WOW! WHAT A DEAL! (Auctions)

Wow! WHAT A DEAL!

You just bought that item you’ve been looking for!

And you didn’t pay anything even close to what it’s actually worth!

There’s no doubt about it. Auctions can be exciting. You can get some truly great bargains and some really wonderful items. Keep in mind, though, whatever it was you bought, regardless of its current value, isn’t any smaller than it was the last time you saw it. It isn’t any lighter than it was then either. If fact, it’s probably bigger and heavier than you anticipated. You may not realize just how thin and delicate those edges are, and packaging large, delicate or valuable items to stand up to the rigors of the shipping process generally requires great care.

Now that it’s yours, you want your item to arrive in the same condition it was in when you purchased it. Proper packaging can virtually guarantee this. But good packaging isn’t enough. You still have to get whatever it is from where it is now to wherever you want it to be, no later than the day it needs to be there.

Choosing the wrong carrier can be just as disastrous as insufficient packaging. Did you realize that, with some carriers, you can be held responsible for the claims of others? Carriers have been known to accept your money for coverage only to deny your damage claim if they feel your item was improperly packaged. There are other, “gotchas,” too, such as unshippable items and low coverage limits, ESPECIALLY concerning antiques, collectible and artwork. You’re expected to know all these prior to shipping your item. At PakMail we understand each carrier’s idiosyncrasies.

And PakMail doesn’t just understand packaging and shipping. We understand budgets, too. We will always recommend the most cost-effective packaging and transportation alternatives that do not compromise the item's protection. If you elect alternate methods, we will defer to your requests, but there may be additional risks associated with your choices.

As your partner, we may need certain information before we can finalize a quote. Please review the following, and if any apply to your purchase(s), consider the answers.

-       After it is properly packaged, might your item be too large for small package shipping (UPS, FedEx, the postal service, etc)? If so, can it be disassembled? Should it be?

-       Do you wish to have your item covered for your full purchase price?

-       Will this be shipped to a residential address? Commercial addresses may be less expensive. PO boxes may limit shipping options. If residential, can the package be left unattended or do you wish to pay for a signature? Would you prefer a Date Certain Delivery, an Evening Delivery, a Saturday Delivery, or an Appointment Delivery? These options may not be available to all locations and may have an extra fee connected to them, but they can provide extra levels of security, which you may need.

-       If you have purchased large pieces or multiple items, truck freight, a partial load with a small pad warp carrier, or even air freight may be desirable. Using these carrier types, we need to know:

·         Is the delivery location on a street that will accommodate a semi-truck? Does the location have a long or steep driveway? Is it on the first floor? Is there a dock? An elevator? Some large load carriers charge for stairs and others just will not deliver above the first floor. We have multiple carriers to choose from, so we want to choose one that will meet your conditions.

·         For truck freight, a pallet may be required. This will add to both the cost and the weight. Will someone at the delivery location be able to help the driver unload the truck or will a lift gate be required? Should the driver leave your item on the curb or inside the garage? Can you dispose of the pallet and packing material, or do you want to pay for dunnage removal?

·         How soon do you need the item(s)? A partial load with a small pad wrap carrier may be the way to go. They will unload it and place it properly at the destination, an idea the other carriers laugh at. But this can take 6 to 12 weeks, sometimes longer.

That’s why you’ve selected PakMail to assist with your purchase. Our years of experience is unmatched in Eastern Iowa. At PakMail we will not deliberately underpack any item, nor will we deliberately overpack any item. At PakMail we handle each piece with the care it deserves. At PakMail we will protect your investment through the application of appropriate value coverages. At PakMail our in-store coverage is primary on properly packaged items with verified values of up to $50,000. At PakMail we will guide you through the wide range of choices, ensuring your purchases are properly packaged for the carrier you choose. And, in the unlikely event of a claim, you don’t hassle with the carriers and paperwork, we do. We look forward to working with you!