Shipping your instrument away for repair work can feel intimidating for a lot of people.
Here's a guide to help make the process a little easier!
- Take any extra pencils and trinkets out of the case before shipping. For flutes and piccolos, It is a good idea to leave the cleaning rod/tuning rod in the case if it's safe to do so. Leaving the tuning rod in the case allows me to see how *you* see your headjoint cork placement, which can be extremely helpful.
- Make sure the instrument parts aren't rattling around in the case. If the instrument has space to wiggle back and forth laterally, (end to end) you can fold up a few pieces of tissue paper, paper toweling etc. and place them to help minimize the "wiggle". Don't squish the instrument though! (Feel free to contact me for additional information on how to stabilize an instrument in a case that's become a bit "loose")
- Add a piece of paper with your: name, number, and email in the case itself...because it's always good to have your contact information "right there" (versus just written on the shipping box)
- Use a sturdy box that provides enough space for 2 inches (5 cms) for padding material on all sides. Wrap the instrument well and make sure that the top, bottom, sides and ends are all well insulated from the box edge. Bubble wrap, paper etc. is preferred to "peanuts" which can shift in transit.
- Re-using/recycling boxes is wonderful - but please take a few moments to thoroughly cross out or place a label/piece of paper over any previous shipping information!
- Specific Instrument insurance is something every musician with an instrument over $1000 should have. In Canada there are a few companies to choose from. For National Flute Association members, there is a discount on insurance from Anderson Group that makes it extremely affordable. Regardless of whatever insurance you have, please make sure your instrument insurance covers shipping/transportation. (A year of instrument insurance is often less than the cost of insuring your package one way!) .
- KJWR uses and recommends Purolator whenever possible for shipping. KJWR receives a shipping discount with Purolator which is then passed on to clients. If you would like Kimberley Jurens Woodwind Repairs to create a shipping label for you (shipping is added to your invoice) - please email info@kjwoodwindrepairs.ca with the subject "Shipping label request" 5-7 days prior to your appointment. Please include: Your completed Instrument Information Form and if you want the instrument RETURNED to you home or a Purolator secure pick up location. (If there isn't someone home all the time, please choose the latter)
*Kimberley Jurens Woodwind Repairs Inc. is a fully licensed and insured business, however we cannot accept responsibility for covering loss/theft/damage of instruments during shipping.
(As a note - in +25 years of repairs, I've never had an issue with shipping a client's instrument)