How to Pack and Ship Musical Instruments in South Africa
Couriers do not treat parcels like museum staff. As a ToneTrade seller, your job is to pack so the instrument survives realistic handling — and to ship only after TradeSafe confirms funds are held in escrow.
When to ship
Do not dispatch until TradeSafe confirms funds are in escrow for that order. Packing before payment is fine; handing the parcel to a courier is not.
Guitars and basses
Use a rigid case when possible. Loosen strings slightly on valuable necks, pad the headstock, and fill voids in the box so nothing rattles. Double-box if the outer carton is thin. Photograph the packed item before sealing — useful if there is a transit dispute.
Amps, combos, and keyboards
Remove loose knobs or footswitches if they detach easily. Wrap corners and faceplates. For heavy combos, use a box rated for the weight and mark fragile clearly. Consider removing tubes on vintage amps if you know how — or state that tubes ship at buyer risk.
Tracking and proof
Upload or share tracking as soon as the courier provides it. Retain your proof of postage. If a buyer claims non-delivery, evidence of dispatch matters in a TradeSafe dispute.
Platform rules: Shipping & Delivery Policy · Seller Policy.
