shipping a case

[Pierce]

I have a question regarding shipping a case

I might have to ship a coolermaster stacker 830 soon and I am wondering how I can do this. What materials should I buy that will allow me to ship the case?

thanks for any help

 

[daw123]

A box big enough for the case. Put case in bin liner, then the box and densely pack between case and inside of box with bubblewrap or polystyrene chips. Provided its packed well, then it should be well-protected.

Oh and to get the box, try your local supermarket. They usually have boxes of varying shapes and sizes, which they chuck out, or if they are more environmentally inclined, recycle.

 

[frostedflakes]

Ideally it should be shipped in the original box w/the original cardboard or styrofoam inserts. If this isn't possible, though, just try to replicate these materials. Big box and something semi-rigid to isolate it from the box (for example buy some larger styrofoam hunks and cut them to fit). You could also throw some foam peanuts in there and/or double box it for added protection. Better to use too much packaging than not enough, IMO.

 

[daw123]

Originally posted by: frostedflakes
Ideally it should be shipped in the original box w/the original cardboard or styrofoam inserts. If this isn't possible, though, just try to replicate these materials. Big box and something semi-rigid to isolate it from the box (for example buy some larger styrofoam hunks and cut them to fit). You could also throw some foam peanuts in there and/or double box it for added protection. Better to use too much packaging than not enough, IMO.

Sorry, assumed in my response that that the OP didn't have the original case packaging.

 

[jdkick]

I would suggest double boxing. I've only ever had two cases shipped to me and have stories for both. The first was a Yeong Yang server cube that USPS all but crushed - all four casters destroyed, front panel cracked and a nasty dent on the top. This was bought used and was shipped in a large box (not original) with a ton of padding. Didn't seem to matter based on how it was handled during transit. My current case arrived unscathed - narrowly. The factory padding was only on the top/bottom and the box took a nasty hit on the side that went through the card board... luckily it didn't actually contact the chassis.

 

[Zepper]

Original box with original insulating materials including the plastic bag on the case itself is usually adequate for shipping of the case only (assuming the factory box is in good shape). If it's a built-up system in the case, then double boxing is preferred (case box plus a larger box with at least two inches of spongy foam padding all around. DHL used to be the least expensive shipping method to many addresses while still giving quick service, but they don't do intra USA shipping any more, just international. down to the big three: USPS, UPS, FedEx. Not sure if any others are available. Sometimes bus freight is a usable option - IDK if REA (railway Express) is still operating, but I thought I saw one of their trucks recently. Good luck.

.bh.

 

[LokutusofBorg]

Whoever you use to send it, get insurance on it. Take pics before you pack it up, and take pics of your packing job while in the middle of it. If the carrier tries to deny your claim, you can use the pics and they will have no grounds to not reimburse if any damage is caused while shipping.

At work quite a few years ago we had UPS ship a built system from one city to another and they did some damage to it. We provided pics when they balked about who caused the damage, and the only response they had after that was "where do you want the money sent?"

 

[daw123]

Originally posted by: LokutusofBorg
Whoever you use to send it, get insurance on it. Take pics before you pack it up, and take pics of your packing job while in the middle of it. If the carrier tries to deny your claim, you can use the pics and they will have no grounds to not reimburse if any damage is caused while shipping.

At work quite a few years ago we had UPS ship a built system from one city to another and they did some damage to it. We provided pics when they balked about who caused the damage, and the only response they had after that was "where do you want the money sent?"

This is very good advice; take photos of the case outside of the packaging and another with it in the packaging (to show that it was well packed). I did this with a videocard, which I had to RMA.

If the item is insured and you have proof of the condition before it was shipped, then any damage caused by the courier during transit is entirely their problem.