Selling Online – Protecting Your Deliveries

Selling online through auction sites and online market places can be an easy way for individuals to make a bit of extra cash, or for businesses to venture in to low-risk ecommerce. Using these sites is advantageous in that most logistical issues are taken care of. However, packaging your item is not one such thing, and Rajapack wants to help you to get it right.

As a seller, you are responsible for the condition of a product up until the point it reaches the customer. Whether it is damaged en route or before dispatch is irrelevant, you are responsible. The last thing you want is to be sending your products to customers, only to receive complaints and returns. This costs you money as well as inconveniencing both you and your customers. So how then do you best protect your goods?

First it is important to understand the specific requirements your goods have: Are they fragile or heavy? Do they have delicate edges or corners? Do you need to protect against moisture or static electricity?

The second consideration is the delivery: Are you shipping overseas? How long may the journey take? Are there any temperature and specific labelling requirements?

Once you know what the potential weaknesses of your goods are and the potential dangers they face in transit, you can begin to plan how to keep them safe on their journey. We’ve drawn up a useful reference guide to help you find the packaging solution for your needs.

There is a wide range of protection packaging available that can ensure your products is kept safe from knocks, bumps and damage.  This protection ranges from shock absorbency and cushioning, right through to protection from damp and static.

For the packaging, a cardboard box or mailing bags are perfect for shipping your product.  There are sizes and strengths to suit any purpose. Making sure the right size of box is used can prevent damage from items moving in transit as well as potentially reducing costs of postage and void fill used. Triple walled boxes are capable of carrying hefty loads whereas single walled may be adequate for smaller and lighter items.

Once your items are packaged, you need to make sure your boxes are correctly labelled and sealed. Correct labelling will ensure your parcels are treated with the care they require kept at the right temperatures or kept away from moisture.

Securely sealing any package is also vital. A box opening during transit makes it easy for goods to get damaged or stolen so make sure good, strong tape is used.

If you follow these guidelines you can  minimise the risk to goods whilst being transported. We will be taking a look in more detail at the special requirements of different product types over the coming months, so keep your eyes peeled.