For artists and collectors sponsored by Intercal...your mohair supplier and Johnna's Mohair Store
As we move into the hottest months of the year, I am curious if any of the experienced fur bear artists hold off on shipping their bears out in summer heat? If the bear is in a priority box for perhaps four days at most (we'll say NY to California over a weekend), is that asking too much of real fur or is there a risk of damage? Or what about shipping it overseas, which could take several weeks? Maybe this is not so much of an issue as I am thinking, but I wanted to check and make sure.
Thanks in advance,
Kelly
Well, my feeling is that it's okay . . . with reservations. My bears have waxed noses and if the heat is intense - well, I hate to think ......... . I always mail everything priority, so that it takes the least amount of time possible (and still be able to afford the postage). So far, I haven't had any complaints about noses melting or that fur was damaged, but someone else may have had a different experience. Good question, Kelly! By the way, your avatar is really gorgeous!!
Hi Kelly..That's a good point about the wax nose. I don't believe shipping a real fur bear differs much from a mohair one. If you are really concerned then ship the fastest way .... Winney
Hello Kelly,
I do not think shipping in the summer will damage the fur. I have shipped a few and have had no complaints. However, I have found that for international shipping, Global Priority through the Post Office is the best. It is faster and cheaper. So far I have had no problems with it. I shipped a bear from Ohio on a Monday going to England and she had it by Saturday. I think there is a weight limit on the package but a bear most likely will not exceed it.
Hi Kelly,
I have been making and shipping real fur bears for 6 years and have never heard of any problems with the heat form shipping. I believe it takes a while for the insides of a box to really heat up. Good quality fur is pretty durable. Also, as mentioned above I would ship one of the faster routes, like priority mail....most buyers like to get thier bears faster anyway.:)
Thanks to everybody for their input! Glad to see I was just being overprotective, sounds like this is not something to worry about. I appreciate being able to 'ask the experts' rather than just worry about it, as I otherwise would have done. Well, this being the case, I have some little fur bears that need their pictures taken...
Cheers,
Kelly