HOW TO SHIP YOUR FLUTE
Regular annual maintenance of your flute or piccolo by an experienced technician will keep your instrument in top playing condition. In many cases, this will require shipping your instrument to a technician specializing in handmade flutes and piccolos. Here are some steps you can take to make this process simple for you and safe for your instrument.
Shipping Address: Flute Authority – 1212 5th Street Coralville, IA 52241
SCHEDULING YOUR REPAIR
Most repair technicians schedule appointments in advance. This allows the technician to complete your repair and return it to you in a timely manner. Please schedule an appointment prior to shipping your flute.
After scheduling your repair, plan to ship your instrument to arrive the day before the repair is planned. Some people prefer to avoid weekend in-transit dates. Having your package sit in a warehouse over a weekend usually is not good for the instrument, especially if the weather is cold and you are shipping a wooden flute or piccolo. In the case of a wooden instrument, you may want to schedule your repair during mild months as opposed to the winter. This doesn’t apply to flutes with Straubinger or other synthetic pads.
IDENTIFY YOUR PROPERTY
When preparing to ship your instrument, include a note of identification inside your flute case including your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address. Having identification inside the case will help to identify your property should the exterior of the package become unreadable or the package is misrouted. This information also provides identification of your property for your technician and a means with which your technician can contact you. If you prefer to have your instrument returned to a separate address (such as a work address), make a note of this as well.
It is helpful to include a note for your technician outlining any problems your instrument is having and what your expectations are. Your technician will contact you upon receipt of your instrument regarding repairs needed, estimates and return delivery time.
PACKING YOUR INSTRUMENT
Safety for your instrument is a priority when packing for shipment. Options available for safe packing include:
Flute Authority custom shipping box
Custom shipping boxes are made specifically for shipment of flutes and piccolos. The box is rectangular in shape designed with several inches of foam rubber on all sides of the instrument for maximum protection. This relatively compact carton is less expensive to ship than larger boxes. Flute Authority offers fine custom boxes to our repair customers for $45. Visit our “How to Ship Your Flute” video to see the custom foam shipping box.
Your own packaging
If a custom flute box is not an option, you may package the instrument yourself. In this case, use a sturdy box large enough to accommodate 2 to 3 inches of packing material on all sides. You may add layers of bubble wrap around your instrument case to provide further protection. When taping the box, use tape specifically designed and marketed as “packaging tape.” Make sure the instrument is not moving around in the box.
Shipping store or professional packaging
There are shipping companies that specialize in both packing and shipping. This is a convenient service as they will securely pack and ship your instrument, but you may pay a premium for such service. These costs may be added to shipping fees and to shipping insurance.
SHIPPING COMPANIES
Not all shipping companies are the same. Depending on your situation and location, prices and services may vary. It may be worth your time to shop around and find the best price as you would do for any other product or service. Some available choices include:
- United Parcel Service (UPS) – Our preferred carrier. Many shipping options with good prices for insurance. We offer Ground, 2-Day Air, and Next Day Air for return shipping options. No additional insurance is required upon return, as it is covered under our insurance policy. We can also offer electronic UPS shipping labels for your use when sending to us.
- Fed Ex – Reliable service with many shipping options. Please plan to have your flute arrive the day before your appointment, as we get our delivery in the afternoon.
- U.S. Postal Service (USPS) – Usually has convenient locations for drop off. They also offer Saturday delivery with the Express Mail Option. Please allow at least 2-3 extra days for delivery.
INSURANCE: PROTECTING YOUR PROPERTY
Be sure to protect your valuable instrument. Most homeowner’s policies do not cover instruments during shipping. Check with your agent to learn the terms of your policy.
If you are a member of the National Flute Association, you are eligible to purchase insurance through the Anderson insurance company. This insurance provides coverage during travel and/or shipment of your instrument.