Despite the proper packaging and dunnage, fragile items still get damaged while in transit. It breaks your heart and disappoints customers. As a result, you lose profits and a negative reputation. You can avoid the dilemma if you know how to pack and ship fragile items.
What are Fragile Items?
Fragile items are valuable products that shatter immediately. If these products experience excessive shaking, they break easily. Most product damages result from defective packaging materials. So it needs utmost care to reach your client’s doorstep in one piece.
Examples of fragile items are:
- Ceramic
- Glassware
- Musical instrument
- Jewelry
- Electronic devices
- Artwork
- Mirrors
- Antiques
- Lampshades
- Furniture
When you pack and ship fragile items, you must research many considerations. Some items require special needs and rules and regulations to follow. It involves both the origin and the destination of the shipment.
In addition, shipping fragile items must have insurance coverage. It helps you minimize the risk, especially if you have an international shipment. Look for shipping providers with shipping insurance coverage. It eases you and your buyer’s mind while the package is in transit.
Although shipping insurance helps, it doesn’t solve your problem. Most eCommerce businesses lose tons of money from broken products. Also, the demand for customer service inquiries adds up to their plate. Plus, they will shoulder the costs of a reshipment or return the broken item. In addition, you have to manage the unsellable inventory. In the end, you lose a potential loyal client.
Mishandling valuable items is indeed heartbreaking. Fortunately, it is avoidable if you know how to pack and ship fragile items.
Proper Way to Pack and Ship Fragile Items
Product breakage and damage are inevitable during transport. But you should not make it a norm in your business. With the right packaging materials, you can minimize it. Also, follow these steps on how you can pack and ship fragile items.
Use an appropriate size of the box.
The right box size adds to the safety of your product. However, too much space in it may cause your items to shift and damage. Instead, use a slightly bigger shipping box. Allot the remaining empty space for cushioning to fit.
Check if the packaging material can sustain the item’s weight. Look for boxes designed for packing use. These are thicker and sturdier to handle fragile products. Also, If you want extra protection, you may double-box your product. Polymailers and plastic bags are not a good choice for breakable items.
Pack fragile items separately.
If you’re shipping multiple fragile items, wrap them individually. It prevents them from banging one another. In addition, you may use bubble wrap and corrugated inserts to keep the fragile items from getting damaged.
Position the items correctly.
Minimize the risk of damage by placing your products in the right position. For example, some fragile items must be upright while others must be laid down in the bose.
Plates. Dishes laid flat are at a higher risk of breaking. Stack dishes vertically and place larger and wider plates at the bottom.
Cups and Glasses. Keep these items upright and stack them in uniform size. Make sure to secure each piece separately.
Picture frames. Lay it inside the box with the glass side facing down.
Lampshades. Disassemble the lamp first. Place the circular base first at the bottom flat. Then, follow suit other parts.
Vase. An upright position is the best way to pack a vase safely.
Insert package cushioning materials
Cushioning is a vital element when you pack and ship fragile items. It hinders products from moving inside the box. Also, it absorbs the shock and vibration felt by the fragile items. So it reduces the chance of damaging the product.
Choose a padding material based on the weight, size, and overall product fragility. You can add multiple layers of cushion for extra protection.
Examples of package cushioning materials are:
- Foam packing peanuts
- Bubble wrap
- Cardboard pieces
- Styrofoam pellets
Limit product movement
Unnecessary product movement is your number one enemy when you pack and ship fragile items. Prevent it by filling in the gaps in the shipping box. For example, you can use crumpled newspaper between the box wall and the breakable product. So it won’t shift while carriers are handling the package.
Secure the box with a seal
Once everything is in place, seal the shipping box. Tightly wrap and secure it with thick and wide packing tapes. Ensure it sticks into the parcel so it won’t fall out during transit. Add more protection by layering the taped packaging box with bubble wrap. It keeps the box from getting dents and wet.
Attach a Fragile label
Mark your package with “Fragile.” It warns shipping companies that the items inside are breakable. So, they handle it with extra caution to prevent any damage. Also, you may indicate the item inside. It gives the carriers an idea of how to sort and unload the packages. If your product inside is in an upright position, don’t forget to tag it with “This Way Up.” Just make sure that the placement won’t cover the shipping label.
Apply for shipping insurance
Shipping insurance is a great deal of security when you ship fragile items. But you need to select a valuable one relevant to your item and the distance of the shipment. Local shipment of breakable products does not require insurance coverage. But if you plan to ship fragile items overseas, full insurance coverage is a must-have. But then again, it depends on the shipping company you choose.
Partner with reliable carriers
Despite all your precautions and packaging techniques, you need an extra hand to ensure the safe delivery of valuable products. First, look for reliable carriers that ship fragile items. Understand their rules and regulations about shipping breakable products. Read previous customer reviews. Find out if the shipping provider transports fragile products to your target destination. Then, of course, you must learn how much it will cost you if you opt for their shipping service.
One of the best shipping partners is Red Stag Fulfillment Center. They offer prominent service for the safe shipment of hard-to-ship products. In fact, it received recognition as the best fulfillment company that handles large, high-value, and specialty items. So if you need assurance of safe transit and arrival of your products, contact Red Stag.
Lead the success of your eCommerce business by adapting the techniques to pack and ship fragile items. If you can deliver vulnerable items safely, you’ll gain more profit. Pair up with Red Stag to keep your customers happy, and your thriving business grow.
