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.
- 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:
- Another reminder to double-box your parcel (placing one container inside another with a cushioning material such as recycled scrunched-up newspaper). We can't stress this enough for fragile items!
- 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) to help the real humans handling your parcels.
If you're sending liquids
Shipping liquids can be a little tricky, but with a few extra steps, you can make sure everything arrives in one piece—no leaks, no mess.
- If you're sending glass bottles or anything that’s prone to breaking, cushion them with something absorbent (like scrunched-up newspaper or bubble wrap). This will soak up any liquid if a bottle does crack.
- Next, slip that wrapped bottle into a sealed plastic bag or another container to catch any leaks.
- Finally, pack it all inside a sturdy box that can handle the bumps and tumbles of the journey.
- Make sure your containers are sealed up tight. Screw-on caps, soldering, or clips are your best bet. If it’s a push-down lid (you know, the ones that just snap on), we’d recommend something more secure.
- For large quantities, make sure the lids are secure with locking rings or recessed spouts under screw caps.
- If you’re feeling extra cautious, look into packaging that’s certified by the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA). These packages are tested to withstand all the bumps along the way. If you choose this route, keep your ISTA 3A Package-Product Certification Notice handy when you ship.
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!