Packing an antique clock : eBay Guides

Having received a clock by a carrier this week that was damaged in transit, I feel I need to make a few comments on packing a clock for postage.

GETTING THE CLOCK READY FOR TRANSPORTATION.

ALWAYS remove the pendulum from the clock and pack the key and pendulum seperately in the box. NEVER leave the key and pendulum floating around in the clock, as this can do tremendous damage to the movement. With chiming clocks, the chime hammers can usually be secured by means of the transport clip that folds down to stop the hammers moving whilst being transported. If the clock does not have this method of securing the hammers, a very soft elastic band will quite often do the job without causing any damage or distress to the movement. It is also a good idea to use a very firm elastic band around the clock, especially if the bezel around the dial is loose, or a poor fit. 

NEVER fill the inside of the clock with polystyrene "chips" or infill. This can do as much damage to the movement as filling it with cement!

IF YOU DO leave things like the key or pendulum (or anything else for that matter) inside the clock, irrepairable damage could happen to the perfect working clock that you have just sold. This could also severely damage your eBay reputation with negative feedback from your unhappy buyer!

ALWAYS use a good, strong box. Pick a box that is large enough to take the clock and sufficient all-round packing. A box where the clock just fits is not really suitable.

ALWAYS wrap the clock using plenty of bubble wrap and secure it using tape, or better still, an elastic band.

LINE the bottom and the sides of the box with plenty of bubble wrap.

PLACE the securely wrapped clock in the box and fill the remaing space with poly chips or infill. REMEMBER, screwed up newspaper and pieces of torn cardboard WILL NOT protect an antique clock. A buyer will not usually object to paying a little extra money on postage and quality packing for the clock to reach them in perfect condition.

PLACE the packet containing the key and pendulum in the box and cover the whole of the top with bubble wrap.

PLACE a note on the top of the bubble wrap, stating that the key and pendulum are packed seperately inside the box. Also include any setting up instructions that you think your buyer may need.

FINALLY, seal your very strong box with parcel tape and DON'T forget to mark the box FRAGILE. Address your box and send it on it's way.

ALWAYS send your clock by recorded delivery, or by other means where a signiture is obtained. Sadly, there are some dishonest people out there in "eBay Land" The end result should be very happy people and positive feedback all round.

SPECIAL NOTE! Neither the Royal Mail or any carrier will insure an Antique clock! This is something you need to bear in mind when packing your clock for transport, as any damage to the clock could result in unpleasantness between yourself and your buyer! As a seller, you should be careful to make sure that you don't charge extra for insurance as you may find yourself breaking the law!!

IF YOU FIND that your clock needs setting up when you have received it, may I suggest that you read the excellent review written by England 5 on the subject of setting up.

THANK YOU for taking the time to read this article. If you have found it useful, please don't forget to vote.