I always hang on to the plastic sleeves that I have received previous cues in, as it is a nice starting point. But, the newspaper/bubblewrap option will also work, as that is how I have wrapped cues in the past. If you cannot find a hard carboard tube, you can get one of the triangular shipping boxes at any FedEx station. To ship by another carrier, you can just assemble the box inside-out. Package the cue as you would hope to receive the cue packaged as. If the shipping container can survive a 4ft drop, it's good to ship.
I, however, never write 'FRAGILE' on the box! It's like an invitation to every moronic package handler to NOT be careful with your package...I do not know what it is...but I have seen boxes marked 'FRAGILE' or 'DO NOT CRUSH' right along side boxes not marked at all, and almost always the marked box will be in worse condition than the unmarked.
You're greatest chance of a successful/damage-free shipment is HOW you ship. Rule of thumb....the longer a package is in the system, the greater the chances for damage or theft. Via FedEx, UPS, or DHL...I would say the maximum is 2nd Day AIR/SuperSaver. For the Post Office, Priority Mail would be the maximum. Also, WHEN you ship. Unless you are willing to pay extra for Saturday Delivery....even an Overnight package will sit in an unheated terminal or trailer over the weekend and/or long holiday weekend. For obvious reasons, this is not an ideal situation for a pool cue. Whatever you do...DO NOT SHIP ANYTHING OF INTRINSIC VALUE VIA A GROUND CARRIER!!!!! Your greatest chances for damage or loss is via a Ground carrier. If you saw how some of the trailers get loaded, it would make your hair stand on end!!! Not to mention, some of those trailers are leaky as hell!
Having worked for FedEx, in their damaged packages inspection department, I have seen some really lousey packing jobs! Please remember, that should a damage claim become necessary; a major factor in considering reimbursement is how the item was packed, and if the proper packing materials were used. Little or no packing materials will result in little or no reimbursement. Lastly....don't be cheap! Declare the full replacement value of the cue (and remember the case, if one is shipped as well). They will only reimburse up to the declared value amount. Actually, it is the declared value that drives up the price of the shipment considerably, not the actual shipping itself, or even the weight, for that matter, although weight is a factor in the shipping cost.
I have never had a problem with a cue arriving in pristine condition using the guidelines above.
Lisa
