Shipping a football correctly is important to protect its shape, stitching, and internal bladder during transit. Whether you're sending a football within Australia or overseas, taking a few simple precautions can help ensure it arrives in excellent condition.
Before shipping, always check with your chosen courier or postal service to confirm how your parcel will be transported. If the football is being shipped by air freight, including most international shipments and many interstate deliveries, it is highly recommended that the ball is deflated before dispatch.
Changes in air pressure during air transport can cause the bladder inside an inflated football to expand. This additional pressure can place stress on the leather, seams, and stitching, potentially leading to damage that may affect the ball's performance and lifespan.
International Shipping Requirements
When shipping a football internationally, you should always fully deflate the ball before sending it. This is not only the best way to protect the football from damage, but it may also help avoid customs and transport issues.
If an inflated football is sent internationally:
- The bladder may expand during air transit and damage the ball.
- Customs or transport providers may reject or delay the shipment.
- The parcel could be returned to the sender.
- You may incur additional shipping costs and need to pay for freight a second time.
Best Practice for Shipping a Football
For the safest delivery, we recommend:
- Deflating the football before shipment, especially for air freight.
- Packaging the ball securely in a suitable box or protective mailer.
- Avoiding excessive pressure or heavy items being placed on top of the parcel.
- Confirming shipping requirements with your courier before dispatch.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your football arrives safely, maintains its shape and performance, and avoids unnecessary delays or additional shipping costs.