How to Ship a Graphics Card Like Professionals Do – Safety First
How to ship a graphics card is a challenging task because of how fragile it is. Use at least two boxes, plenty of foam, and packing pallets, and seal a good deal for the shipping. Throw in a fragile sticker, and your item should be fine.
Computer components and other electronics are difficult to ship because poor manhandling can damage them, even if the damage is not visible.
Too much shaking, throwing around, and other similar things could ruin such things.
However, figuring out how to ship a graphics card is not that difficult if you put its protection first.
You will need lots of cushioning, as well as a reliable courier.
Here is everything you need to know about packaging and finding the best deal.
Table of Contents
What You Need to Prepare
How to Pack Graphics Cards
In this guide, you will learn how to ship graphics cards safely and efficiently, like a pro. By following these steps, you can minimize the risk of damage during shipping.
1. Place the Graphics Card into an Anti-Static Bag
The anti-static bag is mandatory for most electronics.
While it looks like a regular bag could do, static electricity is a serious problem and can easily damage electronics, even if the damage is not visible.
You can buy such bags from most couriers or mail centers.
The bag is inexpensive but prevents a serious risk, so it is worth some consideration.
2. Find the Original Box of the Graphics Card
Try to find the original box of the graphics card.
If you still have it, perfect.
If not, try to find a similar box.
It should not be too large but large enough to accommodate the graphics card without putting any pressure on it.
It is perfectly fine to have a few gaps – fill them with cushioning.
Use bubble wrap around the graphics card or add some packing peanuts.
Make sure everything is tight so the card does not move around the box – however, too tight is also bad, as it can put pressure on the unit.
3. Get a Larger Box for the Actual Shipping
Find a larger box to accommodate the smaller one.
It needs to have about an inch extra on each side.
Such measurements do not have to be perfect. The extra space requires even more cushioning.
Whether you use foam, packing peanuts, newspaper, or other cushioning, feel free to exaggerate with it.
Fill all the voids, then close the box and shake it a little for the cushioning to settle.
Open it again and add some more – feel free to do it until there is no void.
4. Seal the Box
Use tape to seal the box.
Seal every opening a few times.
Roll the tape around the box; both boxes must go through this step separately.
Do it until it feels like no matter how the package is handled, it will not go open.
Get a sticker that says fragile and put it on the box.
You want couriers to know that there is something fragile inside.
The sticker will not guarantee that courier workers will pay more attention but play it safe anyway.
Once sealed, the box should be wrapped – grab a foil roll and take it around the box a few times.
The wrapping will add to the overall protection and count as cushioning for the fragile contents – more is better.
5. Get the Shipping Labels and Send the Package
Find a courier that can give you a good deal.
Since the box is likely to be small and easy to handle, every courier will be available.
You need to check out different deals and prices – most of them will be based on the actual weight.
You will need shipping labels, too – usually, you will have to pay for them.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship Graphics Cards?
Shipping a graphics card will cost anywhere between $10 and $35.
Normally, different couriers will give you different deals.
They will weigh the parcel first, which will not be too heavy.
It also depends if you ship the item locally or abroad.
Plus, there are different shipping options – next-day shipping will cost more than standard shipping, to give you an example.
If the graphics card is expensive, you might want to consider insuring it – it will add to the price, but at least you will have the peace of mind that you are covered.
The Cheapest Way to Ship Graphics Cards
With so many couriers, deciding on the right one is a bit difficult.
They all do the same thing, so the actual price is extremely important.
USPS is one of the least expensive options out there.
However, USPS will charge you for the shipping labels.
It is still a cheap option, but you can get your own shipping labels if you print them yourself – free of charge.
Sign up with Pirate Ship, weigh the parcel yourself, and you will be able to print your free labels.
Stick them on the box and take them to USPS for the actual shipping.
Now, shipping labels from USPS will not cost a fortune, but if you can save some money – why not?
If you run a business, it will save you quite a lot in the long run.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, figuring out how to ship a graphics card is more about the packaging.
The static bag is a must, as well as the excessive amounts of cushioning.
Seal the box and ensure the item does not move on the inside, and you are ready to go.
USPS is the best-priced choice; Pirate Ship can make it even better by allowing you to print shipping labels for free.
Found this post helpful? You are not the only one struggling to send such fragile computer components – feel free to share the article with others too.
