Shipping from Round Top
Found the perfect armoire but drove a sedan? No problem. Here's everything you need to know about getting your Round Top purchases home safely.
The #1 Rule
Ask about shipping before you buy. Get a quote, understand the timeline, and factor the cost into your purchase decision. A $500 table that costs $400 to ship is a $900 table. Still worth it? Usually yes — but know the number first.
Shipping Options
Pak Mail Round Top
Full-service packing and shipping. They set up at the show and can handle everything from small fragile items to full-size furniture. Nationwide and international.
The UPS Store (Brenham)
Closest UPS location for smaller items and boxes. 20 minutes from Round Top.
Vendor-Arranged Shipping
Many established vendors have relationships with freight companies and can arrange shipping directly. Always ask — it's often the cheapest option for large furniture.
uShip / Freight Carriers
For large or heavy items (armoires, dining tables), use uShip to get competitive freight quotes. Vendors can help you measure and describe the item for accurate quotes.
How Shipping Usually Works
You buy the piece
Before you hand over payment, ask the vendor directly: "Do you ship, or can you recommend someone who does?" Most dealers who sell furniture regularly have an answer ready.
Measure and photograph it
Get exact dimensions (height, width, depth) and take clear photos from multiple angles. Shippers need this to quote accurately — guessing leads to bad quotes and delays.
Get a quote
Bring your measurements and photos to Pak Mail on-site, or contact a freight carrier like uShip. Vendor-arranged shipping usually comes with a quote already worked out.
Schedule pickup
On-site shippers can often pick up directly from the venue. Freight carriers may ask you to arrange a pickup window, especially for larger pieces.
Delivery to your door
Local Texas deliveries can take a few days. Out-of-state freight typically runs 1–3 weeks depending on carrier routes and distance.
What Does It Actually Cost?
Rough ranges by size. Local means within Texas; long-distance means out of state. Actual cost depends on weight, fragility, crating needs, and how far the piece is going.
| Item Size | In-Texas | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Small (mirrors, lamps, smalls) | $50–$150 | $100–$250 |
| Medium (chairs, side tables, cabinets) | $150–$350 | $300–$600 |
| Large (armoires, dining tables, sofas) | $300–$600 | $500–$1,000+ |
What drives the price up: fragility (glass, marble), custom crating, stairs or tight access at delivery, and rural delivery addresses. What keeps it down: bundling multiple pieces into one shipment, flexible delivery windows, and buying early enough to use standard (not rush) service.
Tips From Regulars
Measure everything before you fall in love
A tape measure is the most useful thing you can bring. Know your doorways and stairs at home too — the piece has to get in as well as out.
Get more than one quote when you can
Prices vary between on-site shippers, vendor-arranged shipping, and freight carriers like uShip. A few minutes of comparing can save real money on large pieces.
Ask about existing crating or padding
Some vendors already have crates or blankets for pieces they ship often. It's faster and often cheaper than starting from scratch.
Buy early in the show if you need shipping
On-site shippers get booked solid by the final weekend. Purchases made early in the week are the easiest to arrange pickup for.
Confirm insurance coverage
Ask what's covered if something is damaged in transit, and get it in writing or by email. Don't assume it's automatic.
Have your delivery details ready
Address, best contact number, and whether someone will be home. Freight deliveries especially may need a person present to receive the piece.
If You're Driving It Home
Bring packing supplies
Blankets, moving pads, bubble wrap, and bungee cords. Throw them in the trunk before you leave home.
Measure your car
Know your trunk dimensions. Fold seats down if possible. Many finds fit — you'd be surprised what fits in an SUV.
Protect fragile items
Wrap glass, mirrors, and ceramics individually. Use towels between items. Put fragile things on top, heavy things on the bottom.
Ask vendors for help
Most vendors are happy to help wrap items and carry them to your car. They want your purchase to get home safely.
Shipping FAQ
How much does it cost to ship furniture from Round Top?
Depends on size, weight, and distance. Small items: $50–$150. Medium furniture: $200–$500. Large pieces (armoires, dining tables): $500–$1,000+. Always get a quote before buying.
Can vendors ship items for me?
Many can — especially established dealers who sell furniture regularly. Ask before you buy. Vendor-arranged shipping is often the cheapest option because they have volume relationships with freight companies.
Should I ship or drive it home?
If it fits in your car, drive it. Bring blankets, bungee cords, and bubble wrap. For anything that won't fit or is too fragile, ship it. The cost of shipping is almost always less than the cost of damaging a great find.
When should I arrange shipping?
Before you buy, or immediately after. Shipping companies at the show get booked up by the final weekend. Early-week purchases are easiest to arrange.
Can I ship internationally from Round Top?
Yes — Pak Mail and some freight carriers handle international shipping. Expect higher costs and customs paperwork. Ask about insurance for valuable pieces.
Need help figuring out shipping? We're happy to help.