Packaging products for safe delivery is the responsibility of every business that sends its wares out into the world. To keep your customers happy and your company name from developing a poor reputation, you need to pay attention to even the smallest details when packing items up for shipment.
When it comes to packaging products, many people find that they need help with this process. If you’re unsure of where to start or what materials will best suit your needs, check out these tips and tricks:
Determine The Type Of Packaging Required By Your Product.
When choosing which package to use, it’s important to consider how delicate your product is. For some products, you may want to use case sealing equipment to make the work easier or efficient. Or in the case of fragile items. You may want to go with a smaller, more form-fitting box with lots of padding inside.
If the product is larger but still fragile, you may need to wrap it in a protective layer of bubble wrap. Finally, if your product is sturdy enough that it’s unlikely to break during transit, a standard brown box will work fine.
Seal The Package
Use a sealing tape measure and box cutter for proper measurements. To package the product, place it in a shipping box. Also add padding materials around the product to prevent damage use twist ties or adhesive tape, either by themselves or in combination with wrapping paper.
To secure packaging materials ensure that all labels are properly affixed to the package print out any necessary documentation (e.g. shipment receipts, product information), and attach to the outside of the package with packing tape to ship the product.
Protect Vulnerable Areas.
Once you’ve chosen your type of packaging for delivery, it’s important to think about how the package will be handled and transported. To ensure that fragile parts of your product don’t get damaged in transit, place padding around them.
For example, if there’s a piece on the product with edges that could potentially poke through the box and get scratched or broken, place a layer of padding around that area to prevent damage.
Packing Peanuts.
Many online retailers use packing peanuts when they’re shipping products in boxes to their customers. If you’re using these yourself, it’s important to be aware that not everyone wants to receive them.
Some customers are concerned about the environment and don’t want to receive something they can’t use or recycle. If you choose to use packing peanuts, make sure there’s an option for your customer to opt out of them.
Ship it
Once you’ve picked up your product and chosen how you’re going to ship it using ShipNetwork, you’re ready to get it on its way. Just be sure that you’re printing out a shipping label with the correct information, including your business name and address, the customer’s name and address (for records), the type of shipment (ground or otherwise), the weight of the package, and any tracking numbers for security purposes. These details will prove invaluable if there are any problems with delivery.
Keep Yourself Informed
Once you’ve sent a package out to a customer, keep track of it. After it’s been shipped out to a customer, you can track it online with whatever shipping method you use. This allows you to keep an eye on where it’s at in the process so you can be sure it gets there safe and sound.
Make Your Packaging Eco-friendly
You’ve probably noticed that some retailers ship their products in brown boxes with nothing but tape around them, while others go out of their way to have the packaging be as eco-friendly as possible.
If you want to go green while still having a handsome and efficient package for delivery, opt for a brown box that has a minimal amount of tape used on it.
Choose Secure Methods of Shipping
Depending on where your business is located, there are different options for shipping your products to customers. Opt for FedEx, UPS, or other contracted courier services to ensure the best protection possible.
These companies have contracts with consistent security measures that are proven time and again to be effective at preventing theft, damage, etc.
Make Sure You Don’t Forget Anything
When you’re packaging a product for delivery, you can’t leave anything out! Any number of problems could occur during transit if parts of your product aren’t properly covered. Make sure the product is well-packed and secure in its box before sealing it up.
Properly Labeled Packages
Finally, make sure that your package is labeled with all the necessary information. Before you send it out, double-check that your business name and address are clearly marked on the front of the box as well as a shipping label with the destination address on it.
In addition to this, there should also be a label that specifically states whether or not your product is fragile and whether or not packing peanuts are included in the box. This will ensure that your product arrives safely and intact.
Do Your Research
Find out what kind of packaging other companies use, as it may be the same as yours. For example, if you’re mailing a small figurine to a client, look into how some other similar objects have been packaged by different companies. This will give you an idea of what works and doesn’t work when it comes to packing.
Start Early
If you’re going to be packaging and shipping out a large number of products, it’s never too early to start preparing. Once you’ve done your research and settled on the type of product and packaging you’d like to use for delivery, order those supplies as soon as possible so that they can arrive in time.
Use Filler Materials
Use some newsprint or fast-food napkins as filler material in your box, especially if what you’re sending is small and lightweight. This will help prevent the item from moving around and sustaining damage during transit
Invest In Packing Peanuts
If you’re sending out something fragile or valuable that somehow doesn’t already come with its own packaging, such as a watch in an insecure box, invest in some packing peanuts (or bubble cushioning) to keep your shipment safe and secure. These materials are designed for this purpose, so you know that it’s the safest way to “pack” your item.
Consider Transportation When Packaging
If you’re sending out something large or heavy, consider investing in a product such as stretch wrap so that you can secure it tightly during transit. This prevents shifting and ensures that nothing gets damaged along the way.
Secure Perishable Items
For perishable items, be sure to pack them in an insulated container with packing materials that will keep them cold until the recipient opens the package. Depending on where you are shipping this item from, there is a chance that the product will melt if it’s not kept chilled for some time.
Use New Shipping Bag
If you’re sending your product in a shipping bag, be sure that it’s clean and new so that it won’t get dirty during the shipping process. Also consider marking the contents of the package on the outside of a shipping bag with a permanent marker or tape, especially if it contains fragile items.
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to packaging products for delivery, but with these tips, you’ll be able to protect your shipment from damage and maintain a good reputation in the process. No matter what product you’re sending.
