Shipping out items can be very stressful when it comes to thinking about the potential damage in transit. It’s important to protect your products during shipping, but how? You can prevent product waste and save money with these seven simple precautions.
Table of Contents
- Choose the Proper Box Size
- Properly Label Box Contents
- Use Water-Resistant Outer Packaging
- Use the Correct Interior Packaging
- Test Your Packaging
- Collect Data From Your Customers
- Invest in a Strong Tape
Step 1: Choose the Proper Box Size
The first step in ensuring that your product reaches its destination safely is choosing the proper box size. If you pack your item in a box that’s too big, there will be extra room for damage. Make sure that you’re choosing the proper box size that’s well-fitted for the item you’re shipping. The more your items can move around, the higher the likelihood of something breaking.
Step 2: Properly Label Box Contents
The second step to shipping items without breaking them is properly labeling the box contents. For example, if your package is fragile, be sure to add a “fragile” label to the box. If your item contains liquid, label the box with “liquid.” These labels will let the carrier know if there are any special precautions they need to take when handling your product.
Step 3: Use Water-Resistant Outer Packaging
You should also make sure that your packaging can hold up to rain and snow. Your package may be exposed to various weather conditions along its journey. The right outer packaging will prevent water from directly hitting your product and damaging it before it reaches its destination. Choose durable, strong material that’s water-resistant.
Step 4: Use the Correct Interior Packaging
Interior packaging can also protect products during shipping. There are lots of options to choose from when it comes to protective packaging. You might opt for biodegradable foam or molded pulp that’s ideal for the shape of your items. Some shapes are more challenging to protect than others, and some products are more fragile and prone to damage during transit. You may need to use a combination of interior packaging types to get the best results.
Step 5: Test Your Packaging
Make sure to test your package prior to sending it out. Do a quick visual inspection to make sure everything is properly sealed. It’s also a good idea to work with a packaging company that regularly tests its materials to make sure they can stand up to common shipping hazards like compression, vibration and drops.
Step 6: Collect Data From Actual Customers on Their Experience
Focus on what your previous customers have said about their experience with your packaging and delivery process. You can use their feedback to understand what’s working and what’s not so you can make specific changes.
Consider sending out surveys after delivery. Ask if the products came in as expected and if there was any damage to the items. It’s also a good idea to leave space for additional feedback and suggestions. Your customers will feel that you value their opinions, and you can use the data you gather to make improvements.
Step 7: Invest in Strong Tape
Make sure you’re investing in strong tape to hold your package together. Durable tape can ensure the safety of your product and make sure that these damages don’t occur. It’s a good idea to use tape that’s specifically designed for shipping, as it will be more durable than regular tape.
Technique matters when it comes to tape, too. Try using the classic H-tape method to prevent damage during shipping:
- Fold the two smaller flaps of the box in first, then do the same with the larger flaps.
- Use tape to seal the edges of the flaps together. You’ll want the tape to start on the side of the box and go across the whole length of the flaps. Some overhang on both sides is key.
- After you secure the flaps down the middle, you’ll still see small openings along the width. Add a strip of tape to seal each side. When you’re done, you should be able to look down at the top of the package and see a wide H made of tape.
The Importance of Proper Shipping Precautions
These seven steps can make all the difference in ensuring that your product arrives at its location safely. Proper packaging takes some extra time, but you could end up spending more time and money to replace damaged items otherwise.
Great Northern Fiber Interior Packaging™ is here to help you with all of your product protection needs. Contact us today or give us a call at 800.925.2626 to learn how our products can help prevent shipping damage and keep your customers happy.
