When shipping fragile items, such as glassware, pottery, etc. The breakage can be avoided by placing news paper or bubble wrap inside the item as well as the outside of the item before packaging. The material inside the item will be less likely to break. I learned this somehow a long time ago, and not sure about the science behind it but you can basically drop a vase that has been stuffed well and you chances that it won't break at all, are very good. I ship this way regularly, with very little packaging, and have had no breakages as of yet. Happy shipping!