Shipping and packaging mistakes can be costly for a business. Sometimes, it can mean the difference between profit and loss.
In this article, we will go over some of the most common shipping and packaging mistakes that you should try to avoid.
It includes everything from how to pack fragile items to choosing the right type of materials for your shipment.
We hope that these tips help you with your future shipping needs!
1. Not using a quality box
One of the most common shipping and packaging mistakes is not using a good quality box to protect your item.
If you are going to be sending a valuable item, using a strong box will ensure that it gets to its destination without being damaged by the elements or mishandled by someone else.
Furthermore, if you are not able-bodied enough to lift heavy items or purchase a large box, there are plenty of shipping companies out there that would be happy to help.
2. Packaging with materials you already have
Many times, people use the packing materials they already have lying around their house.
While this isn't necessarily wrong, it may cause some packaging issues. Not only could it delay your shipment, but sometimes using the wrong type of material can cause damage to the item you are shipping.
It is generally a good idea to purchase extra materials as needed, which will help you avoid this common mistake.
3. Using low-quality packaging tape
Low-quality packaging tape may seem like a "cheap" way to seal your shipment, but it can cost you more than you think.
When using tape, the very first thing that people notice is how well it sticks. If it doesn't stick well enough or comes undone during transit, this could result in serious damage to the product inside.
4. Protecting electronics with bubblewrap
Many people are under the assumption that wrapping their electronics in bubble wrap is a great way to protect them.
This is generally true, but it does not give you complete protection when shipping your item.
It would be far better to find a high-quality box and use both proper packing materials and bubble wrap for added padding.
5. Using just one type of padding material
In order to properly protect your item from damage, it is a good idea to use several different types of padding materials.
If you are shipping something that is particularly fragile, you want to make sure that it has enough layers between the outside world and what's inside.
The best way to do this would be using bubble wrap as an added layer of protection and adding some packing peanuts or shredded paper on the bottom.
6. Using a water-based marker to label boxes
Many people will write directly on their box with a permanent marker in order to mark what is inside. While this may be doable at home, it can cause trouble during transit.
The ink from these markers can sometimes bleed through the box, which can cause it to be mistaken for something else.
7. Not safeguarding against temperature changes
One of the most common mistakes when shipping and packaging are neglecting to protect your item from temperature changes.
Shipping in extreme heat or cold can cause damage, so it's important that you take this into consideration when sending out your package.
If you are shipping something that is particularly fragile, it would be a good idea to use cold packs or heat packs (depending on the season and time of day) and include them in the same box as your item.