Monday, September 19, 2011

4 Safe Ways to Properly Package and Deliver Vinyl Records and CDs

By Zeta C. Donairee


Vinyl records and CDs are valuable in ways other than just monetary value alone. Preserving your record and CD selection starts with learning how to bundle LPs, 78's, 45's, and CDs because these make up the bulk of many collections.

Enthusiastic vinyl record lovers and serious retailers need to realize the necessity of packaging vinyl records and CDs correctly. This not simply safeguards albums from any kind of damage which may happen during delivery, but it also ensures that your own albums stay pristine for longer.

LPs

Professionals who focus on vinyl packaging will show you that 12-inch LPs, or perhaps maxi-singles, must only be delivered in secure, cardboard mailers. You need to only use mailers specifically made for this function. These normally have size of 12.5 to 13 inches long and width. When packaging 12-inch LPs, you must remove the disc from the album jacket and place this properly within the box. This prevents the album cover from getting its stitches separated as the disk slides back and forth inside it during transit. Line the bottom part of the box using a cardboard insert prior to placing the disk in it's designated place. You will also need to put another cardboard insert over the disk once it's within the mailer. Before wrapping up the box, be sure that the disk fits snugly inside the mailer. In case it still slides around, put another card board insert until the disk no longer slips if the bundle is rattled.

78's

78-rpm records have a dimension of 10 inches and need to be given the same focus on detail as LPs when packed. These records are designed out of shellac, resulting in disks which are more fragile compared to LPs and should thus be managed with more care. Adding trouble to this, they do not come pre-packed in cardboard jackets but are usually only guarded by paper sleeves. One must follow the same procedure when packaging 78?s as when packing LPs, but the mailer box in this instance will be smaller with equal width and length of around 10.24 inches. Also, the disk needs to fit comfortably into its specified area inside the box and never move when you the mailer box is jostled. It is vital that the disc's mobility is restricted to ensure sufficient protection. You could also line the inside of the box with bubble wrap to further safeguard these disks.

45's

7-inch, or 45-rpm, disks should be packaged based on the same processes listed above, however in this case the mailer box dimension is 7.5 inches by 7.5 inches. Many of these records feature card board jackets, so prior to placing the records into the mailer box, remove the disk from the cover and place it gently on top of the jacket within the box separated by a paper liner. Again, this makes sure that your jacket arrives in perfect condition. Don't forget that in most cases, the original jackets of vinyl records tend to be more valuable than the disks themselves as these are deemed as precious collectors' objects.

CDs

In comparison to vinyl records, CDs are much less of a headache to pack. CDs come in their own jewel cases, that are durable enough to protect the disks inside, so you will just need to choose a mailer box which is slightly bigger than the CD's jewel case. Line your box with bubble wrap and make sure that the CD fits snugly within the box in order to shield the CD and the jewel case from scratches or damage.

Some of these albums may turn out to be timeless classics, and if you're a serious collector, the rewards of keeping them in pristine condition is really priceless.




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