A Package to Turin...
Following on from an enquiry about the sale of a batch of Tristezza T-Shirts from a customer in Turin, who had contacted me via LinkedIn, I sourced a box that I thought would be suitable for sending them to Italy and I then sent an e-mail to ask if an order was yet ready to be placed – to which I received a reply to say that there had been a change of mind and could 4 of my Glowing Edges Designs Crepe de Chine silk scarves be purchased instead.
After a quick exchange of correspondence, in which I provided photographs of the scarf designs from which to choose and all necessary details for the international bank transaction, I had to again consider the packaging that was needed to send these scarves.
When selecting the box that I had previously used to send 2 scarves to a customer in Milan, I thought that its size and kraft finish would make it particularly suitable as a gift box but, when trying to fit 4 tissue paper wrapped scarves into one, I discovered that on this occasion it wasn't possible.
Now having various samples of boxes, envelopes and various wrapping materials in my possession, I soon found a combination that would suit my purposes and before long my package was handed over to the post office, where I was informed that its weight was over the limit for the rate that I had previously paid to send 2 scarves to Italy.
Although I had calculated the extra weight of the silk, I had only guessed the weight of the two flat boxes that fit perfectly into the bubble lined envelope. The resultant charge added another ￡1.45 to the total cost of the order but, as a 17% addition to the postage, it made me think very clearly about the need to be very accurate when working with the weights and dimensions of packages to be sent in the post – to the extent that I purchased a set of scales for future use.
Having tracked the journey of the package all the way from Treeton to Turin, I was very pleased when I received a message to let me know that the scarves for Alberto and his young family had safely arrived - “Hello Scott, scarves have been delivered. So beautiful: they will be such a gift for Christmas!”.
