Sending a parcel may look easy, but the art of packing and packaging your parcel isn’t quite as simple as it seems. With so many businesses currently looking to grow online yet operating at decreased capacity, or from unusual premises and now finding out about the logistics of delivery for the first time, a refresher about packaging seems pertinent.
The way you package your parcel will, of course, depend on what kind of item you are sending, where it’s being sent and what kind of requirements and guidelines are set by your courier or parcel service. But apart from that, the basics remain the same. Get acquainted with them here; this is the IDEAL guide to packaging dos and don’ts for your UK business.
BRAND NEW BOX FOR FRAGILE CONTENTS
Do choose a brand new box if the contents are fragile. This is one of the essential considerations with regards to sending parcels. Recycled, rescued boxes are better for the environment and should always be used in cases where the contents of your package are durable or won’t be damaged. That said, if you’re sending something delicate, use a box that’s brand new and preferably double-walled so you can have better peace of mind regarding the safety and protection of your item.
MATERIAL MATTERS
Don’t be stingy with the packaging material. Here’s another factor that can affect how well-protected your item is within the box or container: the packaging material. No matter what size of box you use for your item, you need to make sure that you also make use of packaging materials for the interior of the box. These packaging materials include bubble wrap, sturdy parcel tape, foam peanuts, and the like.
And try not to be stingy with these materials, either – the more materials you use, the better. This is especially true for the layers of filler or padding within the box’s empty space that will cushion the item and protect it from damage once it is transported. In fact, the experts at Send Parcel Now recommend having at least five centimetres of padding between the box’s sides and the item itself.
PRIVACY
Don’t advertise unnecessary information to those who don’t need to know about your parcel’s contents. Indeed, you don’t have to write the details of the actual contents of the parcel on the exterior of the box; you can simply include all these pertinent details when you book with the courier or parcel delivery service. Accordingly, branded packaging (where the contents are obvious from the exterior) isn’t necessary.
LABELLING & SIZE
Don’t send a package or parcel which is smaller than A4 size. We say this because you’ll need to be able to stick printed labels onto your package, and the label won’t adhere properly if it ends up becoming wrapped or wound around the parcel multiple times.
MAKE IT EASY TO IDENTIFY
Do take note of any distinguishing features on your parcel once you’ve securely wrapped and labelled it. This will help you identify your parcel if necessary later on, just in case it gets misplaced, lost, sent to a different address or returned to sender (you). With Royal Mail doing a difficult job at this time, make things easier for everyone here!
DOUBLE LABEL
Do make it a point to print out two copies of the parcel’s label once your chosen courier or parcel delivery services sends you one. Stick the first copy on the outside of the box, and stick the other one inside the box in case the exterior label gets loose or falls off.