the first time you ship your work, please read and follow
all instructions carefully. We want your piece to arrive and return
safely.

On the UPS website, you
can access their guidelines for good packaging.  If you follow
their instructions, and ours, you shouldnt have any problems. 
(Damage claims are an unbelievable hassle, so please pack carefully.)

Packing Instructions and
Inventory:  Please include packing and unpacking
instructions that are easy to understand and follow.  Also enclose
an inventory sheet with your name, address, phone number, title of piece
and value

Packing material: 
Polystyrene peanuts (new or recycled) are lightweight and can be used
for filler, but they shift, so they are not good for holding things
in place.  Use them in combination with other materials that will
provide stability, e.g. egg cartons, styrofoam blocks and foam rubber. 
Do NOT use real popcorn. Besides attracting rodents and insects, real
popcorn falls apart in shipping.  Filling the box tightly with
packing material and then filling it a little more is a good rule of
thumb.

Double boxing is
REQUIRED of all pieces (and is also required by UPS).  Use new
(or like new), strong, corrugated cardboard boxes. 

The inside box:  Wrap each piece in bubble
wrap before placing in the inside box. Use a box that is one two inches
bigger in all directions than the object wrapped in bubble or foam wrap. 
Fill the space around the wrapped piece with foam peanuts and other
packing material.

The outer box: Put at least four inches of
packing material tightly around the whole inner box. (This is what saves
it from punctures and damaged corners.) Your package should be able
to fall 20 feet without the contents breaking.  Seal box with packaging
tape on all openings and on edges.

Shipping Labels: 
Put a label just inside the outer box, (include your return address)
in case the shipping label is lost or obscured.  Cover the outer
address label with clear tape.   In the upper left corner
of the box, write:  # of items enclosed _____.  Writing the
number of separate pieces that are in the box, including lids, trays,
et. al.., tells the unpackers how many pieces are inside.  Please
put your return address on the box.

Choice of shipper: 
UPS is the most commonly used carrier.  If you do not have access
to UPS, use US Postal Service, FedEx or similar. Do NOT send by bus. 
For very large pieces that must be shipped via truck line, verify that
the trucking company will deliver to the gallery address.  Truck
lines insure shipments by the pound, so the insured value will be very
low.

* Contents Description:  When filling out the shipping
bill, it is best to describe your piece by function (teapot, vase, plate,
sculpture)or to list it as pottery or ceramics.  Do NOT list as
ART.  If asked about contents, do NOT say it is one of a kind
or art.  Most shipping companies will not insure artworks.

* Shipping Insurance:  All work should be insured
for its full value during transit.  This amount must match the
dollar amount listed on your entry form.  Some insurance companies
will not pay you the full amount, but you have to have that amount listed
to get the same percentage as if it were sold.  To preserve your
right to file an insurance claim, packages with visible severe damage
will not be accepted from the shipping agent by the gallery.

NCECA shall have no responsibility
or liability in the event that your work is lost, stolen or damaged. 
Claims should be submitted to the insured gallery or transit company
for any such loss, theft or damage.

* Return shipping:  NCECA will pay return shipping
costs up to $250, including insurance when possible.  Your work
will be repacked in the same packing materials and by the same method
it was delivered unless you have specified otherwise.  If you have special return specifications, please
state them on your packing instructions sheet.  If appropriate
packaging is not supplied, the artist will be responsible for making
arrangements for re-crating and return shipping.  NCECA will not
fund the shipping of work that is sold from the exhibition.  Purchasers
must make arrangements with the gallery for shipping or pick-up.

* Hand Delivery: Hand-delivered work must be delivered by
appointment only.   Contact the gallery to make arrangements.

* Pick-up of pieces:  Hand-delivered pieces must
be picked up in person, also by appointment.  If you prefer to
have the piece shipped back, it must be double boxed according to the
shipping instructions when it is hand delivered. Please do not attempt
delivery or pick up without making arrangements with the gallery first.

* Clay National Exhibition Catalog:  Each artist
will receive a catalog that may be claimed during the conference at
the NCECA table in the commercial exhibits area, or will be mailed to
you after the conference.

Thank you to Market House Craft Center, Ephrata, PA  17522, for
help in compiling these instructions.