7 ways to make sure your products are secured during shipping

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7 ways to make sure your products are secured during shipping

Running a business can be a very fulfilling endeavor, both monetary and personal. Knowing all the ins and outs of a successful entrepreneur practice is something you can take great pride in. With all of that being said, understanding that every part of the customer experience is equally paramount. Selling any products can be half the battle as the customer is yet to receive it and, hopefully, be satisfied enough in the end to warrant a continuous practice. Meaning, packaging should be approached with the same care and importance as any other part of your business. With that in mind, here are some key points to focus on.

1. Use multiple layers and padding

Let’s say you have something fragile to ship and, it’s important that the object moves as little as possible and doesn’t tumble around. So, after you wrap it up and store it in a box, you need to fill it with a generous amount of packing peanuts. Then use a larger box and put the smaller one inside. All you have to do now is stuff the space in between. It can be with anything ranging from old newspaper to foam. This outer shell will absorb any impacts first and lessen the force on the inside box that’s already layered. With this protective armor, your package is much safer during transit.

2. Recycling is good, but don’t overdo it

As the title says, shipping boxes can be reused multiple times. But some you can use more, some far less. Just apply your better judgment when you are using a worn-out box. If it looks good and you judge its structural integrity as sound, then, by all means, go ahead. But if it has holes, is torn up a bit, or is wobbly, it’s best to dismantle it. Even then, it can still be used as padding (as mentioned above) or for other various uses. Old pieces of paper that you have lying around the office can be used for filling instead of just throwing them away. 

3. Professional accessories

Having the right tools for the job can make all the difference in the world. While you may think of them as an added expense, they are minuscule compared to a broken shipment, the hassle of replacing it, and a very dissatisfied customer and damaged customer experience. Quality tape, professional containers, reliable security seals, and much more are at your disposal to take your mind of such things. Once bought and implemented, they will set the standard for all future practices and separate you from the rest of the market. Customers notice such effort and, that’s all that matters in the end.

4. Adjust packaging to the packet

Transporting a liquid is on the opposite end of transporting a mechanical part, for example. Watertight packages are a must if your product has any liquids (or as in a liquid state) and, good practice dictates you use two layers here. If there is a leak, then not only will your product be destroyed alongside the package, but there may be future damage to the entire shipment. Also, complicated and advanced mechanical and technical parts require a more secure container. Various parts inside them can be sensitive and mustn’t move a lot while they are in transport. Fixing such products in their place with plastic seals is the first step, and ensuring that they can move as little as possible in the container is the next. 

5. Proper labeling

Always have in mind that the delivery service handles hundreds and thousands of shipments every day. And that they all move in bulk. While we are sure they give their best to handle them properly, you can also help them out a bit. Explicitly stating what type of package you are sending, with flashy and easy to notice labeling on the box, can help them easier identify and handle such packages. Fragile, liquid, sensitive, etc., they are trained to handle all such packages and, a little pointer never hurt anyone.

6. Use professional services

If you can’t be asked to go thru all this hassle or don’t have the time and capacity for it, there is always a plan B. Hiring professional services that dedicate and specialize in such operations can be a lifesaver for any business. Yes, it may be a bit more expensive. But just factor in all the costs you are having if you are doing it by yourself, and you will easily see how it can be beneficial. Think of it as hiring a handyperson for some problems. If you have car problems, sure you can maybe fix that yourself. But it would be best if you had time, money, equipment and space. Something that already exists and can be provided by a trained professional.

7. Additional care matters

This is part a tip on packaging and part general advice. If you treat packaging as an essential part of your business and dedicate the same amount of time, care and money to it as it deserves, then your customers will surely notice. Approaching packaging half motivated, lazily, and cutting corners can undermine the whole business process. Yes, you made the sale but, your customer still needs to receive what was promised and paid. Always put yourself in their shoes and imagine getting a broken or mishandled product. Would you buy again from the same company? Now you can realize the importance of this section in your business.

When done right and with enthusiasm, the packaging is just the icing on the cake. It’s all about separating yourself from the rest of the pack and, any additional love and care you put, will surely be noticed by your customer. Packaging can be more than just a brown box, duct-taped and bound, filled to the brim, and stuffed with all sorts of protective things. I can be a care package that ensures future sales and maximum customer satisfaction. This all leads to increased sales as your well-oiled business machine delivers its results in each sector. So, pack it up, and get going.

Seven ways to make sure your products are secured during shipping

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