Packaging a product for shipping isn’t difficult. However, if done incorrectly, it can have several negative effects on your business, including damaged goods, loss of quality, and increased customer complaints. Whether you’re shipping small items like vape pens or big heavy ones like hospital equipment, you should always package your products well to save money and retain your customers.

While shipping companies often offer on-site packaging services, this isn’t a good option when you are trying to cut down on your shipping costs. To help you package your goods well, we’ve put together a packaging guide that you can use to ensure your products don’t get damaged in transit.

Know What You’re Sending

The first and most important step is to know what you’re sending. This will help you choose the right packaging materials. If you have a couple of items to ship, you should classify them according to their shipping requirements to make the process easier for you. For instance, fragile items like glassware must be packaged more carefully than less fragile items like sneakers.

Choose the Box Packaging for Your Items

The ideal box should fit the items well without much excess space. This will save you some money, given that shipping costs depend on the size, weight, and volume of the parcel. Choosing the right box size also reduces the chances of your product getting damaged in transit.

Here are some tips that you can use to ensure you have the right box size for your products:

• Start by measuring the items you need to pack. Measure the length, height, and width, bearing in mind that you need a box that’s slightly bigger than all three dimensions.
• Try a few different sizes and types of boxes to find one that fits perfectly.
• For boxes that come with a multi-score feature (those that can be cut to a specific size), cut down between the existing flaps for the best outcome.

Fill the Box With Cushioning Material

A good cushioning material can ensure your products arrive at the destination in good condition. They’re great for protecting or preventing fragile items from shaking within the box. There are different types of cushioning materials on the market. Some of the most common ones include:

• Bubble wrap: Bubble wrap is popular because it’s cost-effective, lightweight, and reliable. The air-filled bubbles in a bubble wrap absorb shock caused by sudden movements of goods in transit. Depending on the nature of the goods you’re shipping, you can use a single or multiple layers of bubble wrap for effective protection.
• Honeycomb paper: Honeycomb paper is made from 100% biodegradable kraft paper. It’s a perfect alternative to bubble wrap because it’s eco-friendly. It’s also extra soft and more flexible. You can package your products individually in the hive or use it as a filler to cushion the products inside the box.
• Polyethylene foam: Polyethylene foam is strong and tear-resistant. It protects your goods from scratches and scrapes. You can also use it as a shock absorber. Most people prefer polyethylene foam to bubble wrap because it’s lighter and thinner. This means you can use it to store more items, even if your box is small.
• Air pillow film: Air pillows are film bags filled with air. They’re a great option for filling in voids inside cartons, cases, or cardboard boxes. You might want to consider using air pillows, especially if you’re shipping awkwardly shaped packages. They come in all shapes and sizes and don’t add weight to your package.

Use the Right Sealing Material

After filling the box, the next step is to seal it to prevent your packaging from opening by accident. The type of packaging tape you choose largely depends on the item you’re shipping. Some of the most common types you can use include the following:

• Acrylic packaging tape: Acrylic tape has high temperature resistance and is perfect for sealing packages that will be stored or transported in hot conditions. It’s also UV-resistant, meaning it will not fade in the sun.
• Hot melt packaging tape: Hot melt packaging tape is made from synthetic rubber. It typically has a higher holding power compared to acrylic tape. You can use it to seal a wide range of commodities, including bulky or heavy boxes.
• Water-activated packaging tape: This is considered the industry standard for carton closure. It’s one of the most secure tapes on the market because it clearly shows when someone tries to tamper with your package.
• Natural rubber packaging tape: Natural rubber tape is made from natural rubber. It’s water-resistant and humidity-resistant, making it a perfect choice for extremely cold applications.
• Strapping packaging tape: Strapping packaging tape is reinforced with polyester, glass filaments, or polypropylene to add more strength and sealing power. It’s ideal for bundling cartons together or adding reinforced security during shipping.

Label Your Packages

Shipping labels are important for both inbound and outbound logistics. They help people in your supply chain understand the origins and destination of your package. Without clear labeling, your package could be mishandled, lost, or delivered to the wrong address.

Some information you should include in your label are as follows:

• Recipient’s name and address
• Sender address
• Tracking number and barcode
• Weight of the package
• Shipping method

To ensure they’re seen, you should place shipping labels on the biggest, most prominent surface of the box. If you’re shipping discrete commodities, make sure that the shipping information doesn’t include what’s in the box.

Here are other tips that you can use to ensure your label is well-placed:

• Attach the label safely, making sure that the edges or corners are not overhanging.
• Make sure the label is readable.
• Make sure the label is protected from water and dirt using a thin plastic lamination,

Package Your Products Like a Pro

Packaging isn’t hard, but you must dedicate some time and effort to selecting the appropriate packaging method for each commodity you’re shipping. Whether you’re starting an online store or sending goodies to a loved one, it’s always important to package your items well. This will ensure that the commodities arrive at their destination safely.