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We package all of our orders very carefully to insure that it will get to you intact. Maybe we do more than is needed: so many times when I receive an item I've ordered it will have been set in the bottom of a box, the empty space filled with foam peanuts and the box taped shut. It seems to work fine... for parts, hardware and finishing supplies, but I am reluctant to try it on most of our furniture pieces. Our sets of 4 Tray Tables on a stand are a special challenge because they are SO close to going over the maximum size allowed for UPS's OS2 shipping tier. As OS2 we are paying for a dimensional weight of 70 pounds, even though they actually weigh about half that. But if they go over the max size, then it is at the dock managers discretion whether he will even accept the shipment, and if he does accept it there will be a hefty fee added for his generosity and kindness. The few times we tested this system we ended up paying more for UPS Ground than if we'd shipped it by LTL truck. So, anything that exceeds UPS OS2, goes by truck.
 On occasion we will have people order just two tables with no stand. They don't need the stand because they don't plan to put them away. In this case we can nest the two tables tray-to-toe with cushioning between and all around, put them in a considerably smaller box than the full set of four requires, and pad them with shreaded paper for their journey, keeping the shipping cost a fair bit lower.
 Packing a full set begins by bundling up pairs of tables with blocks of Styrofoam and sheet padding in strategic places to keep them from rubbing together as they jounce and bounce along the roadways in the back of a truck.
The table pairs are bound together with cellophane wrap that sticks to itself but uses no adhesive so it can not leave sticky residue on your furniture like tape can. Then the pairs are set on each side of the stand -- pretty much in their normal storage position except for the insertion of more padding -- and strapped to the stand with more stretch wrap.
 The box is completely lined with 3/4 Styrofoam sheet for shock absorption. Except for the width it's a snug fit, the extra space on the sides is filled with shreaded paper.
Once the box is taped up we apply the shipping label and a generous supply of FRAGILE stickers and it's ready to go out to the dock where our UPS man, Willis, will pick it up in the afternoon.
So far, taking these precautions has prevented damage to any of our tables in shipping. That's a performance record we're quite proud of and try our best to continue.
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