Fragile purchases are most vulnerable when fair shopping meets evening traffic controls, temporary storage and a rushed station transfer. Before paying, confirm finished condition, packing, custody, collection time and shipping proof, and keep the last activity in the same district as the return route.
Before paying, confirm whether it can leave today
Ask whether the piece is fully fired and whether it has moving parts, repairs, cracks or further drying. A workshop piece may still need drying, bisque firing, glazing or refiring and cannot use the same delivery plan as finished booth stock.
Put item, quantity, maker or brand, material, price, amount paid and delivery status on the order. With a valuable or unique work, photograph permitted front, back and pre-packing condition.
Temporary custody needs a traceable handover
For storage at a booth, hotel or vehicle, record custodian, piece count, outer-box mark, collection time and phone. Never leave an anonymous carton at a public desk, fire route or unattended vehicle, and do not let a stranger collect on an oral promise.
Photograph seal and label at each handover. Do not display a passport number, full address or valuable contents on the carton. Use outer rain protection while keeping the inner packing dry and shock-resistant.
Separate shipping from catching transport
Before shipment, confirm carrier, declared description and value, dimensions, weight, insurance, compensation, taxes, destination restrictions and tracking. Old, unclear-provenance or suspected cultural objects require competent-authority advice. Refuse hidden descriptions or undervaluation.
Evening controls may keep vehicles away from the event. Ship earlier or leave a documented handover with a trusted seller, then travel light to the outer pickup. Add time for rail or flight security and manual passport checks.