Our motto for perfecting packaging is: well packed, arrive intact!
Because even though knocks and bumps are an expected part of the delivery (and our drivers are trained in the art of handling parcels), we want your parcel to arrive in perfect condition just as much as you do.
Avoid heartache and follow our 5-step guide for perfect packaging:
These are what we'd call our 'standards' when it comes to sending parcels:
- Make sure the Sendle label is clearly displayed and stuck on tight to the outer layer of your parcel, with nothing covering the scanning code.
- Your packaging materials need to be tough and strong as you want a nice hard shell for your products to travel in – if the outer shell is old or damaged, the contents could be compromised.
- Fill empty space to keep things in place and prevent rattling. Silence is golden.
- Seal it shut with strong tape.
- Don't substitute secure packaging for 'fragile' or 'handle with care' stickers. Machines can't read these stickers (not yet, anyway…)
If you’re using the Unlimited Satchel
Sendle’s 'If it Fits, It Ships' offer (available when you use Sendle’s home compostable A4 Satchels) is just that simple. Just be sure not to overstuff your satchels – they are built to be durable (but not invincible), which means overstuffing may cause breakage. Learn more about The Unlimited Satchel here.
If you’re sending fragile items
If your parcel is particularly fragile, sharp or contains crushable items, please do this in addition to the above:
- Definitely double-box your parcel (placing one container inside another with a cushioning material such as scrunched up newspaper, foam or similar).
- Pad each item separately with bubble/foam wrap, tissue paper or newspaper (this is especially important for items with sharp edges, for obvious safety reasons).
- Pay special attention to the corners, edges and bits that stick out (we recommend sealing all exposed edges of your parcel with tape).
- Use strong rigid material larger than the object to minimise chances of crushing if it is a photo or drawing etc.
- Mark with appropriate labels (for example: write ‘contains glass’, ‘this way up’).
If you’re sending internationally
This one is really important: don’t use any transparent packaging because we won’t be able to transport it!
Using Australia Post or DHL branded packaging
For all domestic and international deliveries, we don’t recommend sending parcels in Australia Post or DHL branded packaging. This is for a few reasons:
- If you have old labels on your parcel, it can be confusing for our drivers when they collect from you.
- It can also be confusing for depot and warehouse workers sending your parcels.
- Parcels with Australia Post or DHL branding will be returned to the sender because they’ll be assumed to be mistakenly collected.
We get it. Sometimes you just don’t have any other types of packaging available, other than those mentioned above. In this case, we recommend turning the Australia Post satchel inside out, which should help with hiding any confusing logos.
Don’t use these!
We can’t transport parcels packaged only in:
- Plastic bags
- Bubblewrap
- Anything else transparent!
- Fragile stickers instead of proper packaging
Keep these in mind
- If your parcel contains liquids, is sharp, or could damage other parcels in any way then it is your responsibility to ensure that the packaging prevents damage to other parcels (check this article on what you can’t Sendle!)
- Want to become a labelling extraordinaire? We’ve got you covered!
Now you’re ready to send from your Sendle dashboard!