If you’re running your own business – congratulations! Many people have started taking advantage of online shopping and fast shipping to start their own businesses. Some have been wildly successful. Unlike big companies with plenty of departments and experts that handle issues before they even arise, smaller businesses have to learn fast and adapt even faster. If you’re packing and sending your own packages, you already know that there’s more to it than looks – they have to be safe too. If you’re looking for ways to prevent tampering with your packages, our tips might help.
The danger the packages are in
Over the past few years, most of the world discovered and rediscovered the convenience of online shopping. Not only is it easy to do, but it can also be somewhat addictive because there are delivery services that get you your package in a blink of an eye. Getting home and seeing packages on your porch is very exciting. What if someone else takes interest in your packages when you’re not home? every year, there are millions of Americans who fall victims of package theft. So-called “porch pirates” are malicious burglars who pick up other people’s packages. There’s a study that shows that a quarter of Americans have had a package stolen, and many have also had packages tempered with. With holiday season rapidly approaching, package security should be taken seriously.
Starting with strong basics
When sending packages, you have to have a strong foundation. Your packaging materials should be of high quality, sturdy and durable. Your packaging materials should be appropriate for the items you will be shipping, but we’ll get to that a bit later. The most important starting point is the cardboard boxes. They should be durable and of the highest quality. Yes, we understand that means that your prices will likely have to go up. If the alternative is that your items don’t make it to the address undamaged, we say you shouldn’t risk it. Even though chipboard boxes as well as those boxes with broken flaps are rather popular, we advise you not to use them. Try to avoid them because they have severe structural flaws which could potentially compromise the packaging.
Carefully pick thick cushioning material
While the packaging is important, you shouldn’t ignore the inside of the box. For the inside, pick a cushioning material that will be thick enough to fill all of the empty spaces while simultaneously providing a reasonable cushion. By far the most popular materials with the best reputation include Styrofoam peanuts as well as good old bubble wrap. If budget is an issue, we suggest you upcycle some old newspaper as these do a decent job.
Make sure that between the product and the walls of the box there is at least a 2 to 3 inch gap. Carefully stuff your chosen packaging material tightly because that will keep the encased product in one place. In case you’re sending more than one breakable item, wrap them individually. They might knock into each other and break or get damaged as a result. Any open areas should be filled with more cushioning materials (popularly referred to as ‘void filling’) so that they don’t knock into the edge of the carton.
Don’t forget the wrapping
When you wrap the items you’re sending individually, you’ll be adding an additional layer of security and defense against extensive damage. Of course, we already mentioned that if you’re sending more than one item, each should be wrapped individually and there should also be a bit of packaging material placed between them to prevent knocking into one another. If you’ll be sending containers that are full of liquid, take good care to wrap them with a water-tight material. This will prevent a huge mess in case one of them breaks and the package won’t be ruined. Tiny items such as bolts, nuts, and tiny pieces o jewelry should be tightly wrapped in a sift-proof plastic bag. Keep them bundled together so as to prevent them from getting lost in the packaging material.
Add a layer of security
When you’ve ensured that each and every item you’re shipping is securely wrapped in a nice box. Now it’s time to think about securing the very box. Sometimes people get packages that have been tampered with, and even in case when nothing is missing. Opening other people’s packages is a huge violation of their privacy. To ensure your boxes remain unopened, find good security seals for packages to prevent tampering and shine light onto any unauthorized opening and meddling. This means that any curious delivery people as well as nosy housemates can’t get their hands and noses into your boxes without being discovered. This will certainly set you apart from your competition and it’s a feature that your customers will surely appreciate.
Brand the inside of the package
You will be tempted to cover the entirety of your package with your logo and other branding marks, but we might have a better idea. While branding is surely an important part of any customer journey and their expectations. You don’t necessarily have to have your branding on the outside of your package. There is a growing trend on social media amongst buyers to pick brands who choose to brand and label the inside of their packaging instead of the outside. Seemingly confusing, this trend has many benefits. The simple and boring outer packaging doesn’t give anything away. The content of your package remains a mystery, thus enhancing security. In addition, the internal branding of a box can give your packaging an unexpected wow factor by means of a reveal.
Mind the transport requirements for perishables
When you’re shipping perishables, don’t forget to pay close attention to safe transport requirements and regulations. Start by labeling your sturdy cardboard package with a “perishable” sticker or a note. This will ensure that the mail personnel know without a doubt to treat it accordingly. Use an insulated container inside the box because this will conveniently act as a good cushioning material. Inside this container place a sealed plastic bag which will prevent any leaking. Line this with good coolant packs, and finish up by wrapping the perishable material in appropriate wrapping.
Careful with extra fragile items
If you’ll be shipping fragile items, you might want to think about utilizing the two-box packaging method. The first step is to ensure that the outer box is sturdy and spacious. After which you should line the walls of the said box with 2 to 3 inches of quality cushioning material. This outer box is going to contain a smaller one – insert an inner box and likewise line the walls with 2 to 3 inches of cushioning material. When this is done, carefully wrap and put inside the item. Cover it with the cushioning material of your choice, and tape the smaller, inner box shut. Fill the area around it with more cushioning material, and then tape the outer box closed too. The double layer of sturdy cardboard and quality cushioning will help protect the item against puncture. Keeping it insulated against any dropping or some other shocks.
You don’t have to be a business owner to not want your packages tampered with or stolen. Regular people who order things online and eagerly await delivery would also rather their things remain safe in their boxes and on their porches. Attention to detail should be your top priority. If you’ve already invested a pretty penny into a great website design, quality product, and noticeable social media presence, there’s no reason not to do the same for your packages.
