It’s important to package our parcels correctly to avoid damage. Securely wrapping a parcel will ensure that is won’t be damaged upon arrival. Parcels that are protected and packaged up properly are less prone to being damaged because of the extra caution taken to ensure they are secure. Before you package your next parcel, be sure to refer to our 10 top parcel packaging tips to avoid damage, below.
1. Take out compensation cover
Although lost parcels are rare, it’s an occasion that isn’t guaranteed. In the event that your parcel has been lost or the contents of your parcel are damaged, you may be entitled to receive compensation. Despite it usually being easier for the sender to claim for the compensation, the receiver can too. Most of the time your parcel will arrive safe, but if you are sending an expensive or vulnerable item overseas, parcel compensation cover will cover the cost of the item if anything was to happen to it.
2. Check what items are prohibited
Only a small percent of people are aware of what items are restricted or prohibited to be sent by post. Prohibited items include aerosols such as spray paints and air fresheners, alcoholic beverages above 70% ABV and batteries. For a list of both prohibited and restricted items, please click here.
3. Avoid using ‘pretty’ packaging
Parcels wrapped in a gift-like way are vulnerable to more risks than those wrapped in classic brown paper or enclosed in a cardboard box. Not only can the paper, ribbon or decorative accessories get caught in machines and rip, if the parcel is left at an unsafe location at their destination, there is a higher risk of theft.
4. Remember to fill in the information required
It’s vital that you complete all the information required on your parcel label including what it contains and a rough indication of the value of its contents. This is to ensure you will receive a fair amount of compensation in the event that your item is lost or damaged. It is important to include no more detail than required, especially if you are sending your package overseas.
5. Beware: fragile!
Just like labelling your parcel correctly, you shouldn’t rely on additional labelling such as fragile tape to keep it safe and secure. Although couriers do their utmost to ensure parcels arrive looking how they were sent, machines do not have the same ability to distinguish a ‘heavy’ label from a ‘fragile’ one.
6. Label your box
No matter whether your chosen parcel delivery services requires your parcel to have a printed or handwritten label stuck to it, you should make sure the address can be read clearly to ensure it is delivered to the correct person and household. It may be worthwhile writing in block capitals or designing your own label online to print out. Remember to always include the postcode to ensure your parcel is routed correctly.
7. Avoid reusing packaging
Despite wanting to save money, you should avoid reusing old packaging. As soon as a cardboard box is damaged, it can’t be repaired. The box will gradually become weaker the more it is used and so provides less protection to what is inside. Before you wave goodbye to your parcel, you should be confident that what it is packaged in is secure and sturdy.
8. Don’t use fabric to package your parcel
Similar to reusing packaging, you should package your parcel using fabric or cloth since it provides little to no protection against machinery used in sorting departments. If you want to package your item in a fabric or cloth bag, place it inside a box to be shipped. In doing this the recipient can still enjoy your presentation efforts without the damage.
9. Pad out the empty spaces
Two words: bubble wrap. Did you know that bubble wrap is one of the most useful products used to cushion and protect delicate (or any) item. You shouldn’t leave any empty spaces in your parcel that could become subject to movement and result in damaging what is inside.
10. Use the right material
Just like adding extra padding to fill in the empty spaces in your parcel, you should make sure you use the right material to secure your items in place. Bubble wrap and foam are great to add an additional layer of protection. Similarly, don’t use household sellotape to seal your parcel, instead use parcel tape. Parcel tape is much stronger than the average sellotape found in your local supermarket and choosing the wrong type of packaging could leave your parcel at risk of damage.
Ensuring your items remain safe during transit is easy. Make sure you wrap, pack and label your parcel correctly and refer to our tips above to make sure your parcel arrives intact.
