Damaged goods have no value.  

Even if it can be fixed, the value of it is lost when you find it in broken pieces. 

Let’s imagine this scenario. 

You have spent more than ten hours sourcing the perfect gift for your cousin’s wedding in the UK. Let’s say you have packed it with care and have planned it ahead of time to make it delivered on time.  

However, your cousin is dismayed, when ripped open the package to find the items in broken condition.  

Similarly, you are a small-scale boutique owner dispatching a batch of overseas orders. After a week, your Instagram DM is broken with flooding messages on ‘Item arrived is damaged and I would request for a refund.’ 

Such scenarios can occur without any precedence. It is every sender’s worst nightmare. However, damaged shipments can be prevented if your parcels are well-prepared and equipped. 

Through this blog, you will uncover ways to keep the packages very safe and secure.  

 What are the reasons for packages getting damaged? 

Some of the top reasons for the packages getting damaged are listed below,  

1.     Poor packaging 

Starting from the choice of the wrong box, inappropriate cushioning, and weak taping, your package is quite a recipe for shipment disaster. When your item begins to rumble within the box, it is a signal for fast damage.  

2.     Rough handling during transit 

Most of the delivery partners rough handle the packages by tucking them into the warehouse and unloading them onto the delivery vehicles. When they are tossed away and shuffled multiple times, package damage is guaranteed.  

3.     Extreme weather conditions 

Rain, flood, humidity, and snowfall can easily make the packages prone to destruction. Especially, if the items are electronics, documents or food, the damage pulls in financial burdens. 

4.     Parcel size 

Choosing the right size of the box is necessary to prevent your package from further parcel injury. Too small or too big might put unnecessary pressure either way, which risks the conditions of the parcel. 

How to avoid damage in shipping 

As the real culprits are out in the open, let’s talk about how to prevent damage and ensure your parcels arrive in perfect condition.  

1.     Choice of the right box 

The durability and strength of the box matters. Consider your box as the first line of soldiers who defend the items inside.  

Tips for choosing the right box 

• Always use corrugated boxes, which endure the maximum stressors during transit. 
• Make sure that the box you choose is at least 2 to 3 inches bigger so that it allows more space for cushioning your items within.  
• In case of sending fragile items, use double-walled boxes. 

Pro-Tip: Old boxes are a big ‘No’ for delicate shipments as they are easily susceptible to the wear and tear of the parcel. 

2.     Support and Cushioning 

Giving your items the needed support to sail through the transits is a mandatory criterion. Accordingly, cushioning – creating that standard buffer between your item and the outer box is one of the keyways to prevent damage during the whole shipment journey.  

Cushioning materials worth considering 

• Bubble wrap- Wrap your fragile or delicate items in multiple folds of bubble wrap. For instance, your electronics, and glassware. 
• Foam inserts – Mainly used for giving the items of higher value the extra protection they deserve. 
• Packing peanuts- Ideal for filling the spaces between the box and the outer layer. 

3.     Fill the empty spaces 

The damage to the items becomes more predictable when there is an ample amount of empty space for the products to move within the box. Hence, it becomes important to fill them up.  

How to fill empty spaces 

• Use foam inserts or packing peanuts to fill in the empty spaces. 
• Add more cushioning and shake it gently when the movement begins. 
• Ensure each item is double layered in terms of protection. 

4.     High-end taping formula 

A strong tape that holds it all together is the next big step for your package to protect it from any potential destruction. 

Tips for taping 

• Make sure you tape it all sides particularly covering the edges and seams of the box.  
• Utilize the 2-inch-wide heavy-duty taping. 
• Integrate the H-taping method- First tape it all around the center and then reinforce it along the sides too.  

5.     Ensure your box for extreme weather conditions 

Let’s say your package is destined for the Nordic destinations, then your package must pick the appropriate moisture-proofing too. 

How to ensure moisture-proofing 

• Place all your items with plastic or waterproof material before it is kept inside the box. 
• In the case of documents, make sure it is placed within the tamper or waterproof pouches to add extra protection. 
• Always apply moisture-resistant taping to make it a triple-layered protection. 

6.     Appropriate Labelling 

Giving your package the right labelling says it all. They are considered as your parcel’s GPS with clear instructions placed on it. 

Packaging tips to remember 

• Print the labels containing the address and contact information in bold and legible format. 
• Always add a return address if the package needs to be sent back. 
• Place an external copy of the label inside the box as well in case the outer label withers away. 
• Always make sure to use labels like ‘Handle with care’, and ‘Fragile’. 

7.     Insure high-value or fragile items 

       Unforeseen incidents happen no matter the quality of the packaging. Hence, applying for parcel insurance leverages unnecessary financial burdens. 

When to insure? 

• Fragile or delicate goods 
• International shipments with a high-risk potential 
• Usage of high-value items 

Wrap Up 

The last step of any process is always overlooked.  

Packaging is no different.  

It might be the simplest step even worth considering until things fall apart.  By understanding the reasons for the damage and getting yourself to unwrap the know-how of the packing, you can easily exempt yourself from unnecessary headaches.  

The next time you are packaging, apply the seven important steps of packaging to ensure your shipment has a smooth run without any grinds.  

If you are still doubtful and confused about packaging, always help yourself by choosing a trusted delivery partner who can take complete control over the entire shipment journey.  

At Brown Post, you are ready to avail yourself of expert shipping solutions that necessarily prioritise secured packaging in the first place, ensuring that your parcels are received in perfect condition.