Shipping an iphone across country

June 25, 2018 6:14 PM

How do I do this safely and which service would you recommend?

I'm mailing an iphone 7 across the country. I know how to package it safely but I was wondering which service would be best. I was thinking of using USPS. What would you recommend? Also, do I need to do anything specific regarding the fact that the phone has a lithium battery? I'm also insuring it, definitely.

Thanks!

posted by morning_television to Grab Bag (3 answers total)

Well, as long as it's packaged safely and it's insured, I wouldn't worry too much about it. If you want to make extra sure that it gets there though, Registered Mail is the way to go. It has a chain of custody with signatures at each point in the process and they keep the mail under lock and key while it's in transit. It does require that the receiver sign for it though.

If it's a replaceable commodity like a phone though and having the receiver sign for it would be a pain, I'd probably just insure it and send it First Class.

The lithium battery will not be an issue in this instance. Small, consumer-type batteries that are installed in their devices are permissible.
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 6:50 PM on June 25, 2018 [1 favorite]

Over the past ten years I've shipped over 10k packages through the USPS, and fewer than 10 have gone missing for any appreciable time, and I think maybe 3 have disappeared never to be seen again. Our postal service is pretty amazing in my opinion, and I wouldn't have a qualm about using them to ship your phone. Tracking comes with pretty much all package service, and insurance is cheap. It'll get there!
posted by thebrokedown at 7:25 PM on June 25, 2018 [2 favorites]

The fact that insurance is so cheap is exactly why I'd insure it. The cost of insuring an iPhone 7 is pretty trivial, but replacing one is not trivial.
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 8:53 PM on June 25, 2018