Saddle posting. For reference!

[poiuytrewq]

Anyone in my situation with a (mid) expensive saddle to send who’s not willing to either cram it into a tiny box or scrimp on insurance have a look at this website.
/directcouriersolutions.com
They actually do a sporting goods/saddles service.

To post a saddle 7kg to mainland UK in a 65cm square box which is big enough for plenty of packaging to protect it is £19 (*think £500 compensation) then for an extra £20 you are insured up to £2000 and they collect from the house.

Wish I’d known about them sooner!

 

[julesjoy]

Awesome! You've just saved me an evening of googling to find this out!

 

[sbloom]

I'd recommend much smaller than 65cm if possible, 45-50cm will wedge most saddles in and not need so much packaging. Then cut down the corners and bend the walls down so the top of the box contacts the saddle. It needs to be stable in all directions, not just bubble wrapped.

That rate for insurance is exceptionally cheap so well worth it as long as Ts and Cs and reasonable.

 

[Vodkagirly]

Now the next question is where to get a box? Despite ordering too much stuff online, I never seem to get the right size box !

 

[poiuytrewq]

I'd recommend much smaller than 65cm if possible, 45-50cm will wedge most saddles in and not need so much packaging. Then cut down the corners and bend the walls down so the top of the box contacts the saddle. It needs to be stable in all directions, not just bubble wrapped.

That rate for insurance is exceptionally cheap so well worth it as long as Ts and Cs and reasonable.

Ah really? I have a smaller box. It’s a lot tougher aswell but I worried as it’s kind of bent round. The tree isn’t forced but it’s wrinkling the flocking up

 

[poiuytrewq]

Now the next question is where to get a box? Despite ordering too much stuff online, I never seem to get the right size box !

No it’s always difficult! The large one I have I was at someone’s house months ago (not intending to sell my saddle at the time!) and they had a delivery in a huge box so I nabbed it quickly
I’m the past I’ve asked at a saddlery for either a saddle box or rugs get delivered in bigger boxes. They needed taping back up but we’re happy to give me them.

 

[sbloom]

Better to wrinkle flocking than have any movement inside the box make it much more likely to split the box. Flocking will wrinkle, people purchasing a saddle should always expect to have a saddle fitter out to adjust it.

Storage companies always have suitable boxes, never use single walled grocery cartons. International spec shipping boxes are the strongest if you can get them.

 

[splashgirl45]

Thanks for the info. P. I have 2 saddles that I really must sell so after my little holiday next week I will get going and advertise them properly

 

[poiuytrewq]

Better to wrinkle flocking than have any movement inside the box make it much more likely to split the box. Flocking will wrinkle, people purchasing a saddle should always expect to have a saddle fitter out to adjust it.

Storage companies always have suitable boxes, never use single walled grocery cartons. International spec shipping boxes are the strongest if you can get them.

Well thats true I suppose. I just didn’t want it to turn up all squashed looking.
I’m not sure the sale is going ahead anyway after all this The buyer has offered the same as the saddlery but including post and fees so I’d get more and an easier sale to just pop it along to the shop.

 

[sbloom]

Well thats true I suppose. I just didn’t want it to turn up all squashed looking.
I’m not sure the sale is going ahead anyway after all this The buyer has offered the same as the saddlery but including post and fees so I’d get more and an easier sale to just pop it along to the shop.

When you post hundreds of saddles a year (both the brands I fit would fall into that category even if I only post tens a year) you learn what works best .