Cheapest Way to Ship Pottery & Ceramics
Extremely fragile, pottery and ceramics demand meticulous packaging and shipping insurance.
Shipping Options for Pottery & Ceramics
Pottery and ceramics are among the most challenging items to ship due to their extreme fragility and irregular shapes. Every piece needs individual wrapping with multiple layers of bubble wrap, and the box must be packed so tightly that nothing moves when shaken vigorously. Double-boxing is strongly recommended for high-value or delicate pieces — the inner box provides a cushioned suspension within the outer box. Budget for extra packaging materials and always purchase insurance, as breakage rates for improperly packed ceramics can exceed 15%.
| Service | Carrier | Est. Cost | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Priority MailRecommended | USPS | $10-16 | 1-3 days | Most pottery pieces with included insurance and fast transit |
| Ground Advantage | USPS | $6-10 | 2-5 days | Smaller, sturdier pieces like mugs or bowls under 2 lbs |
| FedEx Ground | FedEx | $12-18 | 3-7 days | Larger pieces like vases or sculpture that need bigger boxes |
| UPS Ground | UPS | $12-18 | 3-7 days | Heavy pottery sets or wholesale orders to galleries |
Packaging Tips for Pottery & Ceramics
Pro Tips
- The 'shake test' is essential: seal the box and shake it firmly in all directions. If you hear or feel anything move, open it up and add more padding.
- Fill hollow items (cups, bowls, vases) with crumpled paper before wrapping the outside — this prevents implosion from compression during stacking.
- Always buy shipping insurance for pottery. Even perfectly packed ceramics have about a 3-5% breakage rate due to severe impacts during sorting.
Important Considerations
Ceramics and pottery have high breakage rates during shipping. Always purchase insurance for the full value of the item. Include a packing slip or note asking the recipient to photograph any damage before discarding packaging — this documentation is required for most insurance claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
At minimum, every surface of the item should have 2 inches of bubble wrap or foam padding between it and the box wall. For thin or delicate pieces, double-boxing with 3 inches of padding between the inner and outer boxes is the safest approach. The packaging should feel absolutely rigid when you press on the outside of the box.
Absolutely. Even experienced shippers see breakage rates of 3-5% on ceramics due to the rough handling in automated sorting facilities. Insurance typically costs $2-3 per $100 of value, which is a small price compared to replacing a handmade $50-200 piece and losing a customer. Many pottery sellers build insurance costs into their shipping price.
Wrap the mug in 2-3 layers of bubble wrap with extra padding around the handle, then place it in a box with at least 2 inches of clearance on all sides. Fill the remaining space with crumpled paper until the mug cannot move at all. For sets of mugs, wrap each one individually and use cardboard dividers to keep them separated.
Ship Pottery & Ceramics for Less
Get discounted USPS Priority Mail rates and save on every package.
Start Shipping Free