How To Ship A Guitar With A Delivery Service
How to Ship a Guitar With a Delivery Service
Shipping a guitar can seem like a daunting task. Whether you are sending it to your new house, nationally or even overseas, you may run into a few challenges.
This comprehensive guide from the experts at ParcelBroker has made the process of sending your instrument simple and straightforward. We cover everything you need to know, from choosing a courier service and packaging your delivery to tracking your guitar.
Why use a Courier Service to Ship a Guitar?
When it comes to shipping a guitar, there are several options available, but using a courier service can be an excellent choice.
One of the main reasons is the convenience they offer. Unlike traditional postage companies that require booking well in advance, a courier service often has flexible scheduling options and can accommodate last-minute requests. This can be particularly advantageous for those who need to transport a single item or have urgent delivery needs.
Another advantage of using a courier who can ship guitars is their expertise in handling delicate and valuable items. Professional couriers are trained in packaging and securing items properly to ensure safe transportation. They have the necessary equipment and knowledge to protect your guitar from damage during loading, unloading, and transit. Plus, most reputable couriers provide insurance coverage for added peace of mind.
We work with some of the most trusted courier services available. These include:
- And more!
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How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Guitar?
The dimensions and weight of your guitar play a significant role in determining delivery costs. Larger items or those requiring special handling may incur additional fees. Additionally, distance also affects pricing; longer distances usually mean higher transportation costs.
Lastly, timing can impact delivery costs as well. Urgent deliveries or specific time slots might come with higher price tags due to the need for immediate service or accommodating restricted schedules.
By considering these various factors when planning to ship your guitar, you'll have a better understanding of what determines the final cost.
Preparing Your Guitar for Shipping
Preparing guitars for shipping requires careful attention to detail to ensure that your instrument arrives at its destination safely and in good condition:
Gather Essential Packing Materials
Ensure you have all the necessary packing materials and tools readily available. These may include:
- Guitar shipping boxes of different sizes
- Bubble wrap
- Packing paper
- Packing tape
- Hex keys or screwdrivers for detaching guitar components
- Soft cloth or microfiber towel for cleaning
- Guitar case or gig bag (if available)
Prepare for Disassembly
Ensure the guitar has been detuned and the strings are slack. If your guitar can be disassembled, follow the manufacturer's guidelines to safely take it apart. Keep any screws, nuts, or small parts in clearly labelled bags or containers. Before packing, make sure to clean and remove any dirt or debris that could cause damage during transit. Wrap fragile components such as tuning pegs, bridge, and pickups with bubble wrap or packing paper, securing them with tape. Remove any extra parts such as whammy bars.
Safeguard the Guitar
Shield your guitar by wrapping it in bubble wrap or packing paper. Pay special attention to delicate areas like the headstock and neck. Use tape to secure the wrapping without applying excessive pressure. It’s also worth placing a long strip of packing paper between the strings and fretboard for additional protection.
Choose the Right Box
Select a guitar shipping box that is appropriately sized for your guitar. If possible, opt for a box with adjustable padding to ensure a snug fit. Place additional padding at the bottom of the box for extra protection.
Position of the Guitar
Place the wrapped guitar securely inside the box, ensuring it doesn't move around. Fill any empty spaces with packing paper or bubble wrap to prevent shifting during transit.
Seal the Box
Close the box securely and shake it gently to confirm that the guitar doesn't move within it. If there's any movement, add more padding to keep the guitar in place. When you’re satisfied that your guitar is secure, use packing tape to seal all seams.
Label and Mark as Fragile
Clearly label the box with the word "fragile" using clear lettering or fragile tape and use prominent arrows to indicate the correct upright position. This alerts handlers to treat the package with care and keep it in the correct orientation.
Document and Inventory
Create an inventory list of all the items you're shipping, including the guitar's serial number, model, and any accessories. Keep a copy for your records and include another copy inside the box. Consider taking pictures of the guitar during the packing process in case these are needed for reference at a later date.
Booking Your Guitar Delivery
One important factor to consider is the reputation of the courier company. Look for reviews and testimonials from previous customers to get an idea of how reliable and efficient they are. Additionally, consider their level of expertise in handling instrument deliveries.
Another aspect to keep in mind when booking your guitar delivery is the convenience factor. Find out if the courier offers flexible scheduling options that fit with your availability. This could include evening or weekend deliveries or even same-day service if you're in a hurry to ship your guitar. Moreover, inquire about their tracking system, so you can stay informed about the whereabouts and estimated time of arrival of your shipment.
By taking into account these factors and doing thorough research on different couriers, you'll have a smoother and stress-free experience when it comes to shipping your guitar. Remember that it's not just about getting your instrument from point A to point B; it's also about ensuring that they arrive safely and without any damage.
Tracking and Monitoring Your Guitar Delivery
We offer online tracking tools that allow you to follow your purchase from the moment it leaves you until it reaches its destination. This real-time visibility brings convenience so you know exactly where your guitar is.
Not only does this provide peace of mind, but it also gives you complete control and transparency over your shipment. With just a few clicks, you can access real-time information on the location and status of your package.
The Benefits of Sending Your Guitar With ParcelBroker
ParcelBroker allows you to take control of your guitar shipment. Unlike traditional movers who have set schedules and routes, ParcelBroker lets you choose the most convenient pickup and delivery dates for your items. This flexibility ensures that you can work around your own schedule rather than having to accommodate a moving company's limited availability.
ParcelBroker also offers competitive pricing options for guitar shipments. Traditional movers often charge high fees based on the size or weight of your items. In contrast, ParcelBroker provides transparent pricing based solely on the dimensions of your guitar, allowing you to compare rates easily and pick the best option for your budget.
We also offer ParcelPoints, so customers can earn rewards for sending with us. We’ll give you 1 ParcelPoint for every £1 you spend!
Final Thoughts: Sending a Guitar With a Delivery Service
Shipping a guitar with a delivery service can be an efficient and convenient option for those who need to transport their instrument. By carefully packing and protecting your guitar and choosing a reputable company, you can ensure that your items arrive safely at their destination. So next time you need to send a guitar, consider utilising a delivery service for a straightforward experience.
Contact ParcelBroker or explore our parcel comparison service to find the best service for your guitar delivery.