As part of the good service your company provides to its clients, it is essential that when you send any packages through the post that they are clearly marked, presentable, packaged securely & utilise packaging materials to ensure minimal waste. There is nothing worse than one of your customers / clients eagerly waiting for their desired package from you, to then being disappointed with a damaged product. Even worse, the package gets sent to the wrong person, due to the postman not being able to read recipient address. This article aims to provide practical advice on how to use the best packaging materials to give the best service to your customers / clients.
It seems an obvious question, but the right packaging for your product depends on the nature of your product/s. Is it fragile? Is it rigid in shape? How heavy is the product? Is the product too big for normal postal service? Can the product be packaged with something else? These are all questions you should ask before deciding the right packaging.
If you are a business retailer that is simply selling consumer products from the wholesaler, then it is most likely that the manufacturer has already provided a basic foundation for protection. For example; kettles, toasters, and other such electrical items are usually placed within a rigid-sized, printed, single or double-wall corrugated cardboard box, with moulded poly-styrene internal packaging. In this instance it perhaps would only be necessary to cover the identity of the item with brown kraft counter wrapping paper.
If the item comes in many different small, separate parts, then it is best in terms of preserving packaging waste and reducing postal costs to individually wrap the separate items and then place it inside a secure, rigid container. For example, if you are a business and wish to send your client a promotional pack containing leaflets, pens, brochures, etc, you could protect each product and minimise any of the items within the container through using bubble wrap. If your item is fairly large and you have a suitable cardboard box of a similar size, then you could protect the product by wrapping it carefully with bubble wrap and sealing it with adhesive tape; large bubble wrap roll for large packages, and small bubble wrap for smaller packages. For a range of different sized protected items in a package, always remember to place the largest and heaviest item in the container first, and then place the smaller items on top. This will help make doubly sure that items are protected, weight is distributed and movement is minimized. Other loose fill protective packaging that could be used such PVA foam nuggets or Air bags provide a flexible and free-flowing solution that will cushion smaller items, minimising movement within the package. Air filled bags are also usually biodegradable, helping you to minimise any unneeded waste!
For packing singular smaller items, such static- sensitive electrical items, you will need to ensure that the components and/or devices are protected , transported and stored safely using anti-static packaging materials such as metallised static shielding bags, or anti-static bubble wrap. For non-static sensitive items, you could place the item within a small cardboard board box and protect the package using polyethylene foam.
Once your item is carefully packaged, all you need to do is ensure that package is sent to the right recipient through clearly labelling the address on the package. Choose a waterproof, permanent marker to ensure the address label is clear and not damaged through rain water on transit. By taking the time to package your items considerately, by using the right packaging materials, the right way, you will make the right, lasting impression to your customers.
