Most suitable boxes/packaging for this deep box frame

[daveym]

I have a generic thick box frame measuring 27cm x 27cm x 6cm (depth). The front is styrene.

Im in the process of setting up some listings for some of my art sold in these frames but before I do I want to buy the most appropriate packaging. I need a suitable double walled box and would probabaly use bubble wrap and maybe additional cardboard stiffeners inside.

I can never work out the correct sizing of the box as I would need to go a few cm extra on each side to accommodate for the amount of bubble wrap used. At the same time I want a reasonably snug fit without the frame moving around.

Can anyone give any recommendations as to an appropriate size based on measurements of frame and where is best to purchase say 10-20 at a time? I need to keep costs down because the frame and art are not overly expensive and profits are minimal although some work has gone into these as they are very light hand crafted sculptures. Are there any additional things I should be adding to secure the frame within packaging?

[nolonstacey]

I've always buy my bespoke boxes from https://www.ascdirect.co.uk. You do need to order 25 at a time, but they work out quite cost effective and using their 'box builder', you can choose the exact type and size. I tend to size my boxes so that there is at least a 2 inch gap all the way around the box for protection. i.e, most of the frames I sell online are 57x47cm so I get boxes approx 62-65cm x 52-55cm. That is for frames with glass in though, so without that, you could probably cut the 2 inches down to 1 inch

I tend to wrap my frames in bubble wrap first, but then cut down cardboard (mountboard boxes are great for this) to fit the length of the box and roll my frame in the middle of this.

[vintage frames]

I buy a pack of double walled corrugated cardboard sheets from Kite Packaging. Cut and fold the cardboard to a box-template about 4cm larger than the frame all round and use all the off-cut cardboard, folded, as spacers to protect the frame.
You'll find the boxes become almost like small sturdy crates.

This is the sort of simple and cost-effective solution that an accredited engineer would give.

[Not your average framer]

It never occurred to me than anyone would be making their own cardboard boxes. May I ask how you join the boxes at the corners? I have not attempted to supply boxes by mail order thus far, because I do know how I would get the boxes down the road to the post office, as I need a quad stick to walk with and I walk down the road hanging on to peoples drain pipes, so I don't have any free hands to carry anything else.

I'm still thinking about ways of getting around this problem and since I also live uphill from the post office and going to and from the post office saps my strength for the rest of the day. I think that in time I will somehow solve this!

[vintage frames]

I secure the folded corners with my tape dispenser.

Sentient access to a computer will tell you that the Post Office will collect your parcel from your premises.

[daveym]

I've always buy my bespoke boxes from https://www.ascdirect.co.uk. You do need to order 25 at a time, but they work out quite cost effective and using their 'box builder', you can choose the exact type and size. I tend to size my boxes so that there is at least a 2 inch gap all the way around the box for protection. i.e, most of the frames I sell online are 57x47cm so I get boxes approx 62-65cm x 52-55cm. That is for frames with glass in though, so without that, you could probably cut the 2 inches down to 1 inch

I tend to wrap my frames in bubble wrap first, but then cut down cardboard (mountboard boxes are great for this) to fit the length of the box and roll my frame in the middle of this.

many thanks for the recommendation. I didn't realist there was a company that could manufacture small quantities for such a reasonable price. The Prices seem very good. I'll have a look around and see if I can find any companies selling similar to the sized box I require and will compare prices.

[daveym]

thanks everyone for your replies. It's given me quite an insight with regards to the recommended companies and what they offer.

For a handful of frames I've sold in the past, i have tended to use vinyl record stiffeners as that is what I had lying around normally in good quantities. These work out at approx 50p per stiffener which I then cut down slightly to size. It allows me to either include the stiffener flat over the frame or wrap it around the frame within a main double walled box. I've never had any damage so far. The current frames I will soon be selling have a styrene front as opposed to glass so hoping there is less likely to be any damage but obviously styrene can also crack so need a way to toughen up the front area of the frame. Maybe the suggestion of buying double walled sheets and cutting down might be a better and more cost effective solution.

[Justintime]

This FedEx box is the same style that Nielsen send out their samples in. I still wouldn't use it for glass, but suspending the frame like this has worked fine for sending out acrylic glazed pieces.