1. The most important tip for shipping a banjo is to make sure that it is packed tightly inside its case. Special care and attention should be taken around the area of the headstock. Use bubble wrap or newspaper to fill all voids inside the case. You need to be sure that the banjo cannot move inside its case. 

2. Slacken the strings and place the bridge inside the accessory compartment after wrapping it with bubble wrap to avoid damage.

3. Use an adequate size box for shipping. I like to use boxes that are designed for shipping acoustic guitars. Martin and Taylor make a great box for shipping. Ask your local music store if they have an extra box or one that they are going to discard. There must be at least 2" of space between the banjo case and the inside of the box on all 6 sides.

4. Fill all voids inside the shipping box with foam peanuts. Shake the box to make sure that all of the foam has settled so that there are no voids inside the box. Rolled up newspaper can also be used but will add a lot of weight to the box which will add to the cost of shipping.

5. If you can afford it, Express Mail through the USPS is the safest way to ship. The least amount of time that the instrument is handled, the better chance that it will survive the trip without damage.  Any overnight service is fine but, it is a little cheaper through the Post Office.  Priority Mail is another good alternative  and is less costly.

6. Be sure to insure the banjo for its full replacement value. I also recommend purchasing the tracking option. Tracking is included with UPS, Fed-Ex, and USPS Express Mail.

7. During cold temperatures, be sure to wait before opening your returned banjo until the box temperature is the same as the inside of your home. This will avoid drastic temperature changes that could cause neck damage, finish checking, and alter the set-up.