PACKING TIPS

WE ALWAYS DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO MAKE SURE YOUR PARCELS ARRIVE AT THEIR DESTINATION IN THE SAME STATE YOU SENT THEM. BELOW IS SOME ADVICE ON WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP.

 

We suggest a good form of support is an ‘in bag foam’ option. These can be purchased from most good packaging suppliers, other alternatives are listed below, these are not exhaustive and there are many other options available.

SMALL BUBBLE WRAP

Small bubble wrap is packing material made of 1/4 inch tall (0.64 cm) air bubbles that are encased between two poly sheets as they are sealed together. This sealing process allows encapsulated air to provide a cushion against shock.

 Small bubble wrap provides surface protection and scuffing resistance. It also provides good cushioning for lightweight items and can be wrapped around almost any product regardless of shape or size.

When using small bubble wrap , include several layers to ensure that the entire product is cushioned, and pay close attention to protecting corners and edges. When packing multiple items, wrap each item separately. Fragile items need separation from each other, and from the corners, sides, top and bottom of the box.

Each item should be surrounded by at least two inches (5.08 cm) of bubble wrap and placed two inches away from the box walls. This prevents product against product damage and protects the contents from the shock and vibration, which can pass from outside of the box to the contents. Use enough bubble wrap to ensure that the contents cannot move when you shake the box.

Wrapping figurine

LARGE BUBBLE WRAP

Large bubble wrap is packing material made of 1/2 inch tall (1.27 cm) air bubbles that are encased between two poly sheets as they are sealed together. This sealing process allows encapsulated air to provide a cushion against shock.

Large bubble wrap provides cushioning and can be wrapped around almost any product, regardless of shape or size.

When using large bubble wrap, include several layers to enure that the entire product is cushioned, and pay close attention to protecting corners and edges. When packing multiple items, wrap each item separately. Fragile items need separation from each other, and from the corners, side, top and bottom of the box.

Each item should be surrounded by at least two inches (5.08 cm) of bubble wrap and placed two inches away from the box walls. This prevents product against product damage and protects the contents from the shock and vibration, which can pass from outside of the box to the contents. Use enough bubble wrap to ensure that the contents cannot move when you shake the box.

Foam Sheeting

Foam sheeting is a lightweight, soft, resilient material made of thin polystyrene or polyethylene material. It comes in a variety of thicknesses, but sheeting with a minimum thickness of 1/4-inch-thick (0.64 cm) is recommended.

Foam sheeting provides cushioning for items, and can be wrapped around almost any product, regardless of shape or size. When using foam sheeting, include several layers to ensure that the entire product is cushioned, paying close attention to protecting corners and edges. When packing multiple items, wrap each item separately. Fragile items need suitable separation from each other, and from the corners, sides, top and bottom of the box.

Each item should be surrounded by at least two inches (5.08 cm) of sheeting and placed two inches (5.08 cm) away from the box walls. This prevents product-against-product damage and protects the contents from shock and vibration, which can pass from the outside of the box to the contents. Use enough sheeting to ensure that the contents cannot move when you shake the box.

foam sheeting

Box alignment

Separate the products from the walls of the container with a minimum of 2 inches (5.08 cm) of recommended materials.

THINGS YOU SHOULD DO

  • Boxes should be durable and double-walled. Remember that items will get stacked in transit, therefore your packaging may need to support the weight of other packages.
  • Choose the size of the package according to its content. Under-filled boxes are likely to collapse; overloaded ones may burst.
  • Always use high quality materials for your shipments. Consider strength, cushioning, and durability when selecting your wrapping supplies.
  • Choose boxes made of corrugated cardboard, with good quality outer liners. Use heavy-duty double-layered board for fragile items.
  • Make use of cushioning materials, especially to stop your packaging contents from moving.
  • Always use strong tape to seal and secure your box.
  • Put fragile goods in the centre of a package; ensuring they don’t touch the sides. Your item should be well cushioned on all sides.
  • Seal greasy or strong-smelling substances with adhesive tape, then wrap in grease resistant paper. Always remember that bad packaging may cause damage to surrounding items.
  • Place powders and fine grains in strong plastic bags, securely sealed and then packed in a rigid fibreboard box.
  • Use “arrow-up” label for non-solid materials.
  • Repack your gifts properly. Many goods sold in attractive packaging will not be suitable for shipping.
  • Use triangular tubes not round tube-type cylinders to pack rolled plans, maps and blueprints.
  • Remember always to pack small items and flyers appropriately.
  • Protect your data discs, audio and video-tapes with soft cushioning material around each item.
  • Complete the address clearly and completely, using uppercase letters when handwriting labels to improve readability for courier personnel.
  • When shipping items that have sharp edges and points, ensure these are adequately protected. Heavy cardboard is suitable for this. Fix the protective material securely so that it cannot be accidentally removed in transit.
  • Always use cardboard dividers when sending flat, fragile material (such as vinyl records).
  • When re-using a box, remove all labels and stickers. Ensure that the box is in good shape and not worn out.                                                                                                                                                                       THINGS YOU SHOULDN’T DO                                                               
    • Do not use bags made of fabric or cloth.
    • Do not over seal your package. Remember that all shipments can be opened by customs authorities for inspection.
    • Do not use cellophane tape or rope to seal your shipment.
    • Do not consider “Fragile” and “Handle with care” labels as a substitute for careful packaging. They are only appropriate for information purposes.

    Do not strap boxes together