Our motto for perfecting packaging is: well packed, arrive intact!
Because even though knocks and bumps are an expected part of shipping, we want your parcel to arrive in perfect condition just as much as you do.
Currently, Sendle doesn’t supply any packaging. But, you can take advantage of bulk-buying whatever type of packaging you prefer! (We recommend shopping around online or checking out your local office supplier–try to go as sustainable as you can!)
Our 5-step guide for perfect packaging:
- Double box your products: place one container inside another with cushioning material (such as recycled scrunched-up newspaper) between the two. It may feel like overkill, but you’ll thank us later when your fragile items arrive in one piece.
- Your packing materials need to be tough and strong, as you want a nice hard shell for your products to travel in.
- Fill empty space to keep things in place and prevent rattling. Just as at the cinema, silence is golden.
- Seal it shut with strong tape.
- Don't substitute secure packaging with “fragile” or “handle with care” stickers. Machines can't read these stickers (not yet, anyway…) and they can’t guarantee the safe arrival of your shipment.
If you’re sending fragile items
If your parcel is particularly fragile or contains sharp or 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 recycled scrunched-up newspaper).
- Pay special attention to the corners, edges, and bits that stick out.
- Use strong rigid material larger than the object to minimize chances of crushing (if, for example, it is a photo, drawing, or other fragile artwork).
- Mark with appropriate labels (for example: write “contains glass”, “this way up”, etc).
Don't use carrier-branded packaging
Please don't send your packages in branded packaging or flat rate boxes from carriers such as USPS, FedEx or UPS (though your own personal brand is fine!). This is for a few reasons, including:
- Flat rate boxes from these carriers are meant for that type of service only.
- Using carrier-branded packaging could result in an adjustment charge to your order (from an additional cost that the carrier passes on).
- It can be confusing for the delivery person who comes by to pick up from you or when you drop off your package.
- It can be confusing for depot and warehouse workers handling your packages.
- Packages with the types of branding described above may be rejected or returned to the sender because they’ll be assumed to be mistakenly collected.
Don’t use these packaging products
We can’t transport deliveries which are only packaged in:
- Plastic bags
- Bubblewrap
- Anything else transparent!
- Fragile stickers instead of actual packaging materials
Keep the following 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 labeling extraordinaire? We’ve got you covered!
Now you’re ready to send from your Sendle dashboard!