Your packaging is essential when it comes to shipping your products. As one of the final steps from you to your buyer, it’s vital that your package arrives safely, and in one piece!
Packaging should be a key concern for businesses, with more and more people ordering their products online. A poor packaging experience can lead to a dissatisfied customer, and it only takes one bad review to ruin a good rating.
The right packing strategy can make all the difference to your business, and help give you confidence that your goods will arrive safely at their final destination.
So how can you pack your items for safe shipping? Here are some tips to help your business ship safely and securely.
The importance of good packaging
Good packaging is important for many reasons. As a business, you should care that your goods are delivered safely and securely, reaching your customers intact. A customer who receives a damaged package with damaged goods could be left unsatisfied, and resolving the issue will cost your business time and money - something that can be avoided as much as possible.
For many businesses, the packaging is part of the overall product and experience, featuring branding and innovative design to distinguish them from everyone else.
Is your shipment secure?
A secure shipment should mean that even a highly fragile item can be delivered safely and securely. With the right wrapping, padding, and seal, there should be no issues getting your items to the customer in one piece.
Is the right padding being used?
The type of padding you use can make all the difference to the items inside the package. There are various types of packaging padding you can use, including bubble wrap, wadding, foam rolls and more. Your items shouldn’t be able to move around the box freely, and the right padding should absorb any impact. It’s important to get the amount of padding right to ensure items are protected, without overfilling to the point where the package could burst.
Cushion or foam peanuts?
Two of the most common types of packing materials are cushions and foam peanuts. Both have their benefits but you should think carefully before you choose the right one for your packaging.
- Cushion
Using cushioning can be a very effective way to pack goods. There are different kinds available, including lightweight, recyclable solutions that are easy to remove from the package and can be reused. There are cardboard, foam and absorbent cushions available to suit different package needs to make sure your goods arrive safely.- Foam peanuts
Foam peanuts have been used in packaging for years, providing a lightweight, cost-effective solution for businesses. However, for customers, this isn’t the case. Opening a package with foam peanuts can be messy, and the typical peanuts are not biodegradable and can’t be recycled, making them bad for the environment. There are newer types of eco-friendly packing peanuts available, but these can be more expensive, and heavier than other types of packing material.With many different types of packing materials available, it’s worth exploring all package cushioning types to help you find the right products for your needs.
Simple steps for safe shipping
- Choose the right packaging for your shipment
One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to packaging. You’ll need to start with the right sized box to make sure your items can fit in securely, with enough room for packaging to stop goods from becoming damaged. Depending on the size of the item, you could use cardboard boxes, polyurethane bags, packing tubes and padded envelopes to package it securely.- Wrap individual items
If you’re sending multiple items, you should wrap each one individually. You can do this with bubble wrap and other packing materials to stop them hitting each other and moving around the package.- Cushion and fill the package
You shouldn’t be able to hear goods moving around the box when you pick it up. Instead, you should fill gaps with the right cushioning to protect the items. Protecting your goods from the edges or outside of the packaging can stop them being damaged by impact or force during handling.- Seal thoroughly
All boxes and packaging should be sealed with heavy-duty packing tape to provide as much security as possible. Using ordinary tape or something less adhesive like scotch or masking tape risks the package opening in transit, potentially damaging or losing goods.- Make sure it’s labeled carefully
Finally, it’s important that your package is labeled carefully. This should include the shipping address clearly marked out, as well as any special instructions and a ‘return to sender’ address in case of a problem.
You should also include shipping details within the package in case the label is damaged somehow and the courier needs to try and find an address another way.
Labels should be securely affixed to ensure they don’t come off during transportation.
Knowing how to package products correctly can save a lot of hassle for your business, ensuring fewer returns, refunds and complaints from customers. It can be trial and error as to which packaging is the most effective for your goods, but it’s important that you get it right. The quality of your packaging is the most important consideration, as well as trying to make sure your packaging is as eco-friendly as possible. Once you’ve nailed your packaging methods, you can then look at branding options to make your packaging more attractive and in-keeping with the rest of your brand identity.
Taking the time to package your products safely is worth the investment for your business. Could your packaging be improved? Start looking at options and check out our full range of packing cushioning to help you choose the right products for your packaging needs.