Don’t Let Excitement Turn Into Damage: The Safe Way to Unpack Your Gratz Apparatus
Photo Credit: Pilgrimgym Pilates
You’ve invested thousands of dollars in your new Gratz apparatus, you took the time to choose the color of upholstery to match your studios aesthetic, you waited patiently while it was handcrafted, anticipating the day it would finally arrive. Now that it's here, excitement takes over but before you dive in, take a moment to unbox it carefully. The last thing you want is to damage your beautiful new Gratz before you even get to use it.
Once your order arrives, proper unpacking ensures your equipment is protected, easy to assemble, and ready to use for years to come.
We’ve put together a guide so you can unbox with confidence, care, and peace of mind.
General Rules for Unpacking
- Capture photos of each side of the boxes before opening.
- Do not use sharp objects such as knives, box cutters, or scissors when opening your Apparatus. Instead use a car key or pen.
- When opening your box, avoid cutting down the center seam where the major flaps meet. Instead, open from the minor flaps to prevent damaging the contents.
Helpful Tools
- Keys
- Cell phone
- Care and attention
Optional: Some people prefer to wear gloves to protect their hands and nails while unpacking.
Key Elements
Step 1: Inspect Before Opening
When your shipment arrives, take a moment to do a visual inspection of the packaging:
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Look for any dents, punctures, or water marks on the exterior.
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Take clear photos of all sides of the box or crate.
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If you see visible damage, reach out to our Customer Care team before unpacking further.
Visual inspection is important because equipment can sometimes be damaged during transit, and photos allow us to file a claim and arrange a replacement for you.
Step 2: Open Your Gratz Package with Care
Removing Black Cable Strapping
Use scissors or snips to remove the black cable strapping found on Reformers, Cadillacs, and Tower Boxes.
Opening the Box
While the name is Cutting Tape, don’t cut it! It is designed to open easily with a key or pen dragged along the center line of the tape. Cutting Tape is a heavy-duty packing tape designed to securely seal boxes while still being easy to open without a knife or scissors. Unlike regular shipping tape, this tape is made with a special tearable film that can be cut using a key or even by hand, no blades required.
It’s strong enough to hold your box closed during shipping but flexible enough that, when you run a key (or similar object) along the seam, the tape will split cleanly without damaging the box or the product inside.
Instead of sharp blades, try using a car key or even a pen to cut through Cutting Tape. This avoids the risk of scratching or puncturing the apparatus inside. To open the box, avoid cutting down the center where the major flaps meet, as this may damage the contents. Instead, carefully open along the sides of the minor flaps for a safer unboxing.
Unwrapping Items
Once open, remove all protective materials by hand. Do not cut bubble wrap, instead peel tape off bubble wrap and lift gently to avoid tearing vinyl.
Take your time and check for Small Parts or Accessories tucked into bubble wrap. Working slowly and neatly now makes assembly later much easier.
Share your unboxing experience with us! Capture photos or videos as you set up your new Gratz apparatus and tag us @gratz_pilates.
Need More Details on Unboxing Your Gratz Apparatus?
Whether you’re unpacking a large apparatus or smaller accessories, the same principles apply: move slowly and handle carefully.
Reformers, Cadillacs, and Studio Wall Unit
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Cut exterior black cable strapping using scissors or snips.
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Use a key or pen to open from the sides of the minor flaps — never use a blade.
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Peel away bubble wrap by hand. Do not cut through bubble wrap or foam.
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Lift with care. Use at least two people and lift, never drag.
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Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth before use.
Guillotine Tower
- If you’ve purchased a Guillotine Tower, you’ll need to remove the crate lid using a drill with a Phillips-#2 bit before following the general unpacking steps.
Barrels, Mats, and Chairs
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Avoid sharp tools. Use a car key or pen instead of knives or scissors.
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Open the minor flaps, not the center where the major flaps meet, to protect the upholstery.
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Peel bubble wrap by hand and place the apparatus on a clean, smooth surface.
Small Parts and Accessories
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Open the minor flaps, not the center where the major flaps meet, to protect the upholstery.
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Peel bubble wrap by hand — avoid blades.
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Check contents. Compare all pieces to your invoice sent by our team.
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Keep bubble wrap and box until you’ve verified every item.
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Store your accessories together for easy access.
What to Do If You Encounter an Issue
Investing in Gratz apparatus is an exciting step in your Classical Pilates journey, whether you’re equipping your studio, enhancing your personal practice, or adding a new piece to your collection. Once your order arrives, proper unpacking ensures your equipment is protected, easy to assemble, and ready to use for years to come.
This guide was created to help you unbox with confidence, care, and peace of mind. By following these steps, you’ll not only safeguard your investment but also set the stage for a smooth start with your new apparatus. From the tearing the Cutting Tape to your first workout, every detail matters and we’re here to make sure you feel supported at every step.
Remember, your Gratz equipment is built to the highest standards of craftsmanship and designed to last a lifetime when properly cared for. Take your time during the unboxing process, document each step, and reach out to our Customer Care team if you encounter any concerns.