Shipping fragile items is one of the biggest challenges of many e-commerce businesses. You need to make sure the parcels reach the customers in pristine condition, but you don’t have full control over how items are handled.
For delicate items, the best way you can secure them is to ensure that the packaging is airtight. How do you that? Get the details below.
Choose the Right Box Size
Securing fragile items starts with selecting the right box size. If the box is too big for the item, there will be a lot of space for the product to bump around. Plus, choosing a bigger box will incur more shipping charges. The product should fit snugly into the box, with some space left for cushioning.
When choosing the size of the box, measure the item first. Get the length, width, and height, and then choose a box with a two-inch space allowance on all sides of the item. Consider getting custom-size shipping boxes to get the exact dimensions you need for securing fragile items.
Invest in High-Quality Materials
Packaging for fragile items must be made of high-quality materials; otherwise, there’s no point in packing them. Thin and flimsy boxes won’t be enough to protect delicate items during transport and delivery.
It may be cheaper to use thinner and lighter boxes, but the price you’ll pay for skimping on packaging will be steeper. On top of paying for return shipping, you may also lose a valuable customer. Invest in high-quality boxes when packing fragile items to avoid incurring more expenses and to prevent dissatisfied customers.
Know the different types of packaging to choose the right one for your product.
Use Package Cushioning
There are several types of protective packaging cushioning, such as bubble wrap, Styrofoam pellets, packaging peanuts, air cushions, and cardboard pieces. Consider the size, weight, and fragility of the item when choosing the right cushioning material for your package.
Using cushioning materials is essential for securing breakable items, but it also generates more trash. Most of the time, people just throw away the bubble wrap or peanuts that come with their parcel, creating more pollution. Consider eco-friendly alternatives, like recycled bubble wraps and biodegradable green wrap, or make your own packaging out of recycled materials.
Wrap the Item, and Use Fillers
Breakable items should be individually wrapped before they are sealed in a box. This lessens the risk of each item getting chipped or destroyed while in transit. When packing fragile items with hollow spaces, like glasses or vases, fill in any void with crumpled paper or bubble wrap.
After wrapping the item, use cushioning materials to pad the top, bottom, and sides of the box too. Fill the two-inch space allowance on all sides of the item with cushioning materials.
Once you’ve wrapped the fragile item and cushioned the box, close the flaps, and do several test shakes. The item should be perfectly snug inside the box and should not move or shift around when you shake the box. Seal the box with packaging tape after making sure everything’s tight and secure.
Label Fragile Packages
Let the shipping provider and handlers know that they should handle your package with care. Place a big label that says “Fragile” or “Handle with Care” on the box. Indicate which side should be facing up if you’re shipping appliances or products that should not be stored upside down.
If you want the assurance that your package will be handled carefully, see if your couriers have special options for shipping fragile items. You can pack your breakable items as securely as you want to, but you can’t control the hands handling them when they reach shipping warehouses and transport.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered with Care
In an ideal world, businesses will pack and ship products, and the customer will receive the parcel in perfect condition. Unfortunately, bumps and snags can happen while the package is being transported to warehouses and transferred to different hands and vehicles before getting delivered to the customer’s doorstep. Proper packaging for fragile items is the best way you can ensure that the item reaches your customer safely.
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