How to package a saddle
In this article we will give you some top tips on how to package a saddle safely, to ensure the recipient receives the saddle undamaged.
You are liable
Many people package saddles up very poorly, which is risky. If a saddle is damaged during transit and it has not been sufficiently packaged, the courier/delivery company will not pay out for the damaged item, even if you have paid extra to insure the package. You will be liable to offer your buyer a refund, and have no courier company to claim from.
Do NOT:
- Wrap the saddle in a bin liner and then post it like that
- Put the saddle in an empty box with no internal packaging - bubble wrap or similar
- Put the saddle in a flimsy overused cardboard box
- Fail to tape up the box well
The right amount of packaging
Good packaging doesn't need to go OTT. However, you need to remember that delivery companies can throw boxes around. If you are sending a £500 saddle, how would you feel about it being thrown around, or launched over someones back garden gate.. Trust us, it happens.
You need to ensure that you have sufficiently protected the saddle, particularly the pommel, cantle, and sides if they are touching the box. Some saddles can rattle around in larger boxes. On the other hand, small boxes mean the saddle is really squashed in and doesn't allow for any bumps.
We use Double Walled boxes which are 62 x 48 x 48 cm, or 24 x 18 x 18 inch. This size should suffice for most saddles. Extra wide saddles will need a slightly wider box.
Good internal packaging consists of bubble wrap, airbags, shredded cardboard - NOT PAPER. Remember someone will be opening your box in their home or work place. They certainly won't want your shredded bank statements floating all over their kitchen floor.
Polystyrene balls, or loose fill chips are also a complete waste of time. They fill the box out but offer little protection, and again will end up all over your buyers kitchen floor. AVOID THEM.
Always:
- Put the saddle in a strong, sturdy cardboard box
- Protect the pommel and cantle with bubble wrap, or other protective padding
- Tape the box with Fragile tape, or write FRAGILE on the box
- Tape up the box well and ensure that the bottom will not fall through with the weight of the saddle
Sending a saddle overseas
If you are sending a saddle abroad, take extra precautions to ensure you have thoroughly bubble wrapped the saddle and added extra packaging to protect it during the journey. Scrunched up newspaper is a good box filler which can be recycled. However it should be used with bubble wrap or other protection around the pommel/cantle; not as an alternative.
The package has a much longer journey to endure, with a lot more handling, and greater risk of damage. Provided you package the saddle well, and insure the parcel for the full value of the saddle you should have no issues.
