What's the best way to ship valuable items?

Sending a valuable item in the post can feel a little daunting- but it doesn't need to be!

If you're sending a valuable item within the UK or overseas, Interparcel offer a wide range of delivery services to book online, with the majority including some transit cover as standard. We are trusted everyday by thousands of businesses, online sellers and individual shippers to send high-value items securely via our carefully selected courier network, so you can be confident your package will be in safe hands.

There are, however, a few things you should do beforehand to avoid delays to your parcel's delivery.

Check if your item is Prohibited or Restricted

Before you book any delivery service through us, the first thing you should do is to check if your item is on our prohibited or restricted list.

Prohibited items are strictly banned from shipment and must not be transported through our services. Some examples of high-value prohibited items are as follows:

• Articles of exceptional value (e.g., works of art, antiques, precious stones, gold and silver including watches) over £250
• Money, coins and payment cards
• Mobile phone with SIM card
• Plasma Screens of all sizes
• White Goods - Fridges, Ovens, Cooker hoods, Microwave Oven, Washing Machines, etc.

However, restricted items are goods that can be sent through select services but at your own risk. These items are deemed unsuitable for shipment and will not be covered for loss with our transit cover and may result in surcharges, delays or confiscation by authorities where appropriate. For example:

• Furniture (unless flat packed)
• Crystal, glass or mirrored items
• Computers/Laptops
• Televisions

What if my item is not listed on the Prohibited & Restricted list?

In most cases, this will mean that you can send your item using a courier service. Just ensure that you thoroughly check the list!

Keep in mind that some more generic phrases are often used to detail various products. For example, 'jewellery' can include necklaces, bracelets, rings, cufflinks etc.

Review your level of transit cover

When using Interparcel to send low-cost parcels within the UK and abroad, we offer transit cover to protect your packages in the unlikely event of loss or damage. This service allows you to claim back the value of your goods in this event. Lots of our services include a level of transit cover for free (usually around £25).

However, you can increase the amount of cover you need up to £2000 depending on the service you want to use, so the value of your item is fully covered and protected. Our transit cover ensures that your packages are covered from door-to-door to give you peace of mind that you won't lose out on the profits!

Protect your valuable items for transit

Even if your parcel isn't travelling overseas on a plane, it will still be processed by at least two depots and placed on numerous conveyor belts. Although damage to any parcel on any delivery route is very unlikely, it's worth packaging your valuable items on the side of caution. Our blog on packaging parcels gives you all the tips and tricks for safe delivery, but here are some key points to remember:

• Choose an appropriately-sized, double-walled cardboard box
• Wrap several layers of protection to cover each loose item in the box - bubble wrap is most commonly used with delicate items
• Fill any space with internal packaging
• Use strong packing tape
• Securely attach relevant documents and labels (e.g., Customs Forms if you are sending abroad)

For further advice on packing your item, our video on packaging parcels shows you how to wrap your items effectively for delivery.

Book a trusted delivery service

At Interparcel, we ship many different sized parcels and offer multiple services for all budgets. We recommend you choose a signed-for delivery service for expensive items because it gives you peace of mind that the shipment is with your recipient and is very useful if you send a surprise gift or sell goods online.

For example, if you are looking to send your item to a UK address on your way to work, Parcelforce 48 Drop Off is a super convenient service that gives you the flexibility to drop your parcel off at a local Post Office or Parcelforce depot. You can purchase up to £1000 of additional transit cover and a signature is included in your delivery, all from only £7.35 (ex. VAT)

For a speedier UK service to be delivered at a specific time, we also offer Parcelforce Express 24 or 48 and DPD Local Next Day, to name a few, that all require a signature on delivery and aim to deliver in just one working day!

If you need to send a high-value item abroad, whether to Europe or an International destination, we also offer a range of signed-for international delivery options. For example, if you want to send a parcel to the USA, FedEx International Economy and Parcelforce Global Priority are both low-cost and reliable choices.

Complete online tracking

With every parcel you send, but particularly with a high-value item, you'll be keen to know it arrives safely!

Luckily, all Interparcel orders come with free complete tracking so you can find out where your parcel is using our Tracking Portal. At the booking stage, you can choose whether you want to receive email or SMS notifications so we can notify you when your parcel is on its journey.

If you're still unsure how to send your valuable item, please get in touch with us!

Our team of parcel experts are available via phone, live chat or email seven days a week to help send your valuable items safely.