Packing and Shipping Heavy Sculpture

[emerald_bay_exchange]

I have listed a very heavy sculpture (~50lbs) for local pickup only because I am unsure the best way to handle the packing and shipping.  If I want to have UPS or FEDEX pack it for me, how to I handle that in the listing--is it best to use a flat rate?  Thanks for any assistance.  

[iart]

I usually use the post office but for heavy items like this, I find Fed Ex to be the cheapest (usually).

I've brought things to the mailing shops to have them pack. I would have done better jobs.

I'm not sure if this is entirely correct, but I think if you pack it on your own you can ship with an ebay label and get a discount. If you ship through a shop, you get no discount. So pack on your own and then drop it off to a Fed Ex store (if one is local to you).

You'll also have to double box with a lot of packing material. And get insurance to cover accidents.

[slippinjimmy]

You do not want UPS or FedEx to pack for you, they will not do a good job.

Flat Rate is not a good idea for a heavy item like this, there will be a huge difference in shipping between someone close (west coast) and someone on the east coast.

[m60driver]

If you are not comfortable packing the sculpture then best to just sell locally or local pickup.  You will need to source a suitable box and preferably double box.  If you do ship then, as noted above, do not use flat rate.  You would need to package, box, and weigh before you list.  There are companies that ship that type of art but it does cost quite a bit and only worth the price if the item itself is costly as shipping sculpture is an art in and of itself.