Billions of packages are damaged every year during shipping. Not getting the goods you have paid for in one piece can be frustrating, and can also take a toll on your pockets. Several things can lead to this damage. Some of these include poor handling, exposure to water, and accidents.
While it can be considered “the cost of doing business,” it is still a pretty high cost and can affect your revenue. So, how do you protect yourself from such events?
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Wrap All Items
If your package is likely to break, ensure it is wrapped in cushioning material. For instance, you could use customized bubble mailers. Before you ship your package, do some research and understand the kind of wrappers you will need. This will ensure nothing gets broken during shipping.
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Get the Correct Sizes of Boxes
Note that too much-unused space in the packaging box could also cause breakage or damage to items. This is mainly because it gives the contents room to toss around, leading to breakage if the padding or cushioning is not adequate.
Choose the right size box. If possible, choose a fitting one with no extra space. This will prevent the fragile items from moving around and potential breakage.
If there is extra space in the box, you can fill it to prevent the contents from moving around.
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Label the Boxes as Fragile
As mentioned, one of the reasons packages break is due to improper handling along the supply chain. Labeling the package as “fragile” will communicate to different people along the supply chain that the products inside are delicate.
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Prevent Water Damage by Packaging with Plastic Material
Products such as pharmaceuticals, clothing, and food can be damaged when exposed to moisture. How do you prevent such damage? The trick is to use waterproof materials for packaging the products. For instance, plastic bags and airtight plastic containers should work well. To protect them from humidity, you can consider using desiccants, as well.
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Avoid Overpacking
Overpacking items in a box can also lead to damage. Overpacking will push things against the walls of the box, which could lead to damage. They can also push items in the box against each other, leading to breakage and scratching.
Overpacking can also compromise the box, which may cause it to fall apart. This can leave the items exposed or cause things to fall out.
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Use Sturdy Boxes for Packaging
Fabric bags should be avoided, as they don’t cushion and protect packages. Use a new box instead to protect your parcel from the risk of damage.
Conclusion
While damage to packages while shipping may sometimes be inevitable, it is good to take precautions. Ensure that suitable materials are used. For instance, bubble mailers are ideal for fragile items that are susceptible to breakage. Also, ensure the right packaging size is being used, the items are properly wrapped, and request that the handlers are careful with your package.