How to Package Pottery SAFELY for Shipping

Okay, this week's video is a little different, it's a long one that goes into a lot of depth about how I package my pottery to be shipped. We'll get back to the regularly scheduled programming next weekend but this is still a fundamentally important part of the process for me. Thanks for watching!
Timecodes:
0:00 - Introduction
1:25 - Preparing boxes
2:00 - Prepared packing materials
2:22 - Wrapping a beaker
3:41 - Wrapping two mugs
5:29 - Recycling cardboard and reinforcing boxes
7:39 - Wrapping taught to me in Japan
9:19 - Wrapping a teapot
11:13 - Wrapping a single bowl
12:25 - Wrapping a pair of coffee cups
12:53 - Wrapping six bowls together
14:43 - Wrapping a small bowl, (folding corner to corner)
15:48 - Wrapping a lidded jar
16:32 - THROWING THE POT AGAINST THE WALL, ARGH (highly recommend this timestamp).
17:45 - Wrapping a larger vase
18:22 - Printing and preparing labels and invoices
19:20 - Sticking the labels on
20:30 - Preparing customs documents
21:19 - UK orders being collected
22:11 - EU and Canada orders being collected
22:30 - USA orders being collected
22:42 - Thanks
Thanks for watching and as always, you can find me everyday on Instagram for daily posts, ( / floriangadsby .
____
Instagram - / floriangadsby
TikTok - / floriangadsby
Website - www.floriangadsby.com

[@deadordiana]

"Ahh, another gentle and relaxing video from Florian" *Throws box at wall*

[@williamwarnemyr1753]

😂

[@johnbritish5757]

true 😌

[@bethanywhites9764]

That deserved an automatic smash the subscribe from me….

[@wass77]

he is a man of focus, commitment, and sheer f*cking will

[@bubblemonkeyx]

My pot arrived here in the US the other day in perfect condition. Record speed too. It got here faster than another item I ordered from within the US at the same time. The amount of effort you put into this boggles my mind. Thank you for your hard work!

[@floriangadsby]

Ah, that’s wonderful to hear. Thank you so much and I really hope you like it. I too, am quite shocked by the speed of my US deliveries this time, some arrived in the US before they did Scotland, here in the UK, which is just absurd if you think about the comparative distance. Thanks for watching like always, and I’m sure the pot is in safe hands.

[@bubblemonkeyx]

@@floriangadsby I still have not received the other package that I mentioned above. So yes it is pretty crazy that a package arrived here across the ocean but a package that only has to travel over land, a few hundred miles at most, would take so long. I have one of your lidded jars. It's beautiful, I love it! It's on my desk to look at while I'm working :)

[@kevinmacnamara7000]

Thank you for showing us the reality of running a successful online business. I bet a few people who watched this are now rethinking their plan to quit their office job to start their own pottery studio.

[@sendmeplantpics]

No joke. That is too true. I'm starting to feel more and more anxious over time in my (deadline-driven) job as a graphic designer and am not really sure if I am still happy. I have been interested in pottery for years and I'm thinking about scaling back work and investing more time into ceramics but I'm afraid I've missed my window and experience.

[@marcocampagnaro7068]

@@sendmeplantpics I think it's never too late! If you really wanna do it, you can do it! It might need an extra effort, but if you are willing to spend some extra energy there is nothing that can stop you!

[@sendmeplantpics]

@@marcocampagnaro7068 Thank you, your words mean a lot.

[@marcocampagnaro7068]

@@sendmeplantpics best of luck to you! Maybe some day I will purchase from you! 💪🏼

[@blubfishuwaaa]

@@sendmeplantpics best of luck, never too late man

[@laurendsuz]

that opening scene is the best bahaha definitely shows how impressive your packaging skills are!

[@sprucemoose8476]

For the price he charges I’d want it delivered personally by him on a goose feather pillow.

[@RPRsChannel]

Someone should send this video to Amazon, they way they have packed my books past two years; I might as well have bought them used since the new books arrive so banged up.

[@_justbillie]

My husband used to be a postal worker… his coworker would purposely throw fragile boxes into the bins just to hear the items break. It’s perfectly reasonable to make it so your pots don’t rattle however much time it takes. Side note: I’m very thankful for all your videos and the time you took / take to make them. You deserve all the best of success 🤗

[@NineTailedFate]

His coworker is a c*nt

[@nirmalkumarravi9869]

So your husband watch them throw?

[@_justbillie]

@@nirmalkumarravi9869 no.

[@chopin65]

Dear Sir: I can't afford your lovely treasures, but my deep admiration for them grows with each video. Artists like yourself, may never fully understand the great good you do. It truly is as vital as any other work. Once we provide for fundamentals, humans need a way to talk about the meaning of living, and that is what a great pot can do. Because it exists, we can imagine. As a poet, I see life in details. I look at my little pot of tea, and see a world (the pot the world, the tea the life), and its moon is the cup. The two are the poem of my breakfast, along with the orange at its side. Yes, the orange is the sun, as you can see. If one wonders about the worth of things, I say, ask a potter. I thought you should know. Of course, you already knew. Right? Blessings, to you and your family.

[@luizagriebelersouza8461]

This video saved my neck! I am just starting to ship my ceramics by mail and was terrified of packing them wrong. With you giving instructions to all kinds of pieces, now i feel way safer, thanks for your wonderful content Florian!

[@floriangadsby]

Wonderful news! I wish you good luck packing.

[@midgleygreen4231]

Found this fascinating Florian. Particularly as we package ceramics in a very similar way. However we did make the change to thick recycled paper a while ago and I think you’ll find too, it’s brilliant. Hats off to you for packing so many parcels in one hit, can imagine how exhausting that is mentally. A mundane subject made very enjoyable to watch, thank you

[@dancampbell5068]

Anyone else anxious at him throwing the box at a space of wall in between two loads of shelves with finished pots on it? 😳

[@automaton20]

Hey. Congratulations on your success. It's quite an incredible feat to do all of this yourself! We ship about 2000 orders out a month. Here's a few tips that may make the process a bit easier. 1) Use a fulfilment tool like pirate ship, ship station or any number of tools. These will pull in orders from your website so you don't have to type in the information (address, shipping method etc). 2) Also some of the tools mentioned in point 1 allow you to define the package dimensions and weight for specific products. So if you get standard orders (one mug, one bowl, etc.). The package information will be auto populated. 3) Get a thermal printer for your shipping labels. You'll want to get a one that uses fan folded paper like a Rollo (or other comparable product). This way you save the step of cutting the label sheets.

[@floriangadsby]

All good tips! Thank you. I’ll look into pirate ship as typing in all the orders is the death of me. I’ve been meaning to get a thermal printer too-2000 orders a month is nuts!

[@automaton20]

@@floriangadsby you're most welcome. Your packing method is just about the best I've seen. Very impressive! We sell on eBay and through our Facebook shop. We sell all sorts of items. One of our main categories is figurines (ceramic, porcelain, resin, glass, etc). We use newspaper as the first layer. Usually 2-3 layers. Then bubble wrap. I really like the corner to corner method you use to save time on taping. We will be sharing this video with our shipper (he works full time for us).

[@PRETTYREADERR]

This need me to be a tv show on Netflix ! The technique , the calmness in his voice , the taping skill. I’m so impressed and very informed

[@nanitabeng]

I love how you receive tips for a more sustainable packaging method in the comments and how you point out this problem and that you are willing to change and become more sustainable. In this way you can promote sustainable packaging in the future. The organic chips are already amazing and can inspire other packers. I myself am also looking for a good sticky tape. Hope to find an upgraded package video in the future with links of the sustainable products you can recommend. Your work is incredibly beautiful!

[@Pipsqwak]

I hope everyone who buys a piece from Florian appreciates how much work goes into the whole process. Incredible amount of labor from beginning to end, even the shipping. Truly a labor of love!

[@ZacharyWThomas]

You could post an hour long video of you just explaining how you do your taxes and I would still watch every second.

[@shianYT]

i'm in the process of launching my small business and have been researching ways of packaging my pieces safely. i find this very informative, thank you so much for making this video!

[@aurapottery1561]

We used to use bubble wrap also but switched to corrugated paper which is also available in a roll. We replaced the beans with balls of newspaper. Haven't had any breakages since!

[@jackiemasters5407]

It was wonderful to see your process, it is incredibly similar to mine, although I ship no where near as many as you do!!! It is always a joy to see how you work, whether it is throwing a pot or packaging it, you share so much and to the rest of us potters that means so much. Thank you for your generosity, it is greatly appreciated. It has been shared amongst us Australian Potters.

[@jonahdichter6291]

I've been subscribed to you here on KZbin for the past five months and following your Instagram for a little bit longer, and this is your first complete cycle of making, trimming, firing, and now packing that I've seen from beginning to end. I've learned a lot from watching that I've brought into my own work, and you do an incredible job of making the viewer feel like they're along for the journey - I think you've responded to every comment I've left on either KZbin and Instagram. So thanks so much for the great work you do!

[@ranjitsreeram]

I was secretly waiting for this episode 🙈 And mannnn!!! you are such a perfectionist 👌

[@ninapesner3434]

Florian!! You are awesome! You work is so elegant and I feel peaceful when I look at all your forms. The way you organize your studio, your way of working and packing is incredible. Namaste…..

[@chrisdotdash5154]

Amazing video! You are so organized and passionate about your work. So inspirational. ❤️

[@manuelcreignou]

Just received mine today !! The small white cup is a beauty. Thanks a lot ! Great packaging technique indeed.

[@CraftyMoonshine]

Your content is so clear and to the point and just really well put together - thank you so much! 🙏

[@christopherbicknell8849]

Glad you're appreciative. Great skill even making a packing video so interesting and soothing to watch! I will never complain about sending one box haha

[@mitchboynunn]

Love the vids. Because of you I went out and dug up my own clay to start turning myself!

[@Ghanemq8]

I just love the work ethic above all. Good stuff, very inspirational.

[@apersonaplace]

Thanks for the informative videos, they're really cool to watch. Hiring people to help you pack if you're able seems like an awesome idea.

[@tanyahunter7320]

I'm so glad you feel that making these youtube videos is 'fun and rewarding' ! Your content is fabulous! 🤩Thank you for sharing 😊

[@skraaim561]

Love to watch your efficiency by all the different jobs it all contains. i really hope you can get help cause you are a creator not a bubblerap-man. ☺️Love the space for new creations! 🙏🏻☀️🧡

[@Szegro]

So excited to watch this!! I just shipped my first products a few days ago :) excited to see how we differ

[@dianamcedenovaldes5828]

Well! Discovered this video 2 years after it was done but wow! Awesome video, so detailed, so visual and well explained. Thank you!

[@paulgruner9644]

Very helpful info. Thank you. And the teapot is gorgeous!

[@danielajohnson177]

THANK YOU for showing the packing/shipping process. You are very patient, professional and an inspiration. :)

[@floriangadsby]

Thank you for watching Daniela!

[@kipmarchetti6123]

This is the most satisfying video I've seen in a long time ... well done!

[@thairinkhudr4259]

That's a lot of effort and discipline! Much much respect to you for being so consistent and making informative content free for everyone! May God bless you! 💐

[@taniam.4554]

WOW! Relaxing to watch and yet eye opening for someone thinking of opening a small business. Excellent video!

[@arcticbear9619]

This is such a satisfying video and very informative. I think it’ll help me greatly when I start my business.

[@fiercekrypton]

I pack bisque fired sculpture with lots of fragile bits and it's all about paper looze fill for me. Sculpt is usually wrapped 6 or so times with 36 inch squares of newsprint paper then put into box then balls of newsprint paper are shoved into corners to create more security.

[@maryanderson4015]

Love the video! I'm happy to see that I'm follow some of your tips. I do like to tape the wrapping with masking tape so people can find the ends of tape when unpacking . Getting a piece of pottery is always so exiting that I always get excited and can never find the tape to open so thought this would help on the other end. I usually cover the handles of mugs with cardboard scrapes but after seeing your video maybe that's abit more then I need. Thanks again for all the info and your time!

[@foskco87]

You are an incredibly talented and hard working person. The fact that you create all that wonderful pottery in itself is amazing, let alone the fact that you package and ship it all yourself, and on top of all that create social media content. Impressive to say the least. Keep it up.

[@atiraa6276]

Your videos make my week , love it.

[@crisxoc4409]

I think there's something of value and really special about receiving a package from the creator who also learned how to package properly from his Sensei. That's receiving luxury.

[@m.maclellan7147]

Worked at a weathervane place and we used leftover materials from an upholstery company in the same building. They didn't have to worry about waste & we got excellent packing material. We also used "packing peanuts" as well, which always pick up a static charge and cling to everything !

[@joseeugeniofariaalvim9974]

What to say rather than 👏👏👏👏👏 Congratulations from Brazil for another great video. I learned very much with you today. Thank you very much.

[@nonexistenty4152]

I am just genuinely grateful for this video. I had reached a standstill in my journey into shipping clay items and your video teachings helped me get out of that. I now know what to do. Sir, thank you TRULY 🙂for your hardwork in making these videos for us.

[@andreamundt]

Cool and heartwarming ! haha Very nice style of doing top quality work. Love your videos!! Thanks! : D

[@janlewis9099]

Thank you that was really, really helpful. I loved how you tested the efficiency of your packaging. 😄😄

[@gabiglaezer8685]

Another great video, and just what I needed to see. I love all your videos they are so focused and well made just the right amount of information. Thank you so much for sharing your work.

[@vanessagomez5738]

ugh. you can just tell how much effort you put into your career - videos, photos, packaging, EVERYTHING. :') it's really quite beautiful. congrats to you for finding your niche.

[@rayanfernando5925]

I just want to say that you helped a lot for everyone for their development and for mine as well by this video thank you for that😄😄

[@keithwhite7591]

Very helpful video. You also have a perfect voice for radio stories.Wonderful

[@dove5729]

Awesome packaging,and demonstration! Thank you!

[@JasonEllisBuilds]

I really appreciate your attention to detail.. Well done..

[@Tangent.]

Ive worked at a post office for several years and I think if something were to arrive to the standard Florian packs, they would almost certainly be the most well packaged items Ive handled. All of his points are spot on and rest assured if you order anything from him and it arrives broken, someone has made it their personal mission to break it

[@kanchandhankani3772]

hats off to all your hard work ! you seem to be a one man factory!!

[@oliferous]

thanks for this, incredibly inspirational and just what i needed to see!! Great job on everything, that SO MUCH WORK!! But so worth it!! I aspire to this someday!! Thank you🖤

[@blu_cc2478]

this is very insightful! Thank you for sharing ur shipping process 💕

[@internetmike]

This is so helpful! I want to send some stuff to family and have been wondering about this

[@FangusVientos]

Me encanta tu trabajo Florian. Exactamente preciso hasta en el packaging. Es un placer ver tu trabajo, gracias.

[@maureenmontes3194]

I love your videos!! Keep up the good work :)

[@erikadonaghy3651]

Thanks for sharing your process! I've been struggling with shipping so much!

[@MHart-xr6qg]

I have degree and many years experience in packaging engineering .... and you've done an excellent job!

[@Cleotrio1]

You are amazing! I am just now venturing out to start selling my pottery online. :P Thanks for these valuable tips!

[@robkemp7291]

Lovely content as always..

[@cindyrodger4867]

Congratulations on your success!

[@floriangadsby]

Thank you so much! It’s all packed up and I can finally begin to make again, yippee!

[@Ursaminor31]

Thank you for sharing your talents.

[@redharrier8273]

Thanks! That was very helpful.

[@Dakia74]

Great video! Thanks

[@shakielakarim6178]

Fantastic packaging, great video, thank you for ghr tips 😀 😊 👍 😄

[@anacoelho7603]

Great opening 😎

[@azteclady]

You have your packaging down to an art, it's really impressive! Two things: one, batching your tasks is the most efficient way, both in time and labor, there is when it comes to repetitive things, so you are well ahead of the curve. Second, I would suggest stuffing the larger pots with something--either those peanuts or paper--to equal the pressure from the inside. Finally, if I lived in the UK, I would apply for that "mindlessly packing for a week and then entering all the data for labeling/customs"--it's the kind of zen-out job I enjoy the most.

[@uiurp]

Really good job!!! So interesting

[@jaycal1920]

I learnt that with delicate things if you fill them with newspaper and make thrm a solid even the thinest glass will stand up to a lot more. Even the handles, if you fill that area. What i mean is if you get a glass, stuff it with newspaper tight and another exact same glass empty, wrap in cloth and drop them. Or put weight on them. The empty one will always break first.

[@luzianobrist]

So helpful. Thank you!

[@hktouk]

very enjoy to watch your working style

[@ophello]

*I very *much enjoy *watching your working style

[@LesonaCrochet]

Your voice was shaking at the end. I love you.

[@louannsmith9212]

You’re awesome, very helpful, thank you

[@iwovbue]

Love the video, also I'm sure the delivery people probably don't like the sight of this haha 🤣

[@floriangadsby]

Thank you! And yes, haha, they are always quite surprised, but they're also curious and often ask lots of questions. My last UPS driver's mother was a potter! So he was very pleased.

[@dizzybishop9240]

The absolute patience...I could never

[@rustydogpottery]

Thank you I needed this!! I have had some broken pieces, very disappointing!

[@Zhaanaay]

Would love an updated video!

[@louisthepotter9397]

So useful thank you very much.

[@alkhaili7]

Amazing job

[@johnnavarro9169]

Great info mate ,regards from Tasmania

[@acacia_alexander]

I was so alarmed to see Florian throw that box! Haha

[@lily3323]

This is satisfying

[@ershad65]

Great, thanks, now I know what to do!

[@freddiemoretti8456]

Florian, I hope you do well in finding someone to work alongside you, who will be able to work as well as you do. Another really good video with great pointers presented really well. Cheers and be well...Freddie

[@IntiIntii]

Thank you so much!!!

[@GingerWoodturner]

If it shakes - it brakes... Very nice video!

[@floriangadsby]

Damn! Why didn’t I come up with that! Thanks for watching 🙌🏻

[@joeskeramiek6648]

Love the video

[@ln14517]

The work you put in is just incredible!

[@hubertringwald9699]

I guess I saw the two items which are on its way to my place. 😍

[@pallkvaran2903]

lol love the beginning

[@annettemarie2076]

Excellent Thank You

[@michaelairley2015]

Did you make this because I asked about shipping to Norway a week ago? hehe. Great video. You must work 24/7

[@shakielakarim6178]

Well done 👏 ✔ 👍 👌

[@marianaserfontein756]

One or two items of the same size per box is not a problem. The problem is packing 30 or 40 items of varying shapes and sizes. The extra layers of cardboard around the sides is a good idea which I will definitely implement. Thank you

[@ChandanKr.16]

My father also makes flower pots in India, we deliver in bulk like 300 to 1000 flower Pots, but we don't do any packaging. We just load the flowerpots on the vehicle. 3 or 4 pots may get broken. Packaging like you is really time consuming and costly. Your video is informative. Thanks keep up the good work.