Packages that are delivered showing major signs of wear and tear while in transit can lead to product damage and an unwelcome uplift in customer complaints. Even if the goods inside haven’t been damaged, inadequate and poor packaging creates a negative impression of both your product and service.
To help prevent damage to your products, here are some thoughts and helpful tips from Labelszoo:
Re-using boxes and the risks it carries
Image By Direct Cardboard Boxes
Re-using boxes may seem to be efficient in both saving costs and in doing your bit for recycling, but they need to be in extremely good condition to withstand repeated use. To ensure the best result re-used boxes can be used for internal packaging but the put a new box round the outside to create the best impression. If you are reusing older boxes take care to check for signs of damage around the corners or seams. Use plenty of packaging tape to further reinforce a used box.
Choosing the right box to use
Image By Packsize
Make sure you use the right size and construction of box type for your product. Use thicker board boxes for heavy weight items. Additionally, different shaped boxes and additional packaging serve different purposes as well. Beverages such as wine bottles have split sections inside their boxes to help keep the bottles separated but upright. For bulky items like building tools octagon shaped boxes are useful as you can often pack more in than a regular shaped box.
Suggested basic requirements for heavy items include:
Over 10kg: double-lined corrugated box.
Over 30kg: triple-lined corrugated box.
Over 40kg: a rigid wooden box or pallet.
For extra heavy items, double boxing provides an extra layer of protection.
Packing Materials
Image By Mars translation
There are an array of different materials for packaging on the item being sent and the mode of transport.
Bulky or heavy items require large, corrugated boxes with multiple layers.
For small items or documentation, a padded envelopes might be more suitable.
You may want to consider packing items in plastic bags, shrink wrap or jiffy bags and then placing into a larger box for greater security.
Fragile items
Image By ParcelHero
It’s worth padding valuable items so that they don’t move around a box while in transit. The main aim of padding is to remove gaps within the packaging to prevent boxed items bumping around during transport. This will help protect against scratching, marking or damage. For valuable items it may be worth investing in polystyrene foam that is moulded to fit the product and keep it completely immobile during transit. Cheaper alternatives include bubble wrap, while shredded cardboard or waste paper provides a cheap and sustainable alternative.
The image above gives a simple visual guide of how this can be achieved by placing filler in each corner of the box. Fill any remaining gaps with bubble wrap or other alternatives of your choice will secure the item completely. Using an outer box will provide the final layer of additional protection.
While it is rare for customers to actively acknowledge that their goods have arrived in pristine condition, they will be quick to let you know if it has arrived in poor condition. Spending time on improving your packaging will reduce customer complaints and help avoid disputes over goods being damaged in transit. It will also help with creating a good impression of your business.
We hope this information helps and gives you an idea of how to prepare packaging efficiently.
Zookeeper
