Sending an adequately packaged product is important for every eCommerce seller. While for some people, product packaging is easy and natural; some are clueless about how to pack a courier
Properly packing the product is as crucial as choosing the right packaging material. Properly packaging the products can speed up the entire shipping process and reduce RTO.
In this guide, we shall discuss how to pack a courier easily and the do's and don'ts of packaging.
How to Pack a Courier?
Step 1: Choose the Right Box
The packaging box needs to be spacious so that your product fits into it with a generous gap from all directions. You are suggested to use a new box. Using a second-hand box may damage your product as it may have weakened during the first use.
Cardboard boxes and corrugated boxes can be a good choice. They come in different types and sizes – single-walled or double-walled. Depending on your product, you can choose the box.
Step 2: Wrap the Product
Wrap the product in a material that will protect your product, such as bubble wrap. Then place it into the packaging box with packaging inserts all the way around. They will stop your product from moving around the packaging box.
Step 3: Seal the Box
The next step is to close the box and seal it with a fine-quality adhesive tape. If you feel that your box may incur damage during transportation, you can double box your product. It will provide additional protection to the product. However, don't unnecessarily package your products in a double box, or it will give an unpleasant unboxing experience to your customers and increase the shipping charges.
Notably, double boxing is the process of placing your packaged product into a larger box along with packaging inserts between these two boxes. Then, you can close and seal the larger box with tape.
Step 4: Label the Package
The last step is to address the parcel depending on the courier company's requirements. In case you have used an old box, you need to ensure that you have removed all the old delivery labels and addresses.
Some carrier companies require you to attach bar bode on the label, while others require you to address the product package. In either case, you are suggested to place at least two copies of the delivery address and bar code label with the parcel.
Now that we have discussed how to pack a parcel, let's discuss the packaging do's and don'ts.
Packaging Do's
- Always use a new double-walled box for packaging your products. As discussed above, reused or second-hand boxes offer less protection as they may be worn out.
- Use plenty of packaging inserts to secure your products in the box, such as foam or bubble wrap. Every layer of internal packaging provides an extra layer of protection. A minimum of 5 cms of protection is recommended.
- Weigh and measure your parcel before sending it to the courier company. Remember, if your parcel weighs heavier than what you have mentioned in your booking, you may be charged extra.
- Write the delivery address on your parcel with a marker pen. Also, don't forget to write the Delivery Booking number on the label.
- Print two copies of the label in case your courier service provider needs one. Attach one copy outside the box and put the other one inside the box if one falls off the box.
- Use a strong adhesion tape on the package to keep your product safe inside the courier. A strong adhesion packaging tape will ensure that your parcels don't open.
- Attach the outside invoice in an envelope outside of the parcel. It will help the courier company to read the parcel without opening the parcel.
- Take a look at the final parcel and ensure nothing is missing.
Packaging Don'ts
- All parcels have a different booking and reference number. Therefore, you are suggested not to attach multiple parcels.
- Never substitute a fragile label with a handle with care label. Machines generally move the packages, and they can't read written instructions.
- Don't use a rope or cello tape to seal the parcel. A strong adhesion tape keeps the content safe inside the parcel and saves them from getting misplaced.
- Don't package your parcel using bags made of fabric or cloth. They don't offer as much protection as a strong cardboard box.
- Don't tell everyone what's in your parcel or the value of the contents by writing it on the box. Instead, include the details of the booking.
- Don't package your parcel with used or damaged boxes. Choose new, double-walled boxes.
- Don't choose packaging that can't handle the load of the product. Most boxes tell you the maximum weight they can safely carry, so be sure to check this before you send it.
- Don't send a parcel that's smaller than A5 in size. You'll need to attach a label that will not work if wrapped around multiple sides of your parcel.
- Don't wrap your cardboard box in shrink wrap, as it may leave you with an extra shipping cost.
Importance of Packaging
The following are the reasons why packaging is important:
Protection
The prime advantage of packaging is to protect the products from dust, dirt, and moisture. It keeps the products safe and secure for a longer period. For example, products like bread and cookies stay fresh longer when sealed in packaging. Food items can also be vacuum sealed to keep them fresh for months or years.
Prevention from Wear and Tear
Packaging helps keep products safe from wear and tear. Some products become unusable if they get exposed to air, like glue. With packaging, you can keep them usable for years. It also contains all the important information related to the product and its safety. For example, for perishable products like food and medicines, the packaging contains the best before use date and a list of all the ingredients/chemicals/salt used in the product.
Also, packaging must not transfer any chemical, smell, or taste from packaging to product. So, packaging material must be used as per the product.
Making Shipping Easier
Packaging helps in making shipping easier. The products are stacked and then transported. Transporting loose products is a tedious task. Besides, they can also get damaged during shipment.
Different Packaging Materials
A variety of packaging materials are available in the market, like paper, cardboard, plastic, and metal. While metal and plastic offer more protection, paper and cardboard offer protection to the products kept inside. So, different packaging materials have different advantages.
Product packaging is a necessity in today's time. Packaging type and material play a crucial role in how consumers perceive your products. However, how you package your products also plays a crucial role in consumer satisfaction. Similarly, packaging design also plays a vital role in attracting consumers and convincing them to buy the product.
In all, packaging has a wider role to play than what we all think. The packaging is not only about placing the products in a box. It is about making a connection between your brand and the consumers. If this connection is made well, your chances of being a successful and profitable brand increases.
