In the dynamic world of eCommerce, a product’s journey from the warehouse to the customer isn’t merely about transporting it as fast as possible. This journey symbolises the delivery of customer satisfaction and the lengths sellers and businesses are willing to go to in order to create an engaging customer experience from start to finish. One integral step in the process is choosing protective packaging. While often overlooked, the packaging you choose is important for ensuring the item reaches the customer in the best condition possible, and protecting products in the cardboard boxes themselves is one of the best ways to guarantee this. If you’re wondering how to protect your products during the transit process, this article will share some helpful tips.
The Significance of Proper Packaging
When selling any product, from water bottles to industrial machines, using appropriate packaging such as sturdy cardboard boxes can be critical in retaining customers. The longer a package is in transit, the higher the risk of shocks and damages occurring. Adequately packaged goods in the right sized cardboard boxes simply do better at surviving their journey from warehouse to customer, significantly reducing the likelihood of returns due to damage and ensuring customers have the buying experience they expect.
Packaging Guidelines for Different Items
Small Items
Smaller items, depending on their type and fragility, may require more care when sending. Start by placing the product in a correctly sized cardboard box. Make sure there’s enough area around the item to accommodate cushioning material such as packaging peanuts, bubble wrap and paper to protect the item from impacts and prevent movement during transit. Once filled, secure the box with packaging tape, adding any necessary labels and information.
Large Items
Large items like industrial machines or gym equipment require more robust packaging. Using durable cardboard boxes that can withstand the weight of other boxes is critical. Generously fill the box with dense cushioning materials like Styrofoam or engineered foam enclosures. For managing heavier loads, consider placing the shipment on a pallet, providing extra support to the cardboard boxes the items are enclosed in.
Freight Shipping
For businesses shipping multiple cardboard boxes of inventory, boxes should be securely placed on pallets. Proper stacking to ensure pallet stability is as important as correctly packing individual boxes. Securely wrap the boxes with shrink wrap and/or straps, then label appropriately.
Fragile Items
Fragile items, like glassware and ceramics, require meticulous packaging in cardboard boxes. Wrap the item with paper and bubble wrap before placing it in a smaller box, which is then placed in a larger box. This is known as the ”box-in-box method”. This method enhances protection and deters pilfering. Be sure to also fill the box with an adequate amount of cushioning material to provide extra protection.
Oddly Shaped Items
Packaging oddly shaped items, such as musical instruments or car parts, can be especially challenging. In this use case, cardboard boxes may not be the best protective shipping material or may only act as a supplementary packaging material. Packaging materials such as stretch wrap may be more suitable, as when applied properly, the wrap will easily conform to the shape of the item it’s placed on whilst offering it adequate protection.
