Did you know that Canada is the world’s ninth-largest market for eCommerce?
More and more consumers are choosing to buy products online. This is why it’s important for business owners to know how to effectively deliver products to their customers.
But when those products are fragile, it can be a challenge to ensure they arrive at their destination in one piece. That’s why it’s crucial to take the proper precautions when packaging fragile items for shipping.
To help you out, we have put together a guide that explains everything you need to know about packaging fragile items. Keep reading to find out more.
What Are Considered Fragile Items?
Fragile items are objects that delivery services can easily damage, break, or destroy. These can include items made of glass, ceramic, or other brittle materials.
It can also include items that are delicate or have small, intricate parts that could be damaged during handling.
You will need to take extra precautions when shipping or handling fragile items. This will ensure that they arrive at their destination in good condition.
Choose the Right Package for Fragile Items
Choosing the right packaging for fragile items is crucial to improving the delivery experience for your customers. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice.
Consider the Size and Weight of the Item
Select packaging that is sturdy enough to support the weight of the item. This will also allow for some room around the edges to cushion it from impacts.
Think About the Shape of the Item
Packaging should be tailored to the shape of the item. For example, a round object will require more cushioning than a flat one.
Consider the Distance the Item Will Be Traveling
Longer shipping distances can increase the chances of damage. This is why it’s important to choose packaging that can withstand the rigours of a long journey.
Shipping Advice: Restrict Product Movement
Restricting product movement is an important aspect of packaging fragile items. This will help to prevent damage during transit.
When an item is able to move around too much within its packaging, it is at an increased risk of getting damaged. This is especially true for items that have delicate parts, as they are more prone to breaking.
One way to restrict product movement is to use cushioning material such as bubble wrap or packing peanuts to secure the item in place within the packaging.
This can help to absorb shocks and impacts that may occur during shipping. It will also prevent the item from shifting around too much.
Another way to restrict product movement is to choose the right size packaging for the item. If the packaging is too large, the item may have too much room to move around, increasing the risk of damage.
On the other hand, if the packaging is too small, the item may be squeezed or squashed, also increasing the risk of damage.
Package Items Separately
You’ll need to take steps to prevent fragile items from coming into contact with one another. This is because even minor impacts or vibrations can cause damage to delicate items.
One way to protect fragile items from coming into contact with one another is to use dividers or inserts in your packaging.
There are several types of dividers and inserts that can be used for this purpose. Consider using foam sheets, cardboard dividers, and bubble wrap dividers.
You can customize these materials to fit the specific dimensions and needs of your items, providing a tailored and secure fit.
Using dividers or inserts can be especially helpful when shipping multiple fragile items together. It will help to ensure that they remain separate and protected from one another.
It can also be useful for protecting items with delicate parts, such as electronics or collectibles.
Business Delivery Tip: Add a Special Handling Label
Adding a special handling label to your packaging can be an effective way to ensure that your fragile items are handled with care during transit.
This is especially important for global shipments. This is because the journey can be long and there are often more handling points along the way.
A special handling label alerts the carriers and other handling personnel to the contents of the package and instructs them to take extra precautions when handling it.
Some common types of special handling labels include “Fragile,” “Handle with Care,” and “This Side Up.”
It’s important to make sure that the label is clearly visible and easy to read, as this will help to ensure that it is noticed and followed by the carriers. You should also make sure to use a durable label that will not peel off.
It’s also a good idea to include a detailed list of the contents of the package on the label or on the outside of the package. This can help to ensure that the carriers are aware of the specific items that they are handling.
What to Know About Packaging Fragile Items
If you run a business, it’s important to understand the process of packaging fragile items. Make sure to choose the correct box, restrict the movements of the objects, and package items separately.
Are you a business owner in the Ottawa-Gatineau region who needs to hire a dependable courier company? If so, keep in mind that 10-21 Sunrise provides the best services that the shipping industry has to offer.
Don’t hesitate to contact us today once you are ready to get started!