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How to Safely Package Scale Figures (1/7, PVC, Resin) for Secure International Shipping

If you've ever ordered a high-value figure only to have its precious box crushed, dented, or ripped upon arrival, you know the pain of inadequate shipping. Standard boxes used by general retailers are designed for low-cost, not high-value collectibles. At Japan Art & Doujin, we ship to collectors, which means our primary goal is to ensure the figure box is treated as a collectible item itself. Our process begins and ends with maximum reinforcement.

I. The Double Protection: The Principle of "Box-in-a-Box"

The greatest threat to any collector's item during international transit is crushing and external impact. This is especially true for delicate scale figures and the valuable limited-edition boxes they come in. Our non-negotiable solution is the Box-in-a-Box method, which creates crucial layers of defense.

1. The Principle of the "Box-in-a-Box" (Non-Negotiable)

The technique is simple: your purchased figure, inside its original factory box (Box 1), is carefully secured inside a second, larger, robust shipping box (Box 2).

• Box 1 (The Figure Box): This is the collectible item. It needs protection from scratches, scuffs, and movement.

• Box 2 (The Shipping Box): This is the armor. It takes the impact, absorbs the crushing weight of other packages, and ensures the collector's box inside remains untouched.

2. Security Against Movement: The Secret of "Flotation"

The space between Box 1 and Box 2 is arguably the most critical area. We never allow the inner figure box to sit directly against the walls of the outer shipping box.

The inner box must be able to "float" in a thick, protective layer of cushioning material. This layer absorbs all vibrations, drops, and movements, preventing the force from ever reaching the figure's original packaging. This means zero internal shifting, which is the leading cause of broken joints and detached pieces during transit.

II. Materials and Precautions: Protecting the Figure’s Original Box

The integrity of the original figure box is often just as important as the figure itself. Collector-grade shipping means protecting the 'second skin' of the collectible from moisture, abrasion, and internal movement.

1. The Shell: Protecting the Figure Box from Scratches

Before Box 1 enters its armor (Box 2), we take critical steps to protect the surface:

• Protection of the Surface: The shiny surfaces of figure boxes are highly susceptible to scratches and scuffs. This is why we use a foam sheet or a thin protective film to wrap the original box. This method is superior, as it prevents abrasion and marks that common bubble wrap might leave on glossy finishes.

• Moisture Defense: For international shipments, moisture is a real threat. This internal wrapping acts as a basic humidity barrier, ensuring the cardboard remains crisp and unwarped, regardless of transit conditions.

2. Why We NEVER Use Loose Styrofoam Peanuts (The Collector’s Nightmare)

While many large retailers use loose styrofoam peanuts (or 'chips') for cushioning, this is a collector's nightmare for several reasons:

• Zero Compression Resistance: Peanuts easily shift and compress under pressure, allowing Box 1 to shift and get damaged. They offer poor resistance to the heavy packages stacked on top of them.

• Messy Residue: They leave a static, messy residue that can cling to the figure box.

Instead, we rely on high-loft crinkled kraft paper and/or strong bubble wrap. These materials are used to wedge and immobilize the item within the outer box, ensuring superior structural integrity and the maintenance of the "flotation" effect throughout the entire journey.

III. Privacy and Assurance: Guaranteeing a Discreet and Undamaged Arrival

For collectors of niche, mature, or high-value art, discretion and assurance are not optional—they are mandatory.

1. Total Confidentiality: Opaque Packaging and Discreet Labeling

• Opaque Exterior: All our outer shipping boxes are plain, heavy-duty cardboard. There are no visible logos, graphics, or identifying artwork on the exterior packaging that could hint at the sensitive nature of the contents.

• Discreet Labeling: Shipping labels are generated to be purely functional. The required customs declaration uses neutral, generic descriptions like "Printed Materials," "Resin Statue," or "Plastic Figure" to ensure total privacy and discretion for all items.

2. Our Guarantee Against Transit Damage

We are confident in our Box-in-a-Box method and the high-quality materials we use. We do not consider the transaction complete until the item is safely in your hands, in the condition we sent it.

• In the highly unlikely event that your figure box or item arrives damaged due to transit negligence on our part, Japan Art & Doujin guarantees a resolution. We will work to replace the item or provide a suitable refund according to our policy.

Conclusion: Your Figure Arrives in Perfect Condition (Japan Art & Doujin Guarantee)

Shipping rare collectibles requires specialized knowledge, not just tape and cardboard. By strictly adhering to the Box-in-a-Box method, using protective foam sheets, and relying on high-loft kraft paper for zero movement, we eliminate the major risks of international transport.

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👉 Discover our collection of Scale Figures, packaged according to these rigorous standards.