| Anyone who has ever made a catalog or online | | | | condition. This can be challenging if you do not |
| purchase will tell you how important it is to have | | | | know the right way to package and ship your |
| their item arrive in quality condition. The packaging | | | | products. |
| of the item is often the most important part of | | | | Begin with quality packaging. In the past, you may |
| guaranteeing the safe arrival of the item. If | | | | have sent items to family and friends in regular |
| something shows up on your doorstep in a torn, | | | | mailing envelopes or old cardboard boxes. Popping |
| battered box without protective covering, it may | | | | the item into a reused box wrapped in some |
| result in a broken or damaged item. If it has been | | | | newspaper was enough to get it there in good |
| exposed to the elements, it can be ruined beyond | | | | enough shape. If you are now shipping to clients, |
| repair. There is also no way to assure the | | | | you not only need a more professional |
| materials will arrive intact if the packaging is | | | | presentation, you need a sturdier, safer one as |
| damaged because it is easy for those handling the | | | | well. Materials like cardboard, bubble wrap and |
| item to remove parts of its contents. Things can | | | | other protective materials are important to keep |
| easily fall out of a damaged box in transport, and | | | | items from breaking and shifting in transport. You |
| in some cases, you may not even realize you are | | | | will not want to resort to newsprint because the |
| not receiving everything you purchased. If your | | | | ink may discolor the item, and it is bothersome |
| business requires you to ship items to clients, it is | | | | for your client to handle when unpacking their |
| important to work with a quality packaging | | | | purchase. |
| company. Some packaging options like those | | | | Once your item is packaged, it is important to |
| provided by 3PL are reasonably priced and will | | | | make sure it is addressed correctly. If you are |
| help your business succeed. A Contract | | | | only selling one or two items, this may not seem |
| Warehouse will handle an important part of your | | | | like a big deal. However, once your business picks |
| shipping, but there is more to worry about than | | | | up, you are going to need a fail-proof system |
| just the box. If you are running a business that | | | | that allows you to address numerous packages |
| requires you to ship your products to clients, it is | | | | without error. There are computer programs that |
| important to handle all stages of their purchase | | | | will help, or you can devise a manual method if |
| professionally and efficiently. | | | | you are more comfortable with that method. You |
| Making a sale is exciting. Regardless of whether | | | | may want to run a few initial tests, and |
| you run a brick and mortar business, or you | | | | periodically make sure it is still as fail-proof as it |
| conduct your business online, it is always a thrill to | | | | was originally. |
| successfully market and sell a product. However, | | | | Once the item is packaged and addressed, it is |
| there may be an added component to completing | | | | time to ship. There are a number of shipping |
| that sale, especially if you operate your business | | | | methods available, and you will want to choose |
| online. If your company sells long distance, it | | | | the one that is most reliable while still being cost |
| means you will be shipping your products to your | | | | effective. You may find different methods work |
| buyers. This is exciting because it can expand | | | | best for different items and locations. Whatever |
| your market globally, but it is an added layer of | | | | the case, be sure your items reach their |
| service. You are responsible for getting the item | | | | destination, and your clients safely and |
| to its destination safely and in brand new | | | | professionally. |