Creative Packaging: Shipping Artwork

The Art of Creative Packaging -

Galería Namu is patronized primarily by people who do not live in Costa Rica and thus we do a lot of creative packaging for shipping artwork. Under any circumstances it is imperative that a gallery be able to pack its art carefully, but the reality is even further compounded by the fact that the pieces sold have to be readied for travel or mailing abroad.

Often we hear from a visitor, “…we would love to buy this piece but, gosh, do you think it could make it home safely?”

That’s when we take a deep breath and reply: let that be OUR concern, and you will have our assurance that we can take care of it. Of course our real logical conclusion to a buyer’s apprehension would be: why would you think we would tantalize you by offering something beautiful that was unable to be made safe for travel? If we have it available, it is only because we know that we can package it adequately for its final destination!

The gallery’s assistant, Roberto, has more than 12 years of experience in

creative packaging and shipping artwork. In fact, he has invented amazing techniques for boxing up elaborate masks, paintings or any of the gallery’s more fragile art pieces. His work elicits kudos in e-mails from our clients. Many elements have to be taken into consideration in his packing undertakings. Roberto makes customized corrugated cardboard boxes for each piece, factoring in the airline size requirements of a carry-on piece; he will also fashion carrying handles for boxes for ease of transporting.  Roberto strives to maintain his packages are as light as possible without compromising safety. It’s all about experience!

One of the complex aspects of careful, creative packaging for shipping artwork, if the client is not taking the piece with them, is the added cost of time and materials needed in the preparation for mailing.  Galería Namu uses the Costa Rica national mail service because it is the least costly. Perhaps a tad slower than private carriers – no more than 30 days and generally around 15 days to arrive – it matches the private carriers in safety while out-competing them by far in cost. Although the service is not insurable, it is traceable and that has been the most important (although rarely invoked) attribute. And over 13 years we have had less than .05% breakage. And, we mail pieces frequently!

Creative packaging and shipping costs to North America, USA and Canada, are automatically assessed with all purchases from our online art gallery website at the place of check-out; if you wish to ship to any other country we will provide a ‘manual’ calculation for you via phone or e-mail. For further information refer to our Shipping page.