If your business operates in the eCommerce space, shipping items and order fulfillment are vital, and occasionally can be a challenging aspect of your operations.
When it comes to shipping fragile items, the challenges multiply.
Whether you sell glassware, furniture, crystal, ceramics, or any other delicate products, your shipping processes need to be exceptionally careful.
Broken items can lead to lost profits, dissatisfied customers, and unnecessary expenditures.
However, with a few simple steps, your business can ensure fragile products are shipped safely and securely.
We’ve created the ultimate guide to help you avoid potential product damage and ensure your fragile items arrive safely to your customers' doors.
With a wide range of packaging materials available, it can be confusing to determine the best choice for your delicate items.
Selecting the right materials is crucial for protecting fragile goods during shipping. Here are some essential materials to consider:
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Bubble wrap, brown paper, and single-ply corrugated roll: These materials provide varying levels of impact protection and serve as inner layered protection inside your packages. |
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Packing tape: Use reliable packing tape to securely seal your boxes. |
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Appropriate-sized package: Choose boxes that are snug enough to fit your fragile items, but leave room for additional packaging materials to provide the necessary extra protection. This is a critical step in safeguarding delicate items. |
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Packing peanuts or airbags: These materials help fill any voids within the package to prevent movement of the item during transit. |
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Plastic bags or shrink wrap: Use these materials to protect against moisture entering the package. |
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Corrugated inserts: Add an extra layer of protection by reinforcing the package with corrugated inserts. |
Source: Wikipedia
When packing fragile items, the approach will vary depending on the size, shape, and type of product. Here are some general tips to follow:
Once you've packed your fragile products securely, it's time to select a courier.
While ClickShip partners with several of the leading parcel and LTL carriers to give you access to the best possible services and rates, every carrier has its own unique strengths.
With that in mind, it’s important to consider the following factors when deciding which carriers to book with:
If you're expanding your business and shipping fragile items internationally, there are additional factors to consider:
Source: The Intercept
When shipping fragile items, it’s important to note that not all items can be insured, and some may have higher deductibles due to their delicate nature.
Antiques, original artwork, and collectibles are typically not insurable in most cases. These items are generally restricted with LTL carriers, and if accepted, they move at the shipper's risk of loss or damage.
With the right information and the right tools, shipping fragile items doesn’t have to be a stressful experience.
And with the right eCommerce shipping platform, like ClickShip, the rest of the shipping experience can be just as simple!
Contact one of our shipping experts today to set up your free account and get access to discounted rates from top carriers, unlimited integrations with leading eCommerce platforms, and a shipping and fulfillment experience that will keep you feeling secure.