Shipping Estimator

The Shipping Estimator helps institutions estimate the cost of shipping an object or collection while browsing the catalogue. Estimates are generating using Arta, Museum Exchange's native shipping solution.

The estimate is based on:

• the dimensions provided by the donor
• the location provided by the donor
• the destination ZIP code entered by the institution in the estimator
• Arta's shipping rates when the estimate is generated

This tool is intended to help institutions evaluate potential shipping costs earlier in the review process.

What is the Shipping Estimator?

The Shipping Estimator is a tool available in the catalogue browsing experience that gives institutions an estimated shipping cost for an object or collection.

It helps institutions get an early sense of shipping expense before deciding whether to move forward with internal review or proposal submission. The estimate is for planning purposes only and is not a final shipping quote or confirmed shipping charge.

When the Shipping Estimator is used

The Shipping Estimator is used during the catalogue browsing process. This allows institutions to evaluate likely shipping cost while reviewing an object, rather than waiting until donation processing has already begun. The Shipping Estimator can only be used for Objects vs. complete Collections.

How the estimate is calculated

The Shipping Estimator uses information already available in Museum Exchange along with location information entered by the institution.

The estimate is based on:

• the object dimensions provided by the donor
• the object location provided by the donor
• the destination ZIP code entered by the institution in the tool

Because the estimate depends on the information available in the listing, its accuracy is tied to the accuracy of the donor-provided details.

Why the Shipping Estimator is useful

The Shipping Estimator helps institutions:

• understand potential shipping cost earlier in the process
• factor shipping into internal review and decision-making
• assess whether a donation is likely to be logistically feasible
• compare opportunities with greater context during catalogue review

This can be especially helpful when reviewing objects or collections that may involve significant transportation cost.

What the estimate means

The estimate provides a directional view of likely shipping cost based on the currently available information. It is meant to support early evaluation, not to serve as a final booking or invoice.

The Shipping Estimator does not guarantee:

• a final shipping cost
• carrier availability
• exact pickup timing
• exact delivery timing
• additional insurance needs
• final handling requirements

Actual shipping cost may change depending on final logistics, packing details, service level, insurance and the shipping provider ultimately used.

How to use the Shipping Estimator

When browsing the catalogue:

1. Review the object details.
2. Open the Shipping Estimator.
3. Enter the destination ZIP code for your institution.
4. Review the estimated shipping cost generated by the tool.

The estimate can then be used as part of your institution’s internal review process.

Because the estimate is based on donor-provided information, it is most useful as an early planning tool. If the dimensions or location are incomplete or inaccurate, the estimate may be less reliable. Once a match occurs, the donor confirms all packing and location information.

Common questions

Who can use the Shipping Estimator?

The Shipping Estimator is intended for institutions during the catalogue browsing process.

What information is used to generate the estimate?

The estimate is based on the donor-provided dimensions and location, along with the destination ZIP code entered by the institution.

Is the Shipping Estimator a final quote?

No. The Shipping Estimator provides an estimate only. Final shipping cost may differ once shipping is actually arranged.

Can the estimate affect whether we submit a proposal?

Yes. Institutions may use the estimate as one factor in deciding whether to move forward with internal review or proposal submission.