[mfp509]

I have a large, heavy musical instrument which I will need to have packed and shipped. Villages Pack and Ship is overpriced, in my opinion, and I'm wondering if anyone has found a more reasonable place.

[CaptJohn]

What instrument? How much does it weigh? I ship and receive organ speakers so I might be able to direct you.
What price did they quote you and to include what?

[jblum315]

I think the UPS store in Spanish Springs will pack and ship it for you.

[mfp509]

It is Baritone sax and I think it weighs about 30 lbs. I haven't had any quotes yet. I'm waiting to sell it.

[CaptJohn]

The UPS store is a good suggestion. Shipping should run $25-35 (based on how far but when you're in Florida, everywhere is far) plus packing charge (I do my own so don't know what they charge for that part). Packing for that would be easy. Good firm box, lined with flat styrofoam and pellets (put the sax in a plastic bag first).
Fedex does a better job of delivering packages safely and undamaged. Both of those firms include the first $100. of insurance in their price. Avoid the post office. I have been shipping and receiving large packages for about 40 years.

[mfp509]

I estimated the shipping also and the sax is in a hard case. There is UPS service at Office Depot - I wonder if they would charge more than just a UPS store.

[CaptJohn]

Originally Posted by mfp509;49***3

I estimated the shipping also and the sax is in a hard case. There is UPS service at Office Depot - I wonder if they would charge more than just a UPS store.

If it's already in the hard case then no problem. You could just about stick it in any box with newspaper wadding. The hard case does all the work of protecting it. You'll probably have to take it to both places to find out the charges but it shouldn't be much based on the simplicity. Please report back when you do so others can share the information.