Arta’s Self Ship option enables sellers to pack objects in-house and receive a prepaid shipping label via email, saving on time and cost. Below we go over how to get started and what to expect when using Self Ship.

Download the Guide

We’ve created a helpful guide that covers basic standards and definitions for Arta’s Self Ship service. Download this guide for offline reference and to easily it distribute to your sellers.

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How Self Ship Works

We use the information you provide, such as object materials, value, and dimensions, to determine a safe and economical packing method. We will provide a label with packing instructions and expectations, we ask that you package the item in line with our instructions; this helps us meet the required insurance standards to avoid cost discrepancies with the prepaid rate service.

Once a shipment is booked, Arta will confirm the shipment details and send the origin contact an email with the prepaid shipping label(s).

We provide packing instructions for each object within the same email. Our guidance includes suggested packing materials and dimensions, as well as information regarding whether multiple objects can be packed together safely. Sellers may request additional shipping labels for items that are already packaged separately.

If you know the exterior dimensions of your packages and do not want Arta’s packing recommendation, you should select ‘pre-packed box’ as the object type when generating a request. For this unique object type Arta will calculate the label costs based on the external dimensions you provide.

Once all objects are packed, sellers can schedule a pickup with the specified carrier or release the package at a drop-off location.

Tracking can be automatically sent to the recipient depending on your organization’s email configurations.

Packing and Releasing Requirements

Our Self Ship tier offers further convenience to our clients while still upholding Arta’s standards. Anyone using an Arta label should comply with these instructions.

Packing

• At minimum, pack your shipment to meet our packing recommendation
• Arta will request pre-shipment images as part of our claims process. Objects should be photographed or filmed during packaging and a photo of the external box with a label clearly legible in case of a claim. We recommend close-up images to document any existing wear or conditions.
• Boxes should be new. If reusing a box, no labels, logos or other information should be visible.
• Exterior packaging, including labels, cannot explicitly identify the objects as have significant value or valuable materials (gold, diamond, art, etc) and should not include business name or reference to industry.

Releasing

• Adhesive labels are highly recommended. If not available, printed labels need to be taped securely to the package.
• Label pouches cannot be used on domestic shipments. They are acceptable for cross-border shipments that require export documentation.
• Shipments must be released directly to a carrier with an initial scan or dropped at a branded, staffed facility and the shipper must retain a receipt. Any package tendered at an unmanned kiosk or drop box voids coverage.
• Shipping Protection coverage requires an initial scan. Request a receipt for dropping off if the package will not be scanned immediately.

*If packing instructions are not followed insurance claims may be declined.  If you have a question about whether your alternative packing is sufficient, simply reply to Arta via email.