How to Ship Antiques & Collectibles: Insurance & Packaging

Antiques and collectibles are often one-of-a-kind irreplaceable items with significant monetary and sentimental value. Beyond physical packaging, documentation (photographs, appraisals) and proper insurance are critical — replacing a damaged antique often requires more than just a reimbursement check.

Best Carrier

UPS Ground or FedEx Ground with declared value

Package Type

box

Typical Weight

varies widely

Shipping Tips for Antiques & Collectibles

Photograph the item from all angles and photograph the packaged box before sealing — this is your evidence for any damage claim
Declare the full insured value when shipping — the cost difference between $100 and $500 coverage is only a few dollars
For items over $5,000, explore third-party shipping insurance from providers like Shipsurance or U-PIC which offer higher coverage limits than carrier programs
Use acid-free tissue paper for antique textiles, documents, and paper ephemera — standard newspaper will transfer ink and accelerate degradation
Never ship antiques via USPS for very high values — USPS tops out at $5,000 declared value; UPS and FedEx allow up to $50,000+

Create Your Shipping Label

From (Sender)

To (Recipient)

Package Details

Weight (lbs)

Weight (oz)

Package Type

Length (in)

Width (in)

Height (in)

Label Options

Label Size

Carrier Format

Service Type

Reference Number

Scannable Code (from Reference Number)ⓘ

Encodes the Reference Number above as a real, scannable code. Not a carrier tracking barcode — use for your own order IDs, SKUs, or RMA numbers.

FRAGILETHIS SIDE UP

Label Preview

SHIPPING LABEL

From:

Sender address

Ship To:

Recipient address

Enter reference # to generate barcode

REF-000000

shippinglabel.co

5 fields needed to generate

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How it works: We format the label with your barcode/QR. Buy postage from your carrier (USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL) — they add the tracking barcode at drop-off.

Shipping Antiques & Collectibles FAQ

Ship Other Items

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