There’s nothing like the excitement and anticipation when a long sought book arrives in the mail. I had two gems stuffed in the mailbox within days, and a third as a bonus. When the books are vintage children’s illustrated ones, the thrill of cutting loose the tape (usually with anything that seems remotely sharp, like pens, keys, nail files, because the scissors are too far away for my impatient fingers), ripping the tough cardboard, unwrapping the newspaper or other protectant and finally touching the front boards, is exquisite. Since I’ve ended jewelry making and turned to selling digital downloads, I’m allowing myself purchases of illustrated books that normally would have been passed by, because the artwork within wouldn’t register small enough for a pin. Nothing extravagant, my budget ranges from 10 to 28 bucks-tops. Usually on the lower end, because it doesn’t make sense to spend a lot of dough on a book if you cannot reclaim it through sales. Naturally, I convince myself the only reason I want these particular items is for the business, not for the sheer pleasure of owning them.
This is the second part of my “Shipping Large Boxes of Books” In the first part of this I related the story of shipping a large set of “The Encyclopaedia Britannica” to a customer at a US Embassy. Early in October I got another order for a set of “The Encyclopaedia Britannia. This order was for the large format version of this edition which was printed on fine rice paper. This again was the 1910 / 1911 edition which is considered to be the last great version of this set. This was a very heavy set of books. The total weight of the books was almost 100 pounds. If memory serves me correctly I sent one box which weighed 43 pounds and another which weighed 48 pounds. These books were shipped from Pennsylvania to Washington state – completely across the country! I wanted to insure that the books arrived in the condition they left my shop. I wrapped each book in kraft paper. I chose heavy duty boxes which I purchased at Staples. The boxes were designed to handle up to 75 pounds per box, so I had a good margin of safety. In addition to wrapping each book individually I placed bubble wrap on the bottom of the boxes and around the empty spaces in the boxes. I taped the boxes with 2” wide packaging tape. I shipped the 29 volume set in 2 boxes. In retrospect I think I should have used 3 boxes. When I took the boxes to the post office the clerk who assisted me seemed to have difficulty lifting the boxes. The boxes felt heavy to me, but I did not have difficulty moving them. Next time I will limit my boxes of books to 35 pounds or so. I insured both boxes of books. I shipped 2 boxes and I insured each box for half of the total value of the books. I thought about insuring each box for the total value of the set – there is an argument that could be made for doing that – the entire set would be worthless if just one of the boxes was damaged , but I decided to take the risk of insuring each box for half of the total value. I shipped the books via USPS media mail. I could have also shipped them via UPS ,but I have had good results with the USPS. I obtained delivery tracking and confirmation for both boxes.