I was recently fortunate enough to be involved with a unique fine art competition that was conducted *mostly* online.
However, when it came to the final judging, the finalists were asked to send their artworks directly to the judge for final judging. The judge was shocked when the paintings arrived that they were horribly packed. It's a miracle that none of them were damaged. One of the paintings was simply stuffed in a thin box (with no padding) and covered with stamps. Note to artists: If the post office loses a painting, then you're out of luck. They will not pay you for it. You can not track it. Do yourself a favor and use UPS or FEDEX.
Another beef: Most of the packages didn't even have a return address. Here's a simple rule. If you want your painting back, include a return address.
OK, enough preaching. I know a lot of this stems from inexperience....but that's why you read the fine art views blog, right?
Here is how to ensure that your paintings are not damaged while simultaneously projecting a professional image.
Use Airfloat Strongboxes. They are expensive but not in the long run. They save you loads of time during packing. They can be re-used over and over and over. And are built like a Sherman Tank.
Get Yourself some Airfloat Strongboxes:
http://www.airfloatsys.com/Sincerely,
Clint Watson
Software Craftsman and Art Fanatic

Tracey Frugoli wrote:
Clint,
Fedex will only reimburse/insure artwork up to $500.00. I know this for sure. I am not sure about UPS. I do get a tracking number and am able to purchase insurance for the worth of the painting from the post office, but they tend to have size restrictions.
While airfloat might be great, can you look into this shipping issue? Can insurance be purchased from an outside party by an artist shipping their work? If so, who is this mysterious party? I have been trying to find them.
Thanks,
Tracey
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