Shipping and mounting questions and answers

Why pre-mount an image?

• You do not have a frame shop nearby
• You want this service to be completed before you receive the print

What kinds of mounting are available?

• Gatorboard is a heavy-duty version of "foam-core" board -- basically a sheet of rigid polystyrene sandwiched between two sheets of paperboard. Thicker Gatorboard is surprisingly strong: 1/2" or 3/4" Gatorboard approaches the rigidity of 3/8" particle board but at a fraction of the weight. Gatorboard comes in 1/16", 3/16", 1/2" and 3/4" thicknesses, and in fact up to 2" thick, but for photo purposes, 3/16" is generally fine up to 24x36; I recommend 1/2" up to 40x50; for anything larger, 3/4" provides exceptional rigidity. The larger the mounted image, the thicker the Gatorboard necessary for absolute rigidity.
• Sintra ®, a heavy-duty rigid PVC, comes in 3mm and 6mm thicknesses. It is strong, rigid, doesn't absorb moisture and is of a medium weight.
• Other types of mountings may be available by prior arrangement. Please contact me if you wish to explore other options.

What's up with no shipping costs?

• Generally for loose prints, I am willing to cover shipping entirely. I have never enjoyed paying for shipping on items I buy, and especially the annoying "handling" charge. I'd like to treat you to free shipping on most items.
• If you wish to have me pre-mount a print, please contact me before you place the order, to discuss the options, costs and increased shipping costs.

Which carriers are available?

• I prefer Fedex, but under some circumstances will use other carriers. For instance, overseas packages become prohibitively expensive with carriers other than the US Postal Service. I will cover overseas shipment charges equal to USPS cost; if you wish to have your overseas package shipped via a different carrier, I'll charge you the difference between the two.
• Fedex, USPS and UPS are reasonable choices. If you have a preference, or wish to use a carrier not listed here, please let me know.

Anything else I need to know?

• I ship promptly and, in case of any delay, will make reasonable attempts to contact you using any and all means you provided me.
• Please note that for Fedex shipments, as well as overseas USPS shipments, the carrier requires me to supply your phone number; please provide it at the time of the sale, or I will be delayed in shipping to you while I contact you for that information. If you're hesitant about providing your phone number, feel free to review my policies page for my guarantee that your personal information stays personal.