As buyer when you receive a product, what is the first thing that you notice? For many buyers it’s the packaging. Good packaging makes a buyer smile with the knowledge that the product inside is all safe & secure, and that the seller has really taken the effort to ensure that the item reaches him intact. Packaging matters!!
Good quality packaging helps to improve customer satisfaction and in turn often leads buyers to leave positive feedback for sellers (though of course the product inside should also be what the buyer had seen in the listing!).
No matter how much you try to pack the item in the best packing, you cannot ignore the fact that there are certain risks involved in the transportation process too. Those risks need to be taken care of.
Make sure that your package is durable and includes a layer of soft material that can cushion the impact of a drop from a reasonable height.
Make sure that your package won’t get crushed from the top or sides by other items transported alongside it.
Excessive moisture can weaken the packaging and cause water to condense inside.
Conveyor belts and vehicles moving the package can cause vibrations, which might result in loosened screws, unplugged components and other damage.
Heat fluctuations caused by transportation, climate and location changes can damage and destroy items, especially when such fluctuations happen repeatedly.
Air pressure changes occurring in transit, such as by air or between ground elevations, can make packaging and items inside inflate and burst.
NOTE: You need to consider these factors when deciding the mode by which you will be shipping items.
Make sure that your package is durable and includes a layer of soft material that can cushion the impact of a drop from a reasonable height.
Make sure that your package won’t get crushed from the top or sides by other items transported alongside it.
Excessive moisture can weaken the packaging and cause water to condense inside.
Conveyor belts and vehicles moving the package can cause vibrations, which might result in loosened screws, unplugged components and other damage.
Heat fluctuations caused by transportation, climate and location changes can damage and destroy items, especially when such fluctuations happen repeatedly.
Air pressure changes occurring in transit, such as by air or between ground elevations, can make packaging and items inside inflate and burst.
NOTE: You need to consider these factors when deciding the mode by which you will be shipping items.
In order to have the product delivered safely you need to make sure that you choose the right type of packing box. Do not use boxes too small to fit the product properly. It is also best to use boxes and packages of standard sizes.
Use packaging material that will make it difficult for any unwanted entry into the package. Not only it will protect the actual product but will also ensure that the buyer does not receive an unwarranted item.
Your buyers do not like to receive packages which clearly show signs of repeated use. Remember the buyer can simply refuse to accept a package if it has extraneous labels, symbols or even tape marks.
Your parcel should not pose a risk to other parcels, or the personnel or property of the postal service. So, for example, send liquids in tightly closed containers with an airtight lid and packed in a box or bag marked “Fragile”.
NOTE: Different postal services may have their own requirements for packaging items. You can check them on the websites of the postal service provider you intend to use.
In order to have the product delivered safely you need to make sure that you choose the right type of packing box. Do not use boxes too small to fit the product properly. It is also best to use boxes and packages of standard sizes.
Use packaging material that will make it difficult for any unwanted entry into the package. Not only it will protect the actual product but will also ensure that the buyer does not receive an unwarranted item.
Your buyers do not like to receive packages which clearly show signs of repeated use. Remember the buyer can simply refuse to accept a package if it has extraneous labels, symbols or even tape marks.
Your parcel should not pose a risk to other parcels, or the personnel or property of the postal service. So, for example, send liquids in tightly closed containers with an airtight lid and packed in a box or bag marked “Fragile”.
NOTE: Different postal services may have their own requirements for packaging items. You can check them on the websites of the postal service provider you intend to use.
There are multiple packaging products that are available online and offline. You just need to look and find what suits your products & your budget.
Packing fragile items
Fragile items need the utmost care when packing. There are multiple ways you can make them secure:
The box-in-box method provides effective protection for fragile or expensive items.
How to pack liquids
In order to prevent injuries, items with sharp edges must be packed in a way that doesn’t allow the package to accidentally open or become cut from the inside.
An example package might look like this:
Items with irregular shapes can be more difficult to pack and ship. Consider the following tips:
Please keep in mind that different international shipping services may have their own packaging guidelines. Consult your local shipping service to learn more.
Some large items can be disassembled to reduce the volume of the parcel. If you do so, your listing should specify that a partial assembly by the buyer will be required.
The sequence of steps for packaging
1.
Select a container or a box slightly larger than the item.
If the items itself are durable enough (such as books), you may use a box of their exact size.
Take the parcel to the post office.
They will check the contents of the shipment and compliance with the packaging rules. If everything is in order, seal the parcel or wrap it with paper if desired.
Use transparent, brown, or reinforced packaging tape 5 cm wide. Do not use masking tape, cord, rope, or twine. Tape the lid of the box and reinforce all seams and corners.
2.
Then you just need to fill out the address form.
Clearly sign the package or box, do not forget the return address. Just in case, enclose your business card with the address, as well as information about the recipient.
To send international parcels outside the country, you need to fill out a customs “Declaration”. The Declaration specifies the category of shipment, the number and names of items in the parcel, and their value.
Do not stick the label on the folds and edges of the box, as this will prevent the barcode from being scanned.
3.
Completely fill the empty space with shock-absorbing material.
They will check the contents of the shipment and compliance with the packaging rules. If everything is in order, seal the parcel or wrap it with paper if desired.
Use transparent, brown, or reinforced packaging tape 5 cm wide. Do not use masking tape, cord, rope, or twine. Tape the lid of the box and reinforce all seams and corners.
Showing the human side of your business can go a long way towards building a good relationship with your customers.
A short note thanking the buyer for their custom and asking them to leave positive Feedback can generate goodwill and help you towards a higher Feedback score. You could also include a leaflet pointing them to your eBay Shop / other items that may interest them.
© 2023 eBay Inc.
© 2023 eBay Inc.