{"id":6205,"date":"2022-08-12T20:24:46","date_gmt":"2022-08-12T20:24:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/olympusmascots.com\/?p=6205"},"modified":"2023-02-28T20:57:15","modified_gmt":"2023-02-28T20:57:15","slug":"mascot-transportation-storage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/olympusmascots.com\/blog\/mascot-transportation-storage\/","title":{"rendered":"Mascot Transportation and Storage"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
When your mascot is not in use, it is likely being transported to your next event, or sitting in storage. This stagnant time will make up a large portion of your mascot costume\u2019s existence, and how your mascot spends this time can affect your mascot costumes performance when in use. That is why is it so important for us to cover the proper methods of transporting and storing your mascot.<\/p>
How easy it will be to transport your suit will vary greatly depending on your mascot. Most of the mascots produced take 1 of 2 main forms:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t When it comes to these Head + Body Suit\/Pod mascots, oftentimes the body is a softshell fabric, which can be folded or stuffed like any regular clothing garment would. The mascot head<\/a><\/span> however, is usually a solid plastic piece. You do not want to crush this down in any way, while at the same time not leaving it loose enough to fly around. The inside of the mascot head usually contains a fitted helmet with integral structure all around it. While the structure may be built to hold a several-pound head mold, it is not impervious to being crushed.<\/p> The same is true with the foam mascot, it too is bulky and has lots of integral structure on the inside. Trying to stuff it into a large suitcase, undersized box, or a cramped car is asking for disaster. Trying to squeeze a foam mascot into a tight space is detrimental to the mascot’s shape, as foam can be permanently dented by prolonged pressure.<\/p> Smaller organizations with 1-5 costumes usually bring their mascots places via car or truck. Oftentimes an employee or a performer<\/span><\/a> will fold the seats down in a Minivan or a SUV and transport their costume(s) that way. This oftentimes provides more than enough space for a bulky mascot\u2019s head, while also being a cheap and efficient way to move the mascot costume from location to location.<\/p> However, many larger organizations with multiple mascot costumes and\/or multiple locations may opt to ship their costumes to their destinations instead. This is more complicated than driving the costume around yourself, but can end up saving you a lot of time and hassle when done right.<\/p> In our experience, we find that shipping a mascot can cost anywhere between $250 – $500+ depending on several factors including the location, size, weight, and whether your mascot is shipping via ground, freight, or air. Shipping companies use dimensional weight<\/a><\/span> when calculating how much to charge you for your shipment. Dimension weight (DIM) is calculated by multiplying the height x length x width, then dividing by the company\u2019s DIM factor. For example, a box may weigh 10 lbs, but the DIM weight may come out to 15 lbs due to its size. You will then be charged for a 15 lbs package.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t This is why the box you choose to ship your mascot in should be as small as possible without squishing your mascot costume too much. Ask your mascot vendor if they provide a custom carrying case or travel bag<\/a><\/span>, it’s worth investing in if you’re consistently shipping mascot costumes back and forth.<\/p> When packing your box, don\u2019t crush anything, but still attempt to have as little of empty space as possible. If applicable, pack the suit in such a way that it protects the mascot head\u2019s vision<\/span><\/a> screens. If you have a plastic bag big enough to surround your mascot, we recommend using it. Avoid using Styrofoam and\/or packing peanuts, they are unnecessary, and may leave behind pieces that stick to your mascot\u2019s fur. Packing paper is a fantastic alternative!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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NOTE: If you\u2019re using a car to transport your mascot, be sure the car is big enough! Nothing is more awkward than showing up to pickup a mascot and not having the head fit in the trunk of the car!<\/h6>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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