No one would argue that nowadays is the golden age of eCommerce. And although these types of businesses are definitely booming, it doesn’t mean that they don’t face challenges. ECommerce shipping can still be demanding, especially if you sell fragile items.
But there are no impossible tasks if you arm yourself with the right knowledge! The following Top 4 tips will help you to handle fragile items shipping for both domestic and international deliveries.
1. Select proper external packaging
Packaging is crucial when shipping fragile items. And you need to start by picking an appropriate container. There are many choices for external packaging – from bubble mailers to cardboard boxes. But since you’re dealing with fragiles, shipping boxes will be your best option.
Boxes have many advantages for sending fragile goods. They have enough space for placing the item and the cushioning materials. And they adjust well with other parcels during transportation which reduces the risk of breakage.
The only catch is to select a box of the right size. It can’t be too small. But it also shouldn’t be too big to prevent the goods from moving inside.
Choosing a smaller container is beneficial money-wise as well since shipping larger packages, even if they’re lightweight, costs more. You can check that by consulting a shipping rates calculator.
2. Add enough padding materials
A proper container is a good start, but it’s not enough to protect fragile items during shipment. You’ll need to invest into padding materials, too. There’s a truly great selection of cushioning materials you can use, so carefully consider which fit your goods the best.
Internal packaging materials serve several functions. They’re used for cushioning and protection of items and for filling the void. Some of them, such as bubble wrap, are suitable for all the mentioned purposes, while others, for instance, air bags, are only good for filling in the empty space.
Since the functions of some padding materials overlap, there’s no need to get all of them. You can simply choose one or two which you find the most suitable. The key is to wrap each item separately before putting them into the box and to tightly fill in the void. It’s not advised to economize in this regard.
3. Seal the box well
Another thing to pay attention to when packing fragile items for shipping is the taping. It’s the barrier that keeps your goods from falling out during transit so make sure your package is sealed tightly.
Selecting the right tape is also important. Using duck or masking tape is not recommended. It’s best to use packing tape. Be sure to apply it on the bottom and on the top of the box by taping all the seams and making an H shape. In this way, you can be sure that your parcel is well sealed and protected.
4. Attach warning labels
The last step is to let people who will handle your package know that it requires special care. So don’t forget to attach appropriate labels. You can use printed labels with the word “FRAGILE” or affix stickers with symbols: a cracked glass for indicating fragile items, two arrows pointing up for instructions not to turn the box upside down and an umbrella for warning about goods sensitive to humidity.
Be sure to place the labels on a well visible spot and on more than one side of the box so that they easily catch the eye of the courier.
Fragile items shipping may require more investment for eCommerce business. But with the tips described above, it’ll be easier to do it. And all means to ensure that your goods reach your customers unscathed are worth it.
