How do I send a WATCH in the mail?

[artforartssake]

What is the QUICKEST and SAFEST way to send an expensive WATCH (value: approx. $1,000) through the mail?

Do I need any sort of insurance or does Aust Post cover that?

[chameleon54]

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@mbselections00 wrote:

Maybe this suggestion is a bit late, but having read about several scams on watches & similar items on these boards, if there are any identifying markings or numbers on the watch I would be taking a note & photos before sending.  I would also be taking photos of each stage of the packing, including the address.  Sorry I know that may sound a bit over the top, but at worst (and hopefully) all it will mean is a bit of time wasted, but worth it for the extra protection & evidence (just in case it's needed) & for peace of mind - just my opinion though.

Hope all goes well

Edit.  Sorry Joe, I think the steel box is a great idea, but would be too heavy.

OP, I'd go with tippy's tips !!

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I regularly do a similar thing to Joes suggestion, but a bit lighter. I go to my local junky op shop and buy all of the biscuit and sweets tins and cannisters for around fifty cents each. I also buy tupperware containers etc and use all of these to pack fragile items in. I have a big box in the garage, which I keep full of different sized and shaped containers. I wrap the item in bubble wrap with scrunched up newspaper around the sides to fill the whole tin up.

This is well recieved by customers with many feedback comments on secure packing and I,ve never had a single breakage since using the system.

mbselection00's suggestion of photographing identifying marks is a good one as I would be very worried about scammers. ( I may be dealing with one now on a $100 item )

[joethenuts]

great idea   

[mbselections00]

What clever ideas.  Not only is it a great way of recycling, the op shop benefits, and your customers receive a free gift & secure packaging - I like it

[*tippy*toes*]

That's an excellent idea about photographing serial numbers and any identifying feature on the watch. I would probably even go so far as weighing the unwrapped watch in its box (if it has one) and then asking the PO if the postage label can be photographed as that will have the weight of the packed product (I've never had the weight on the receipt, only the post code and tracking number). That way if the buyer turns around and says the box just contained scrunched up newspaper, the OP will have a photograph of the watch on its own and the packaged product ready to post.

Maybe take a photo of the postage label and the address label with the postage label in the shot too. That way the OP couldn't be accused of taking a photo of any old label. Take the photo using the high quality setting so when enlarged, the postage label with the address showing can be read.

If the OP posts over the counter, don't forget to ask for the post code to be put on the receipt. They don't all do it automatically and they have to go into a different screen to add it, so ask as soon as you pass the parcel to them.

Love the idea about the Tupperware containers too. I have received a few things in small Decor containers (clearly brand new) and it worked a treat. They are now in my cupboard with stuff in them! I get small really sturdy boxes from work that I use to pack things in to then put in a larger box. They are sturdy enough whereby you literally have to jump on them to crush them. If you jump on them with bare feet you hurt your feet. I just wish I could get some different shaped ones, these are quite flat (about 1.5" high). Some taller ones would be good!