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Shipping iMac 27"

primarycolors

primarycolors

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Oct 17, 2015
328
527
CA
Hi all, I haven't had any luck selling my 2019 27" iMac via local pickup, so I'm looking to offer shipping.

I have the iMac box itself but not the cardboard mailing packaging. I've heard the best thing is to bring it to UPS and have them pack it, but also that shipping at the UPS store has a massive markup over paying for postage online.

Does anyone have suggestions on how to ship an iMac?

Thanks for any help.
 
Last edited:
primarycolors said:
I looked at that, and it's really geared towards people who don't have the original Apple white box and foam end caps (which I do have).
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I would look at a local moving supply store. I looked at YouHaul boxes for use of double boxing but you failed to mention the year/model, so can't specify what to use. Some of the iMac boxing is hard to match to a box to use for double boxing.

You could just wrap the whole apple box in a thin bubble wrap that is totally secured by tape and labeled. I think that is what most shipping depots would do. You can certainly just call who you would be using for shipping and they would advise you what to use. :)
 
For iMacs with the original boxes and foam inserts, CashForYourMac.com, who insures Fedex packages from customers (if they're packed correctly) provides these instructions:

"iMacs & Mac Pros: with original box & foam inserts
Place iMac in the foam inserts to ensure device is suspended and not resting on bottom of box. Individually wrap loose accessories in 2” of bubble wrap. Affix label and ship directly in original box."

Apparently using the original box is enough to qualify for Fedex insurance based on what CFYM says. I admit I was a little surprised. One thing you can do is take the box itself with the insert (but without the iMac) to UPS or Fedex and ask their advice. That should be free.

Cash For Your Mac

Learn how to properly package your Apple device for shipment. CashForYourMac.com is the fastest, safest way to sell your Apple devices for the most cash!
www.cashforyourmac.com www.cashforyourmac.com
 
I have sold multiple iMacs over the years and, while I prefer to have the outer (brown corrugated) box in addition to the retail box, I have shipped via both UPS and FedEx with just the retail box. The two bits of advice I have, should you go that route, are to be sure to tape all the box edges that open, not just the top. Also, be sure to tape over the plastic carrying handle at the top. That could easily get snagged during the shipping/handling process. Good luck!
 
primarycolors said:
I looked at that, and it's really geared towards people who don't have the original Apple white box and foam end caps (which I do have).
Click to expand...
I shipped one using the Apple original packaging - that is the white box with foam and the outer box. It arrived in perfect condition. The problem with shipping the iMac with just the white box is that UPS or FedEx may refuse to provide shipping insurance or pay for any damage incurred.

The OWC packaging is a bit expensive but might be the best way to save you from any future headaches with damage claims.

Intel iMacs are not exactly in great demand right now so you may have to compromise somewhat with price and cost of shipping including packaging.
 
Apple_Robert said:
If you do ship with just the retail box, make sure you cover the box in generic brown wrapping so that someone from the shipping company doesn't end up stealing the Mac. Do not ship without signature upon delivery.
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Good point, wrapping the iMac Box in brown shipping paper a couple of times and taping the corners well would probably easily suffice.
 
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chscag said:
I shipped one using the Apple original packaging - that is the white box with foam and the outer box. It arrived in perfect condition. The problem with shipping the iMac with just the white box is that UPS or FedEx may refuse to provide shipping insurance or pay for any damage incurred.

The OWC packaging is a bit expensive but might be the best way to save you from any future headaches with damage claims.

Intel iMacs are not exactly in great demand right now so you may have to compromise somewhat with price and cost of shipping including packaging.
Click to expand...
Fedex apparently does not provide shipping insurance, only liability for "loss, damage, and delay in certain circumstances." I imagine UPS might have a similar policy.

 
Not read all the responses. But, I would suggest packing it in the initial iMac box. Then, pack it in a U-Haul moving box. To me, people would have no idea what inside (i.e. the shape). Merely a suggestion...
 
I sold my 2009 and 2015 27” iMacs on gumtree with local pick up, can take a bit longer but both were people that needed one now and payed good money.
Late 2015 27” 2TB fusion i got half what I paid after 5.5 years. Cash too.
Maybe wait a bit longer For the right person.
 
And @primarycolors, if you still don't get bites on your sale, consider CashForYourMac.com or MacMeAnOffer.com. Both are well regarded trade sites among MR members. I use CFYM and they're top notch. Search for either company name on MR and you'll see lots of feedback.
 
primarycolors said:
Hi all, I haven't had any luck selling my 2019 27" iMac via local pickup, so I'm looking to offer shipping.

I have the iMac box itself but not the cardboard mailing packaging. I've heard the best thing is to bring it to UPS and have them pack it, but also that shipping at the UPS store has a massive markup over paying for postage online.

Does anyone have suggestions on how to ship an iMac?

Thanks for any help.
Click to expand...
I've had luck purchasing the cardboard mailing box for the 27" iMac on eBay. Might want to try there.
 
WildSky said:
Fedex apparently does not provide shipping insurance, only liability for "loss, damage, and delay in certain circumstances." I imagine UPS might have a similar policy.
Click to expand...
You are correct, my terminology calling it insurance is misleading. BTW, declaring the value with UPS and or FedEx will determine the shipping cost along with the distance the iMac is to be shipped.

I shipped a 27" iMac via UPS from Fort Worth to an area a bit north of Atlanta and the cost was around $60. (declared value at the time was $900.00)
 
chscag said:
You are correct, my terminology calling it insurance is misleading. BTW, declaring the value with UPS and or FedEx will determine the shipping cost along with the distance the iMac is to be shipped.

I shipped a 27" iMac via UPS from Fort Worth to an area a bit north of Atlanta and the cost was around $60. (declared value at the time was $900.00)
Click to expand...
Hopefully the OP won't experience any shipping problems as getting a claim honored by Fed Ex or UPS etc. for the declared value can be a big pain in the butt.
 
shipping is a pain. Will make for several anxious days for both you and the buyer - even if it arrives safely.

Suggest trying again with local delivery or pickup with a LOWER price.
 
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