Instructions for preparing an instrument for shipment
Packaging your oboe/EH
Seal the instrument case in bubble wrap.
Place the wrapped case in a box filled with packing peanuts or more bubble wrap. The box does not have to be very large, just big enough for there to be an inch or two of clearance around the instrument case. Using a box that is much larger will only increase the shipping price.
Add more filler material to take up the remaining space.
Include a note inside the box with your return shipping information: name, phone number, mailing address, and declared value of the instrument if you choose to have your oboe insured during transit.
Seal the box closed with packaging tape.
Choose your carrier
FedEx, UPS, and the Post Office all come to our door. You may want to compare rates on each carrier's website. The shipping cost will depend on how quickly you want the oboe delivered and whether you purchase any insurance (declared value).
The ship-to address is a residential one:
Mary Simon
MAS Oboe Repair
674 S. Laveen Dr.
Chandler, AZ 85226
For FedEx/UPS: Ground/Home Delivery, Express Saver, and 2-day are common selections.
If you have a way of weighing and measuring the package at home, you may print out a label from one of these carriers' websites online and attach the label to the box, then just drop off the package at a retail location.
Otherwise, take it in-person and buy the postage at the shipping center. Unlike the post office, a FedEx/UPS store can package your item for you if you don't have a box or have difficulty doing it yourself, but know that they do charge a fee for this service, and you might be stuck buying a larger box than you need.
For the Post Office: Priority Mail and Express Mail are the options.
The clerk at the window cannot package the instrument for you--this will need to be done ahead of time--but the USPS representative can help you with additional paperwork, such as forms for insurance, registered mail, or an Express label.
Consider shipping early in the week rather than on a Friday or Saturday so that your instrument does not sit in a warehouse over the weekend.
Insurance
Shipping costs typically become prohibitive when declaring a value on the package, so it is more economical to omit insurance, especially if your instrument is covered by homeowner's insurance or you have a plan with a company like Clarion.
Consider your level of risk and the replacement value of your instrument. A special note about purchasing insurance through the Post Office: if you are declaring a value greater than $5,000, seriously considered sending your instrument via "Registered" mail. It is a slower service, and the package will have to be sealed with paper tape instead of packaging tape, but it is much more budget-friendly than purchasing $5,000 worth of insurance.
Notify us
When the instrument ships, please email or text us the tracking number so that we can watch for it.
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