Start with a hard case whenever possible
For high-value pieces, a Pelican or Apache hard case is the gold standard. The rigid shell protects against drops, crushing, and pressure. Include a foam insert that holds the piece firmly without flex or rattle.
For pieces without a hard case, use a purpose-built foam cradle inside a sealed bag before boxing.
Pelican 1200 and 1450 fit most recyclers and rigs. Apache 3800 and 4800 work well for larger sculptural pieces.Pelican 1200, 1300, 1450, 1500 · Apache 3800, 4800 · Custom foam-fitted cases
Pick-and-pluck or custom-cut foam. The piece should not shift at all when the case is shaken.
Wrap joints, slides, and fragile attachments separately
Remove any detachable components — slides, downstems, accessories, marbles — and wrap them individually in bubble wrap or foam pouches before placing them in the case or box.
Never pack loose glass against glass without a full barrier between each piece.
A loose slide rattling against a joint is the single most preventable source of damage. Wrap everything individually.2—3 layers minimum of bubble wrap per accessory. Secure with paper tape or a rubber band, not adhesive tape touching glass.
Cloth bags or foam pouches. Never loose in the case without a soft barrier.
Double-box the hard case or wrapped piece
Place the hard case or wrapped piece inside a cardboard box with at least 2—3 inches of packing material on all six sides. Crumpled kraft paper, foam peanuts, or air pillows all work. Avoid newspaper alone — it compresses too easily.
The outer box should feel firm when you press on any face. If you can feel the inner case or package through the box wall, add more fill.
The double-box method is required by most shippers for full insurance claim eligibility on fragile goods. A single-wall box is not sufficient.Use a heavy-duty double-wall corrugated box rated for at least 65 lbs. Single-wall is not adequate for glass.
Foam peanuts, air pillows, crumpled kraft paper. Fill every cavity. The piece should not shift even if you shake the box hard.
Seal and label clearly
Tape all seams — including the top, bottom, and all four side edges — with heavy packing tape. Run a strip along the center seam and reinforce the corners. Do not rely on flap friction or a single strip of tape.
Affix the shipping label flat and flush. Cover it with a strip of clear tape to protect against moisture. Write a secondary address on a card and include it inside the box as a backup.
2—3 inch wide packing tape. Seal every seam. Fragile stickers are optional but do not reduce handling roughness.
Include a card with buyer name, address, and transaction ID inside the box in case the label is damaged or lost.
Ship with adult signature confirmation and tracking
Declare the full transaction value when arranging carrier coverage. Under-declaring creates problems for any later claim and for the buyer's verification process.
We strongly recommend adult signature confirmation for any piece valued over $500. For high-value, fragile, or difficult-to-replace pieces, some collectors choose to purchase optional third-party shipment protection in addition to carrier-declared value. See Recommended Shipping Standards below for resources.
Major carriers support declared value coverage. Coverage availability, limits, exclusions, and claim eligibility vary by carrier, packaging method, shipment value, and destination.Prioritise a carrier and service level appropriate for the value and fragility of the piece. Higher-value shipments benefit from premium service tiers with stronger handling.
Declare the full transaction value. Optional third-party shipment protection is available for additional peace of mind on higher-value pieces. Retain your shipping receipt and tracking number.
Document the full boxing process — start to finish
Before shipment, sellers are strongly encouraged to record a detailed boxing and packaging video documenting the preparation process from start to finish — or as comprehensively as reasonably possible.
This video should clearly capture:
- The condition of the piece prior to packaging
- Protective materials and cushioning used
- Wrapping and stabilization methods
- Double-boxing procedures when applicable
- Final sealing of the package
- Shipping label attachment
- Final exterior package condition
High-quality packaging documentation can help reduce disputes, clarify shipment condition prior to carrier acceptance, and provide additional peace of mind for both parties.
Sellers are encouraged to retain all packaging documentation, shipping receipts, tracking information, and related materials until the transaction is fully completed.
Packaging documentation does not need to be professionally produced — clear, continuous handheld recording is generally sufficient.A single continuous video — from piece on the table to sealed labeled box — is more persuasive than several disconnected clips.
Attach the video and any supporting photos to the transaction through the Shipping Evidence upload on your seller dashboard.
Upload tracking and notify promptly
Once the shipment is in carrier hands, upload the tracking number through your seller dashboard or provide it directly through the transaction. Tracking should be shared within 24 hours of auction close under normal circumstances.
The buyer's 72-hour inspection period begins at confirmed delivery, not at shipment. Keep tracking visible and accessible in your records through that full period.
Delays in sharing tracking create unnecessary uncertainty for buyers and can affect resolution timing if issues arise.Common mistakes to avoid
Do not let packaging be the weak link.
Use a hard case for any piece over $500
Wrap only in bubble wrap with no rigid support
Double-box and fill all six sides with cushion material
Put the piece in a single box without interior fill
Wrap each accessory and slide individually
Pack multiple glass pieces or accessories touching each other
Declare the full transaction value when arranging carrier coverage
Under-declare to save a few dollars — it weakens any later claim
Film or photograph the entire packaging process
Seal the box without any visual record of the pack
Shipping Guidance
Every piece carries a shipping guidance level.
When a submission is approved for The Glass Exchange, it is assigned one of four shipping guidance levels based on value, fragility, form complexity, and delivery risk. The level drives the intensity of our recommendations, the seller reminders that appear during shipping, and the logistics options that may be coordinated.
Double-boxed packaging, adult signature confirmation over $500, full boxing video, and tracking. Carrier coverage is encouraged for the full declared value.
Recommended Shipping Standards apply, with additional emphasis on boxing video documentation, adult signature confirmation, and discreet exterior packaging. Some collectors also choose to purchase optional third-party shipment protection for additional peace of mind.
All recommended standards apply, with third-party shipment protection from a provider such as ShipSaver or ParcelPro expected before shipment. Sellers retain discretion over which provider and policy; The Glass Exchange does not endorse any specific provider. Coverage availability, limits, exclusions, and claim eligibility vary by provider, carrier, packaging method, shipment value, and destination.
For exceptionally valuable or historically significant transactions, private courier coordination, in-person exchange, event/show handoff, or custom logistics arrangements may be considered. Available for select transactions and may be coordinated upon request — The Glass Exchange can assist with introductions but does not operate a guaranteed in-house courier service or assume transport liability.
Options that may be considered: assisted logistics coordination · direct collector transfer · private delivery coordination · custom fulfillment arrangements.
How the level is set
The Glass Exchange may suggest a higher guidance level based on extreme fragility, protruding features, complex form, rarity, no hard case, packaging concerns, shipping distance, or elevated delivery risk — regardless of listed price. Your approval confirmation will include the assigned guidance level and any specific recommendations. The level drives the intensity of our guidance and any white glove options that may be coordinated; it is not an automatic checkout block.
Shipping Standards
Recommended Shipping Standards
To help protect buyers, sellers, and rare collectible work in transit, we strongly encourage the following professional shipping standards for all high-value shipments.
- Double-boxed packaging
- Full boxing video documentation
- Adult signature confirmation
- Discreet exterior packaging
- Retain packaging materials until transaction completion
- Optional third-party shipment protection for high-value pieces
Boxing video guidance
Boxing videos should clearly document:
- Item condition before packing
- Cushioning materials used
- Full sealing process
- Final labeled package
Optional Shipment Protection Resources
Some collectors choose to purchase additional shipment protection for higher-value, fragile, or difficult-to-replace pieces.
Coverage availability, exclusions, limits, and claim eligibility vary by provider, carrier, packaging method, shipment value, and destination.
White Glove & Concierge Delivery
For exceptionally valuable, historically significant, or difficult-to-replace collections, some collectors may prefer private courier coordination, in-person handoff, or white glove delivery arrangements.
While not required, personalized delivery coordination may provide additional peace of mind for certain high-value transactions. Available upon request and may be coordinated for select transactions.