Tips for Mailing In Your Eyeglasses for Repair
Blog Overview:
Are you nervous about mailing your broken glasses? This in-depth guide breaks down the safest ways to pack and ship your eyewear to ensure they arrive safely for professional repair.
The Ultimate Guide: How to Safely Mail Your Eyeglasses for Professional Repair
Sending your favorite pair of Oliver Peoples, Ray-Bans, or Cazals through the mail can feel a bit nerve-wracking. You want to ensure they arrive at the repair center in the same condition they left your house—without any added scratches or structural damage.
At All American Eyeglass Repair, we’ve processed thousands of mail-in repairs. We’ve seen what works and, more importantly, what doesn’t. Here is our expert guide on the best practices for packing, sealing, and shipping your eyewear for a seamless repair experience.
Step 1: Prepare Your Frames for Travel
Before you reach for the bubble wrap, take a moment to document your frames.
The “Before” Photo
Take a quick photo of your glasses. This serves as a record of their condition and helps our technicians identify the specific break or part needed (like a Persol 714 folding bridge or a Maui Jim nose pad).
The Repair Form
Ensure you have filled out our Online Mail-In Form. Include a printed copy inside the box so our team knows exactly who the glasses belong to the moment they open the package.
Step 2: The “Double-Protection” Packing Method
The goal is to prevent the frames from shifting or being crushed by other heavy packages during transit.
- Use a Hard Case – If you have the original hard case for your glasses, use it! If not, any sturdy eyeglass case will do. This is your first line of defense against pressure.
- The “Shake Test” Wrap – Wrap your glasses in a soft microfiber cloth or a piece of bubble wrap before putting them in the case. Close the case and give it a gentle shake. If you hear rattling, add more padding inside until the glasses are snug.
- The Shipping Box – Never use a padded envelope (bubble mailer) for eyeglasses. They offer zero protection against crushing. Always use a sturdy, corrugated cardboard box.
Step 3: Choosing the Best Shipping Method
When it comes to shipping, “cheap” can become expensive if the package goes missing.
Tracking is Non-Negotiable
Use a service that provides a tracking number (USPS Priority Mail, FedEx, or UPS). This allows you to monitor your frames’ journey to our repair center.
Insurance
For luxury brands like Cartier or vintage Cazals, we highly recommend adding insurance to your shipment for peace of mind.
Speed
Most of our mail-in repairs are completed the same day they arrive. Choosing a faster shipping method (2-day or Overnight) means you get your glasses back on your face even sooner.
Step 4: Sealing for Security
It sounds simple, but the way you tape your box matters.
The H-Tape Method – Tape down the center seam and all side seams of the box. This prevents the box from accidentally popping open if it’s compressed under a heavier package.
Label Placement – Ensure the shipping label is flat and clearly visible. Do not place tape over the barcode, as this can cause scanning errors and delays.
Pro-Tips for a Faster Repair
- Include the Broken Parts
If a temple arm snapped off or a decorative screw fell out, include those pieces in a small Ziploc bag. Sometimes we can save you money by repairing the original part rather than replacing it!
- Clean the Lenses
While not required, sending clean glasses helps our technicians get straight to work on the structural repair.
In Summary
Shipping your glasses doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these best practices—using a hard case, a sturdy box, and a tracked shipping method—you ensure your eyewear is handled with the care it deserves.
Ready to start your repair? Click here to visit our Mail-In Repair Page to get your shipping instructions and start the process today!
