Shipping advice for my SlikStik

[JOEWARE]

I'm planning on selling my Fighter SlikStik w/ additional anodized handles. I've never really shipped or packaged anything so large, I still have the original box that SlikStik shipped to me but not the Styrofoams. Any advice what I may use to safely ship this 40+ lbs. out? Thanks.

[protokatie]

Go to the nearest UPS store (preferably with the device in hand) and procure some bubble wrap and get a box and those styrofoam peanuts. Before sending it, unscrew any joystick handles you can and wrap them independantly in the bubble wrap. The bubble wrap for the board is a must, it helps not only to prevent shock (like the peanuts) but to keep crud/water/etc from getting at the electronics and maybe even more importantly the wood. I have never ordered a slickstik (and after reading what I have about them, never will) so I dont know what kind of padding they used. Best advice is to take it in to a UPS store and have them help you. After all, they are trained in helping to ship glass/electronics/other sensitive stuff, so they will know what to do. BTW, if cheap enough get some insurance on the shipping just in case.

[JOEWARE]

I was thinking wrapping the entire product w/ newspapers would do... But thanks, I'll need help from UPS.

[protokatie]

Quote:
I was thinking wrapping the entire product w/ newspapers would do... I dunno! But thanks, I'll need help from UPS.

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I hope you were being sarcastic!     Otherwise, UPS isnt the only ones who can help you, but since it is a rather large and heavy (not to mention costly) item, having people help you in person would be much better than just taking the advice of text from people you will never see.

[JOEWARE]

If anyone is interested, I've listed my panel on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=290195325711&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=019

 

[zaphod]

I love to use bubble wrap, and 1" styrofoam insulation cut to fit on all sides of the controller.  The styrofoam sheets are cheap from Menards or Lowes (around $6 for a 4x8' sheet) and work great.  Use two layers on all sides to be especially safe, then finish filling the dead-space with the packing peanuts.

[demaximis]

I agree with the suggestion that you take it to your local UPS Store, and allow them to prepare the shipment for you.  It is important to properly package the panel -- not only to ensure that it will arrive in good shape, but just in case there is inadvertent damage to the shipment.  You do not want to have a claim denied on the basis of improper packaging.  If you have the UPS Store prepare the shipment, you should be in a much better position, in the unlikely event that something happens to the shipment, to recover the declared value.  That would not be the case if you just wrapped it in newspaper.  If you decide to PROPERLY prepare the shipment yourself, take a digital picture of the shipment before it is closed, so you will be able to document that you took proper precautions to secure the panel during shipping.  I'm sure nothing will happen, but an ounce of prevention...

[kelemvor]

I always wrap the items in bubble wrap first and get it nice and secure.  Then line the box with packing peanuts, put in the item, and then fill the rest with more packing peanuts.  Might find some scrap Styrofoam to just put around the joysticks so they don't get pressure applied to them or anything by mishandling.