ok ok, I've seen the horror pictures and read the horror stories of other cc'ers, but I mailed a cake yesterday for the second time and yet again it's arrived at destination in perfect condition.
I am so thrilled 
These are only small round cakes covered in MMF, one with almost no decoration and one handpainted, but they were well packed and I have very happy friends with very perfect cakes.
Just wanted to share.
BTW, I took pics this time of the packing process and if the photo uploader ever works for me I'll share them.
YES! please upload the pics... it'll help a lot 
I would love to see the pictures too... thanks...
Yes! Pics! My Mom lives in Florida and I would love to be able to ship goodies to her once in awhile. Didn't think it was possible 
Here goes. I wasnt able to upload onto this site so I've uploaded onto my photo website and copied links. this is how I packed the cake step by step.
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff297/simsyfam/001.jpg small cake on small board.
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff297/simsyfam/002.jpg double layer of parchment paper around cake.
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff297/simsyfam/003-1.jpg double layer on bubble wrap around cake.
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff297/simsyfam/004-1.jpg cake in small cake box for snug fit
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff297/simsyfam/005-2.jpg a circle of parchment paper on top of cake followe by a few layers of bubble wrap circles to reach top of box.
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff297/simsyfam/006-2.jpg tape box securely
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff297/simsyfam/007-1.jpg bubble wrap the entire way around box secured with packing tape
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff297/simsyfam/008-1.jpg cake box into slightly bigger box secured into place with packing paper
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff297/simsyfam/009-1.jpg box secured closed with more packing paper
Thank you! So helpful. I know it's a PITA to take and post all those pictures. Much appreciated
Thank you so much.
I noticed on your very last step you mention: box secured closed with more packing paper. Did you mean paper or packing tape? Because our postal service and UPS and FedEx machines get clogged up by brown wrapping paper. Please clarify, thanks so much for your hard work in posting these photos.
Thank you so much.
I noticed on your very last step you mention: box secured closed with more packing paper. Did you mean paper or packing tape? Because our postal service and UPS and FedEx machines get clogged up by brown wrapping paper. Please clarify, thanks so much for your hard work in posting these photos.
ooops, no I meant packing tape! 
don't think i would ever risk having my hard work smashed, but I am glad to hear shipping has worked for you
That's a good point. If it's a very important cake or one you've put a lot of effort into then I doubt I would even try this. There's always a risk of damage.
Thanks! your succes encourage me to finally do it, have been wondering IF... now I'm postive it can be made, yay!
I will send a cake to dear friends: one in Seattle, one in Philapelphia. Will be back to post my experience.
Do you ship it overnight? How far do you ship it and how long does it normally take? I mean, how many days do I have to ship it before it shouldn't be eaten?
don't think i would ever risk having my hard work smashed, but I am glad to hear shipping has worked for you
That's a good point. If it's a very important cake or one you've put a lot of effort into then I doubt I would even try this. There's always a risk of damage.
I love your hand painted cake, to me that would be enough hard work for me not to want to ship it.
Do you ship it overnight? How far do you ship it and how long does it normally take? I mean, how many days do I have to ship it before it shouldn't be eaten?
I'm in Ireland so I sent it first class normal post to England which is normally 24-48 hours. Both times the cake was there 24 hours later so that helps a lot I imagine. It was a hersheys dairy free chocolate cake both times too which is usually good for a few days. Definitely go for a cake that has a good shelflife.
don't think i would ever risk having my hard work smashed, but I am glad to hear shipping has worked for you
That's a good point. If it's a very important cake or one you've put a lot of effort into then I doubt I would even try this. There's always a risk of damage.
I love your hand painted cake, to me that would be enough hard work for me not to want to ship it.
thank you very much
For me it was more nerve-wracking sending the cake with the image on it because it was the first time i'd done something like that and I was unsure of myself in how it would be received. Self doubt is a terrible thing. I dont think I would have wanted to experiment with that cake initially but since I'd already had a positive experience I thought I'd try.
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