If your packing and shipping process is sloppy, it leaves a bad first impression and reflects poorly on your brand. On the other hand, a great unboxing experience creates buzz and ensures the product is delivered in good condition, and can have customers come back to place more orders.
So, if you are a business owner unsure how to package your products efficiently, don’t worry. Whether you’re mailing a single product or shipping thousands of orders, these pro packaging pointers will ensure your customers receive their items in pristine condition. So read on and find out more.
Invest in quality packaging
To ensure product safety, it’s crucial not to cut corners when packaging and shipping your product. Use bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or foam inserts to keep products snug and secure inside the box. Use padded envelopes, tissue paper, or cardboard dividers for fragile items. For bottles containing liquids, use tamper-evident tape, shrink bands, or resealable pouches to prevent spills or contamination.
For hazardous or temperature-controlled medicines, use insulated coolers, poly bags, zippered pouches, or sealed bottles as an added layer of protection inside the main shipping box. If you own a pharmaceutical company, look for one that provides packaging for specialty pharmacies since you may have to consider temperature.
Use the right box size
Choosing the right box size for your products is important. If they are too big, your items will shift, possibly damaging each other. Too small, and you won’t have enough room to add protective padding.
- Measure your products carefully and add a few inches of space on all sides. For fragile items, add extra room for bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or cardboard inserts.
- Consider the item’s shape. Oddly shaped products may require a custom box to avoid wasted space. Square boxes are the most efficient for shipping and storage.
- Don’t overstuff the box. Leave some space so the flaps close securely and for easy customer opening. An overfull box is difficult to seal and risks bursting open during transit.
- For heavy or bulky items, double-box them. Place the product in a snug inner box, seal it, then put that box inside a larger outer box with padding like packing peanuts, newspaper, or foam between the two. This prevents shifting and absorbs shock.
- Mark the outside of the box with arrows indicating which way is up. This ensures fragile items remain upright and prevents packets from being stacked improperly during shipping.
Ensure that address written on the parcel is correct
Double-check that the address you’ve written on the shipping label is correct. There’s nothing more frustrating than a package not arriving at its destination because of a tiny typo.
Carefully check:
- The recipient’s full name and company name (if applicable)
- The street number and name
- The city and state
- The zip or postal code
Include packing slips and returns labels
Tuck packing slips, invoices, or any other paperwork into the box along with the products when preparing shipments. The packing slip should list all items in the shipment, including product names, SKUs, and quantities. This allows customers to double-check that they received everything listed on their order and invoice.
Providing return shipping labels gives customers an easy way to send items back if needed. Pre-paid return labels mean customers won’t have to pay for return shipping costs out of their pocket, which can improve customer satisfaction and make them more likely to shop with you again.
Weigh packages before shipping
Weigh each package using a scale. For larger or heavier items, consider using a heavy-weight scale for more precise measurements.
The dimensions also matter. Even if an item is light but oversized, shipping costs can still be higher because of its size. So, always consider both weight and dimensions when shipping. So get precise measurements of your packages – length, width, and height. Then determine the dimensional weight to estimate the space a package will take up during shipping.
Be well prepared ahead of peak sales periods
The holidays and other seasonal peaks in sales mean an influx of orders to fulfill. Be prepared for the rush by:
-
Stocking up on supplies: Double-check that you have everything needed to properly package products – boxes, padding, tape, labels, etc. Buy extras of commonly used items so you don’t run out. Running to the store wastes valuable time that could be spent filling orders.
-
Organizing your workspace: A messy, cluttered area slows you down. Designate spaces for different tasks like an area just for packaging, one for labeling, and another for sorting incoming orders. Group similar items together in labeled bins to grab what you need quickly.
-
Streamlining your process: Figure out the most efficient way to do things before the busy season hits in full swing. The faster and more accurately you can package orders, the less likely you’ll feel overwhelmed during peak periods.
-
Planning ahead: Look at sales trends from previous years to anticipate how many orders you might receive. Prepare for different scenarios so you’re not caught off guard. If a promotion is running, account for a potential spike in sales.
Communicate your delivery terms and conditions very clearly
State your shipping and delivery policies prominently on your website, product pages, and at checkout. Include details like how long orders typically take to ship and be delivered, any costs or restrictions, and your refund/return policy.
Send shipping notifications to keep customers informed. Let them know as soon as the order has shipped, and provide a tracking number they can follow. Give an estimated delivery date range so they know when to expect their package.
Be transparent about any delays or backorders. As soon as you know of any issues impacting shipping times, notify affected customers immediately. Answer any questions promptly and thoroughly.
Conclusion
By investing resources in quality packaging and shipping, you’re investing in your business and customer satisfaction. Take an extra few minutes to protect your goods properly, choose a carrier suited to your needs, and include a personal touch whenever possible. Your customers will appreciate your attention to detail.
