base. Wrap each part separately.
   Unscrew candelabra arms from a heavy base. Wrap each part separately.
   Unscrew trophy figures from a heavy base, if possible.
   Remove any fragile elements from a heavy base.
   Wrap broken handles separate from objects
   

5. If you are shipping multiples parts or several silver objects:
   A. Wrap each piece separately in bubble wrap so they don’t hit one another during shipping.
   B. Use colored masking tape that is easy to remove without destroying the bubble wrap.
   C. If the silver is valuable or fragile, pack each item in it’s own interior shipping box to avoid damage during shipping.
   D. Heavy objects shipped with delicate parts should have separate interior shipping boxes.
   
   

6. Shipping Flatware? I recommend a Small Flat Rate Box available for free from USPS  for shipping protection.

7. Double box for extra protection. This means pack the silver item in one box….then pack this box in a larger shipping box.
   
   There should be 1” gap between the interior and exteriorshipping boxes filled with either packing peanuts, bubble wrap, packing sheets or newspaper.
   

8. The interior shipping box (and exterior shipping box) need to be large enough for the entire object after it is repaired. For example, if you are shipping a coffeepot with a broken handle, make sure the coffeepot with the handle reattached will fit in the interior shipping box with extra room.
   

9. SHIPPING RECOMMENDATIONS:
   USPS has the best handling and price including insurance.
   NEVER use UPS their handling is too rough.
   Fed Ex is fine, but they cost twice the fee as USPS.
   If you aren’t sure about how much to insure your silver, look on E-bay
   for similar sold items.
   

10. ALL RETURN SHIPPING will be by USPS "click and ship" priority mail (unless we discuss other options.

11. Any questions? phone [ 650.274.2781 ] or email? 

After I get your box, I will email or phone to confirm it’s safe arrival.

After 24 hours, I will open the box and review the estimate.

If I can reuse your packing materials there will be a $10 packing fee. If I need to reinvent the packing, including adding an exterior shipping box or replacing a box that is too small, the packing fee will be $25.- $85 depending on the number of items or the complexity of the object.

After the work is repaired: I will let you know by email the total for the repair, packing, shipping and shipping insurance.

Avoid shipping: If you live local to the San Francisco Bay Area, then we can make an appointment at a time that is convenient for you. Weekends and evenings are available.  (Currently, all appointments are outside. Masks required.)

Contact Information Form