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The Hidden Costs of Poor Art Packaging (and How to Avoid Them)

The Hidden Costs of Poor Art Packaging (and How to Avoid Them)

When it comes to shipping artwork, many artists and galleries try to save money by using cheaper materials or quick, DIY packaging methods. But cutting corners can lead to very expensive consequences. From damaged canvases to lost sales and strained client relationships, poor packaging can cost far more than most people realise.

In this guide, we break down the hidden costs of poor art packaging — and how investing in professional custom art crates from ArtCrates can eliminate those risks entirely.

1. The Financial Cost of Damage

This is the most obvious — and often the most painful — cost.

Even a small dent, tear, or scratch can instantly devalue a piece. For artists, this means hours of restoration or the complete loss of a sale. For galleries and collectors, it could mean thousands of pounds in repairs or insurance claims.

Typical damage caused by poor packaging includes:

  • Corner and edge compression

  • Canvas punctures

  • Frame cracks

  • Surface abrasion or paint transfer

  • Moisture damage

Most of this occurs because the artwork wasn’t properly immobilised, cushioned, or protected inside the package.

A custom wooden art crate eliminates these risks by holding the artwork securely in place and shielding it from impact.

2. Damage to Your Professional Reputation

Your artwork represents your brand. When a collector receives a damaged piece — regardless of who’s to blame — it reflects poorly on you.

Poor packaging can lead to:

  • Negative reviews

  • Lost repeat business

  • Reduced trust from galleries and buyers

  • Increased customer complaints and returns

Shipping artwork in a robust, professional crate instantly demonstrates care and reliability. It signals that you value your clients and the artwork you create.

3. Courier and Insurance Issues

Many shipping insurance policies will not cover damage if the item was not packaged to a professional standard. Cheap boxes, insufficient padding, and materials not suitable for art shipping can all void a claim.

This can lead to:

  • Refused payouts

  • Out-of-pocket repair costs

  • Disputes with couriers and clients

When artwork is shipped in an ISPM-15 certified wooden art crate, you meet professional packaging standards required by most insurers — making claims smoother and more reliable.

4. Time Lost in Repairs, Replacements and Admin

Every hour spent dealing with damage issues is time you could have spent creating or selling art.

Poor packaging often results in:

  • Endless emails with couriers

  • Filing insurance claims

  • Repairing or recreating artwork

  • Re-shipping replacements

  • Stress and delays that disrupt your workflow

Choosing proper packaging upfront — especially custom-built crates — eliminates this wasted time and the logistical headaches that follow.

5. The Cost of Returned or Unsellable Artwork

Damaged artwork isn’t just inconvenient — it can be completely unsellable. A bent stretcher bar, water damage, or torn canvas may render the piece impossible to restore.

For galleries, this means:

  • Lost revenue

  • Missed exhibition deadlines

  • Angry clients

For artists, it can mean losing the value of materials and labour in one hit.

A well-built crate dramatically reduces the likelihood of damage, preserving the value of your work from studio to collector.

6. Environmental Waste and Repackaging Costs

Cheap packaging materials often can’t be reused, leading to:

  • More waste

  • Repackaging for returns or replacements

  • Additional shipping costs

ArtCrates offers reusable wooden art crates, which significantly reduce long-term costs and environmental footprint. Many clients use the same crate for multiple shipments, exhibitions, or storage cycles.

How to Avoid These Hidden Costs

The solution is simple: invest in proper packaging from the start — especially when shipping valuable or irreplaceable artwork.

What you should use:

  • Acid-free tissue or glassine paper

  • Moisture barriers

  • High-quality bubble wrap

  • Custom internal foam cushioning

  • A custom-built wooden art crate

These layers prevent impact, moisture, abrasion, and vibration — the biggest threats during transit.

Why Custom Art Crates Are the Best Protection

At ArtCrates, we design bespoke wooden crates for artists, galleries, collectors, and museums across the UK. Each crate is engineered specifically for the artwork it protects.

Benefits include:

  • Perfect custom fit

  • Foam-lined interiors for shock absorption

  • ISPM 15-certified timber for worldwide shipping

  • Durable and reusable construction

  • Professional presentation for buyers and galleries

Your artwork is secure, compliant, and fully protected from the risks that cause most shipping damage.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Poor Packaging Cost You More

Poor packaging may seem like a money-saving shortcut — but the hidden costs can be devastating. Investing in a custom art crate is the safest, most reliable way to protect your artwork, your business, and your reputation.

If you want your artwork to arrive exactly as intended, ArtCrates has you covered.

👉 Request a fast, free crate quote