Mailing a synth - ideas?

[This Wreckage]

I'm selling a synth over ebay and, as it is without its original box, I'm unsure as to how (without spending too much) to package it securely. Has anyone else done this, and how did you do it?

[BigRedX]

How big is the synth - 5 octave keyboard or bigger/smaller?

I sold a Casio CZ1 which didn't have a box. Wrapped it in plenty of bubble wrap - at least 4 layers all round, and then went to my local bicycle shop and got a bike box (they are normally only too happy to get rid of them) which I cut down the length and height (but not the width) to fit. The rest of the box was made into "collapsable packing" that went between the wrapped synth and the inside of the box. I also used some fabric roll tubes cut in half along the axis as extra protection on the synth ends. All of this apart from the bubble wrap was free.

Don't use Parcelforce as their insurance which they will quite happily sell you doesn't include musical instruments. I usually use UPS for all my large parcels.

Good luck.

[This Wreckage]

How big is the synth - 5 octave keyboard or bigger/smaller?

It's a Yamaha MX49, so quite short. That's some good advice, thank you.

[OneWorld]

Don't use Parcelforce..........

Chance would be a fine thing, aren't they on-strike? I am expecting a parcel and I usually wait 2-3 days, it is now day 10, and as yet, no sign of the item. I enquired about it and was told - 'Due to strike action.....'

[The Elf]

Get a lot of cardboard. Get a lot of packing. Get a lot of gaffa tape. Get making a box!!

[Forum Admin]

Don't try to force it into the letterbox!

Seriously, UPS always reliable for me in UK and shipping into Europe.

[Luke W]

Get a lot of cardboard. Get a lot of packing. Get a lot of gaffa tape. Get making a box!!

And possibly bubble wrap. It's safe to say that no kit I've ever posted would win any awards for presentation, but it's always arrived safe and well.

[tea for two]

I take photos videos as I'm (w)rapping also when handing over to courier.

[MarkOne]

I take photos videos as I'm (w)rapping also when handing over to courier.

Yep, I’ve done this.

Sold several synths this year. Had to get busy with cardboard foam off cuts bubble wrap and gaffer tape (I also had some off cuts of 3mm MDF which made a rigid base to build up from)

If you go into Tesco (probably other supermarkets too) and ask to speak to the manager, you can sometimes get them to supply you some cardboard (it’s at the discretion of the store manager though)

The storage unit I rent does a good deal on used moving boxes for a few quid. And don’t be afraid to factor the cost of packaging into the shipping cost you quote.

[This Wreckage]

And don’t be afraid to factor the cost of packaging into the shipping cost you quote.

Thanks for reminding me of that particular cost, as it seems to be adding up considerably.

[The Elf]

And don’t be afraid to factor the cost of packaging into the shipping cost you quote.

Thanks for reminding me of that particular cost, as it seems to be adding up considerably.

Some free boxes from the local supermarket and a few torn up newspapers?! Nah!

I've sent synths the world over and I've never had a problem with a bit of generous packing and some strong (or doubled) cardboard. It's just common sense - if it doesn't look sturdy and protected, it isn't - add more packaging/space and/or cardboard.

A box within a box, insulated with scrunched-up paper is a good shock absorber.

[muzines]

Also, you can make thick, chunky bubble wrap end/middle supports, similar to what the polystyrene fillers do in the regular shipping boxes, so the thing has some padding and space around it before it meets the box edges. This will help if it gets dropped in shipping...

Also, there many informative guides on YouTube, eg:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8LRUTswkq8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDlUZRV04bI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7CXVNw2Ct8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhQUFAVOvU8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsUI4eidv-g