Packing fragile items can be challenging and time-consuming for ecommerce because this can result in losing profit if done poorly. Learning a few tips on what materials you need and how to use them is an efficient way for your items to reach their destination without damage. Read it here.
The value of knowing the proper handling of fragile items
Understanding how to handle fragile items is crucial for securing products during transportation and minimizing potential financial losses and legal liabilities. Prioritizing precaution is wiser than later regretting the loss of future customers.
It’s essential to be aware of the potential damage that mishandled items can inflict on your business.
Negative reviews
A business selling fragile goods faces a high risk of negative reviews, so you should exercise caution when handling your items. It’s the business’s responsibility to maintain quality control and inspect each item before shipment, as customers anticipate receiving their goods in excellent condition. Neglecting proper packaging can lead to negative reviews and customer complaints, which can be avoided.
Loss of profit
A damaged item has two options: it can either be repaired to resell or no longer be unusable. This problem makes it difficult for the business to earn or break even. Covering the expenses of replacing or repairing damaged items is a burden that can cost you a lot of money. You can avoid this loss when you manage how you handle your package.
Cost of returns
In addition to the loss of profit on the damaged items, you also have to cover returns. It applies not only to the shipping returns but also to the cost of manpower to repack and reship the product. The waiting period for customers doubles, leading to costly returns and bad customer experience.
Safety Hazard
Mishandling fragile items, particularly broken glass, hazardous chemicals, or electronic components, can create safety hazards. This can result in injuries to people who come into contact with the damaged items. This can further result in facing legal liabilities such as lawsuits, fines, or other legal consequences.
What are examples of fragile items?
These products are fragile and require careful handling and packaging due to the high risk of breakage.
- Glassware – This category is an everyday essential and generates a high volume of orders online. Some examples are drinking glasses, wine glasses, vases, and decorative glass objects.
- Porcelain and ceramic products – Both products offer a variety of essential products and decorative purposes. Some of these are porcelain figurines, ceramic tiles, porcelain jewelry, and ceramic cookware.
- Sculptures and paintings – Artworks like sculptures and paintings are delicate pieces and cannot be easily replaced when damaged.
- Musical instruments – Some instruments, like woodwind, require attention due to their delicate materials.
- Mirrors, lamps, and chandeliers – These items can break easily when exposed to pressure or impact.
- Medical Equipment – Sensitive medical instruments, such as laboratory glassware and surgical tools, are also considered fragile.
These items require careful handling, proper packaging, and protection to prevent breakage or damage during storage and transportation.
The best packing material for fragile items
Fragile items are sensitive and can easily break due to their condition and the environment. This can be prevented with the help of available materials to support fragile items and prevent them from breaking. However, its packaging costs may be higher than those for sturdier products that don’t require as much protection. But when you get into a business that carries fragile goods, this is a good precaution to guarantee a profit and prevent damaged goods and returns.
The courier’s level of care in handling the package is insufficient when the item is poorly packed. It’s essential for both the shipper and the courier to work together to ensure the product’s safety.
Today, various materials are available on the market to help ensure the safe delivery of your products.
Foam for packing fragile items:
Poly foam is made from polyethylene, polystyrene, or polyurethane and is a popular material used to provide cushioning and protection to fragile items during shipping. Its purpose is that it is easy to make into shapes to fit different packaging. It’s typically used for items that need scratch resistance, like electronics or glass objects.
Sturdy boxes:
Finding a quality box you can use for transporting items is necessary because this will serve as a home for your fragile products. And just like houses, you need to check how sturdy the walls are to protect the inside from breaking. The most preferred ones are corrugated boxes that are made of three layers of paper with an outside and inside liner.
Shipping Box with Custom Inserts:
Some businesses consider packaging a representation of their brand. Thus, they are creating custom boxes not just for protection but with a design unique to their brand.
Fragile tape:
Tape is essential for packing items, especially fragile deliveries. These tapes with fragile labels are used to tape the outer box to distinguish which items need careful handling. You can choose eco-friendly, fragile stickers for environment-conscious users or use standard ones.
Bubble wrap:
A bubble wrap is a plastic sheet with an air-filled bubble that provides a protective cushion, safeguarding fragile items from impact. However, you should not rely on bubble wrap alone. For better protection, you must add paper or foam to fill in spaces within the box.
How do I package fragile items for shipping?
Now that you know each material, the next step is to maximize the use of it. Proper knowledge of packing and preparing your fragile items will ensure their safety. It will also help you make fewer mistakes, making it cost-effective for your business.
1. Check your items properly.
Before arranging your items, it’s important to double-check or take a photo as proof that your items are in good condition before shipment. This will also serve as proof that you have shipped your customer’s order. Since it’s possible that you can ship an incorrect order, this strategy helps you pack efficiently and without making mistakes.
2. Choose a properly sized box.
It’s not best for fragile items to fit in a crowded box. The box should be large enough to accommodate the items and have enough space for the packing materials. This is a good way to ensure that the box fits tightly around your item but has space for needed protection. Lastly, invest in a sturdy box to support your items.
3. Use a double box for delicate items.
Use a double box for delicate items, especially expensive or highly fragile ones. When you use a double box, make sure to pack items in the first box that have enough protection from bubble wrap or foam. Then, place the smaller box in the middle of the large box, adding extra foam on all sides. Choose a sturdy box that is made for supporting fragile goods.
4. Use cushions to prevent the items from moving.
Fragile items can easily break when exposed to impact. This can be prevented by using cushions like peanut foam and newspapers inserted on all sides. Whether you’re using one box or a double box, it’s critical to fill in the gaps or spaces in your chosen box to prevent your item from moving. This way, your items can withstand transportation.
5. Seal the package tightly.
Properly sealed items during transit serve to prevent breakage and maintain freshness for sensitive items. A secured package is also protected from theft, ensuring the content is intact until it reaches the destination.
6. Place a fragile label sticker.
Once everything is packed, remember to place a fragile label on your package to alert the courier of its condition. Remember to place the label in an area where it can be easily seen.
Conclusion: Packaging shows professionalism
Packing fragile items can show a professional presentation of your service, expressing how important a specific item is to your customers. Hence, investing in packaging materials is a preventive measure to avoid negative customer experiences and loss of profit. It’s best for people who are starting a business or need to deliver fragile items to learn the purpose of each material and how to use it wisely. Partner with a reputable courier or cargo transit rental to make sure that you’re items are expertly handled.