OUR SEVEN TOP TIPS FOR SENDING PACKAGES
This applies to ALL parcels you send, not just sales made here on BB List.
OK, the first one has absolutely nothing to do with packing parcels, but it does need to be said…
1. REMEMBER TO CHECK IT OVER!
If you’ve sold an item, CHECK IT OVER before sending it. Make sure it’s working, clean and in good condition – in other words, exactly as advertised.
The September 2015 Act places obligations on sellers to describe goods honestly and disclose any faults or defects. If there’s any ambiguity, it is likely to work in the buyer’s favour.
Right, let’s get on with packing parcels and getting them shipped.
2. USE ROYAL MAIL SPECIAL DELIVERY FOR VALUABLE OR DELICATE ITEMS
If you’re in the UK and sending something valuable or delicate, Royal Mail Special Delivery is worth considering.
It’s good value for money, can handle reasonably large and heavy parcels, offers good compensation options and, of course, is fast (next day). But there’s another important advantage: it’s a manually handled service. Parcels are sorted by hand rather than going through the usual automated sorting systems and conveyor belts.
That means less exposure to the bumps, knocks and rough handling that can happen in mechanised sorting systems.
3. DOUBLE BOX IT!
Once you’ve wrapped your item in bubble wrap and placed it inside a box, put that box inside a second, larger box, with a good layer of protective material (such as polystyrene) between the two.
This provides an extra layer of protection if the parcel gets dropped, knocked around or even punctured by something sharp.
4. TAKE PHOTOS OF YOUR PARCEL
Once it’s packed and labelled, take a few photos from different angles. Make sure at least one clearly shows the shipping label and address.
This can be really useful if a parcel goes missing. Couriers and shipping companies will often ask for photographs to help identify and locate a missing package.
A few seconds with your camera could save you a lot of hassle later!
5. WRITE THE ADDRESSES ON THE PARCEL – DON’T JUST RELY ON THE SHIPPING LABEL
Always write the recipient’s address clearly on the parcel, along with your own return address. Ideally, put them in more than one location and on another side of the box.
Why? Because parcels sometimes have additional labels attached during transit, particularly when passing through customs. These can occasionally cover up the original shipping label and destination address.
If that happens, having the addresses written elsewhere on the parcel could make all the difference.
6. AVOID PLASTIC WRAP AND BIN BAGS
Yes, we know it’s popular advice in some packing guides, but we’d suggest avoiding plastic wrapping or bin bags altogether.
Plastic can easily catch on machinery, tear or become detached. And if that happens, your shipping label, destination address and return address could all disappear with it.
The result? A parcel with no identifiable destination. And that’s a recipe for a very unhappy sender and recipient!
7. MY FAVOURITE SHIPPING HACK – BUY YOUR INSURANCE SEPARATELY!
Sometimes adding insurance to a courier’s shipping quote can be EXPENSIVE. But fear not, there’s a cheaper alternative!
You can actually buy parcel insurance separately, and it’s often surprisingly good value.
We use Secursus – https://www.secursus.com/
This allows you to shop around for the best courier price without being tied to their often expensive insurance options. Buy your postage wherever you get the best deal, then arrange your insurance separately at a much lower cost.
It’s well worth looking into!
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I hope some of these tips help when you’re sending your next parcel. A little extra care when packing can save a whole lot of headaches further down the line.
Peace,
Emyr BBLIST