Shipping a luxury asset to Borro for appraisal and storage requires more than dropping it in a box. The way you pack a watch, handbag, or piece of fine jewelry affects how it arrives, how it is appraised, and ultimately how quickly your loan can be funded. This guide walks through Borro’s recommended packing approach for every asset category we accept.
Why Proper Packing Matters for Collateral Loans
A luxury asset’s condition at arrival is the basis for its appraisal. Damage that occurs in transit — scratched crystal, crushed boxes, broken clasps — is not covered by most standard shipping insurance and can meaningfully reduce your loan amount. Borro’s intake team inspects every asset upon arrival and documents its condition before any valuation begins. Starting that process with your asset in the best possible condition is in your direct financial interest.
Borro provides prepaid, fully insured shipping labels for assets being sent to our facility. We cover the cost of return shipping as well. The label includes insurance coverage appropriate to the declared value of your asset — but proper packing is what ensures the asset actually arrives in the condition you declare.
Packing Watches for Loan Shipment
Watches should be shipped in their original boxes wherever possible. The manufacturer’s inner cushion is designed specifically to immobilize the case and protect the crystal and bracelet during transit. If you no longer have the original box, use a rigid outer box with at least two inches of foam padding on all sides. Wrap the watch in a clean microfiber cloth before placing in the inner cushion or foam. Never ship a watch loose in a padded envelope — the movement can be damaged by impact even if the case appears intact on arrival.
Include all documentation — original box, papers, warranty card, and any service records. Documentation significantly affects appraisal value and should travel with the watch, not separately.
Packing Handbags for Loan Shipment
Handbags should be stuffed lightly with acid-free tissue to maintain their shape during transit. Do not use newspaper — the ink can transfer to interior lining or light-colored leathers. Wrap the bag in a dust bag if available, or in clean white tissue paper. Place in a rigid outer box with padding on all sides. Hardware should not contact the leather surface during shipping — additional tissue between hardware and leather prevents scratching in transit.
Include all accessories: authenticity cards, padlocks and keys, extra straps, and the original dustbag if not being used for packing. These affect appraisal value and should accompany the bag.
Packing Jewelry for Loan Shipment
Individual jewelry pieces should be wrapped separately in clean tissue or placed in individual pouches before being combined in a single outer package. Pieces that can scratch each other — diamonds on chains, loose stones — should never touch in transit. For high-value pieces like diamond rings or important necklaces, use a rigid inner container (original box or small jewelry box) before placing in the outer shipping box.
What Happens After Your Asset Arrives
Once your package arrives at Borro, our intake team photographs and documents the asset’s condition, then routes it to the appropriate specialist appraiser. Watches go to our watch specialists, handbags to our luxury goods team, jewelry to our gemologists. You receive a loan offer typically within 24 hours of arrival. If you accept, funding follows promptly. Your asset is then stored in Borro’s climate-controlled, fully insured facility for the loan term.
Ready to get started? Request your prepaid shipping label from Borro and receive a same-day loan offer after your asset arrives.
