| With internet sales on the increase the use of | | | | Always ensure any liquids sent are stored in leak |
| couriers has risen substantially in recent years. | | | | free containers, packed with a lightweight &, |
| With the volumes they are now expected to | | | | strong material and sealed with a polythene bag. |
| cope with & demand for next day & overnight | | | | Remember that bad packaging can cause damage |
| deliveries accounting for a high proportion of | | | | to adjacent items. |
| traffic, couriers are literally under immense | | | | Seal semi liquids, oily or strong odour substances |
| pressure to deliver results whilst remaining | | | | with adhesive parcel tape. Remember that bad |
| competitive. Inevitably shortcuts are taken, often | | | | packaging can cause damage to adjacent items. |
| at the expense of the condition of the product in | | | | Place powders and grains in strong polythene |
| transit. | | | | bags, securely sealed and then packed in a rigid |
| 99.9% of customers will never make contact with | | | | heavy duty box. |
| their seller & all they will see are the goods they | | | | Use "This Way Up" labels for non-solid materials. |
| order. Often the state of the packaging on | | | | Repack retail & gift products properly. Many |
| delivery dictates the condition of the product | | | | goods sold in attractive retail packaging may not |
| inside & understandably many will refuse delivery | | | | be suitable for shipping with a courier. |
| if they consider their purchase to be anything less | | | | Complete the address clearly and completely, |
| than perfect. This situation in turn leads to | | | | using uppercase letters when handwriting labels to |
| increased cost & aggravation for all three parties. | | | | improve readability for courier staff. |
| By ensuring suitable packaging & packaging | | | | When shipping sharp items, ensure the edges and |
| methods are employed the majority of potential | | | | points are fully protected. Heavy duty cardboard |
| issues can be avoided. | | | | is suitable for this. Ensure the material is fixed |
| Below is a list of basic points to remember; | | | | securely so that it cannot be accidentally |
| Choose the size of the package according to the | | | | removed in transit & wrap generously. |
| contents. Under-filled boxes are likely to be | | | | If re using a cardboard box, remove all adhesive |
| crushed, overloaded ones may split. | | | | labels first. Ensure that the box is in good shape |
| Whenever possible use the highest quality | | | | with no tears or cuts. |
| materials for your shipments. Remember to | | | | Do not use bags made of fabric, Hessian or cloth. |
| consider strength, cushioning, and durability when | | | | Do not over tape your package. Any shipment |
| selecting the packaging materials. | | | | can be opened by customs authorities for |
| Select boxes & cartons made of corrugated | | | | inspection at any time. |
| cardboard. Use heavy-duty double walled board | | | | Do not use just rope or string to seal your |
| for valuable items. | | | | shipment. |
| Make use of cushioning & void fill materials, to | | | | Do not consider "Fragile" or "Handle with care" |
| stop your products from moving around. | | | | labels as a substitute for quality packaging |
| Use strapping as a good way to seal and secure | | | | materials. They are only suitable as an information |
| your box. Use strong parcel tape if a strapping | | | | guide. |
| machine is unavailable. | | | | Following these guidelines should ensure that your |
| Place fragile goods in the middle of a package, | | | | packaging is a positive experience for your |
| ensuring they don't touch the sides. Your products | | | | customer, courier & you. |
| should be well cushioned on all sides. | | | | |