Thank you for allowing me to be the new steward of your antique advertising item(s), I’m glad that we could make a deal and look forward to add this to my collection. The next step will be to pack the item(s) securely to avoid damage during transport.
It’s amazing how some of these items have lasted the test-of-time, it would be a shame to lose a piece history if steps aren’t taken to properly pack and ship an item.
Please follow these directions & tips:
Foam Board Flat Signs:
From my experience, the best ways to ship flat medium to large metal or porcelain enamel advertising signs is to ship them flat, sandwiched between two pieces of this XPS foam insulation for both cushion, support, and affordability. Packing this way will ensure the sign arrives to me in the same condition that it was shipped out in.
Packing materials can be purchased at Home Depot or Lowes:
For the XPS Foam Board Insulation, I prefer the thickness of 1″ to 1.5″ thick (the bigger the sign, the thicker the board) and they usually come in 4′ X 8′ sheets and is usually pink, blue, or green in color (do not buy the white insulation). Purchase enough to cut down to make 2 pieces the exact same size in order to “sandwich” the sign between the two pieces. Cut the foam board 6″ larger then the sign so there is a 3″ reveal around the entire sign.
Just incase, bring a tape measure and box cutter with you to cut the foam board if doesn’t fit in your vehicle, you can always cut down the board in the packing lot.
Once the Foam Board is cut down you’ll want to secure the sign by wrapping it tightly with the Plastic Stretch Wrap to one of the pieces of foam board. Once secured, “sandwich” the two pieces of foam board together with the sign in-between; using the duct tape, tape the foam board together with strips at each corner and every linear foot. Next, you’ll want to tap the edges to ensure a good seal between the foam boards. Never put tape directly on a sign otherwise it could damage it.
Below are Some Examples of Foam Board Shipping:
Please, apply “Fragile” or “Handle with Care” stickers to the outside of the package.
From there, slap an address label on the package and take it to your local shipping company. When shipping larger flat signs, I prefer using UPS or FedEx; smaller items can be shipped through USPS. Make sure to insure the shipment against loss or damage for our agreed upon value, no more and no less.
Video demonstration coming soon…
Crating Flat Signs:
There are some cases where shipping an oversized sign flat between foam board just won’t work. The happens from time to time with the sign it too big and too heavy where it could get damaged from bending during transport. Also, this is the case with larger reverse-painted glass signs that need to be shipped flat. Signs like these will need to have a custom crate built around them in-order to ship safely.
Packing materials can be purchased at Home Depot or Lowes:
- Sheets of Pine Plywood
- 2″ x 3″ Pine Studs (larger if needed)
- Deck Screws
- Lath Screws and Rubber Washers
- Packing Blanket and / or Bubble Wrap
Cut the plywood into two pieces to size of the sign allowing for 3″ addition to the size. If you don’t have room in your vehicle for the plywood, most hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowes have an in-house table saw that is charged by the cut. Using the deck screws, frame the 2″ x 3″ studs to the edge of the plywood and screw the corners together too (it should look like a shallow box).
Wrap the sign in the appropriate packing material like bubble wrap or a shipping blanket (household towels and old bed coverings work too). Place the sign inside of the box and pad the edges with packing to avoid the sign from shifting. If there are mounting holes on the sign, feel free to secure the sign to the plywood with small Truss Head Lath Screws with rubber washers between there side and screw head for added support. Once everything is in place, add the second piece of plywood on top and screw down with deck screws.
Please, apply “Fragile” or “Handle with Care” or “This Side Up” stickers to the outside of the package.
From there, slap an address label on the package and take it to your local shipping company. When shipping larger flat signs, I prefer using UPS or FedEx. Make sure to insure the shipment against loss or damage for our agreed upon value, no more and no less.
Video demonstration coming soon…
Boxing & Packing
Start by gathering all the necessary materials, including a sturdy box that is slightly larger than the item, bubble wrap or foam, packing peanuts or crumpled paper, and packing tape. Ensure the item is clean and, if possible, disassemble any detachable parts to reduce the risk of damage (with lighted signs, remove the light bulbs). Wrap the item securely with bubble wrap or similar padding, ensuring it is fully covered and cushioned for protection.
Choose a box that allows enough room for the item and cushioning materials. Place a layer of packing material at the bottom of the box, then set the wrapped item in the center. Fill the remaining space with additional cushioning to prevent movement during transit. Shake the box gently to ensure nothing shifts inside, and add more padding if necessary.
Seal the box securely with strong packing tape, using the “H-tape” method to cover all seams and edges. Attach the shipping label to the top of the box, ensuring it is flat, legible, and not placed over a seam.
Please, apply “Fragile” or “Handle with Care” stickers to the outside of the package.
From there, slap an address label on the package and take it to your local shipping company. When shipping larger flat signs, I prefer using UPS or FedEx; smaller items can be shipped through USPS. Make sure to insure the shipment against loss or damage for our agreed upon value, no more and no less.
Video demonstration coming soon…
Shipping Collections & Larger Items
When shipping items of quantity or large sizes, we work with a select few shipping partners who are able to arrive to your location personally and pick up the item(s) for transport to us. Sometime these items will need to be crated or boxed prior to shipment; depending on where you are located we can assist with that too. Our transport logistics team will coordinate the pickup, insurance, and transport of these item(s) and from your location to our storage facility.
What we need from you:
- Full Name
- Phone Number
- Pickup Location of the Item(s)
- Availability – Dates & Times
From there, we will arrange for quotes from our shipping partners and schedule a time for pickup that is convenient for you. Please be patient, this process can take some time to coordinate with the right shipping provider.
If you have any question, please Contact Us anytime.
By following these steps, you can ensure your item is packaged securely and ready to arrive safely.