{"id":4848,"date":"2023-07-06T12:26:24","date_gmt":"2023-07-06T16:26:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/?p=4848"},"modified":"2025-01-02T06:54:40","modified_gmt":"2025-01-02T11:54:40","slug":"how-to-safely-ship-products","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/blog\/how-to-safely-ship-products\/","title":{"rendered":"Fragile Goods? How to Safely Ship Products (And Reduce Return Fraud)"},"content":{"rendered":"

With return fraud cases rising, businesses are putting more effort into packaging fragile items safely.<\/b> Return fraud is when a buyer claims to receive a defective product even if said product is in good condition. This involves them swapping the new purchase with the merchandise they bought earlier, which has since become damaged or stopped functioning. In 2022,<\/span> more than one in 10<\/span><\/a> requests for returns were actually return fraud cases.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nevertheless, there may be times when unquestionable damage occurs during shipping or when your products leave the warehouse. In fact,<\/span> one out of 10<\/span><\/a> packages in the US arrive damaged at consumers\u2019 doorsteps. Although some incidents may result from your courier or fulfillment partner’s negligence, you’re still responsible for retrieving the product and issuing a replacement or refund.<\/span><\/p>\n

Yes, returns are inevitable. But you can take steps to prevent legitimate and fraudulent cases from hurting your bottom line. <\/span>This article discusses how you can ensure the safe delivery of your fragile products.<\/b><\/p>\n

Fragile Goods Defined<\/b><\/h2>\n

Fragility can mean different things to different sellers. <\/span>But in general, fragile items require extra care and attention when shipping.<\/b> These goods may be breakable such as glass, crystal, and ceramic.<\/span> They also include objects with many curves, small delicate pieces that can bend or come off, and parts that can sustain scratches, tears, or dents when not packed well. Examples include electronic gadgets, musical instruments, artwork, furniture, and plants. Notebooks with wire binders, leather items that can be scuffed, and books with<\/span> high-gloss<\/span><\/a> covers that can have scratches can also be counted as fragile.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Common Causes of Shipping Damage<\/b><\/h2>\n

A study showed that <\/span>81% of ecommerce returns<\/span><\/a> are due to product damage. Let’s look at all the factors that can cause damage to your fragile items, from inadequate or improper packing to external elements.<\/span><\/p>\n

Improper packaging<\/b><\/h3>\n

Oversized box<\/b><\/h4>\n

\"improper<\/p>\n

Your products can bounce up and down or shift from side to side during land travel if your box is too big for your item.<\/b> Your item’s body or edges may crush against each other or other packages if the box is too spacious and doesn’t contain enough infill that suits the product’s fragility, size, and quantity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Weak material<\/b><\/h4>\n

Your box should be thick enough that it won’t collapse under your product’s weight. The packaging should stay intact throughout its journey to your customer. Lower-quality material can put your item at higher risk if your padding is already skimpy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Absence of labels<\/b><\/h3>\n

Labels<\/b><\/a> saying “Fragile,” “Hazardous,” or “Perishable” help alert delivery handlers about the nature of your package and how they should handle it.<\/b><\/p>\n

Rough handling<\/b><\/h3>\n

Your package will go through several warehousing and shipping staff hands before reaching its destination. They may not always gingerly handle boxes or position them securely in their vehicles the way you expect them despite the labels you put on them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Improper storage<\/b><\/h3>\n

Items containing<\/span> food<\/span><\/a> and perishable goods may rot or change in quality if you fail to keep them in temperature-controlled, infestation-free storage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Climate and bad weather<\/b><\/h3>\n

Besides varied weather from state to state, we live in a time of sudden environmental changes. <\/span>Climate and durability testing your packaging will be a good idea if you have a temperature-sensitive, breakable product.<\/b><\/p>\n

Poor transit route choice<\/b><\/h3>\n

Like bad weather, choosing high-traffic routes for ground shipping may delay your delivery. Ask your fulfillment center about your options to address this concern.<\/span><\/p>\n

Theft and tampering<\/b><\/h3>\n

Choose tamper-proof packaging and apply for insurance to ship high-value products safely.<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

6 Steps to Ship Fragile Items Safely<\/b><\/h2>\n

1.<\/b>\u00a0<\/span>Choose a box based on your item’s size and weight<\/b><\/h3>\n

We can borrow UPS Guidelines for packaging fragile goods: provide at least two inches of space between the box’s walls and the item inside. <\/span>The<\/b> right-sized box<\/b><\/a> should also support your product’s weight and fit the necessary cushioning material.<\/b><\/p>\n

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Heavy-duty materials may cost more, but consider the additional expense you’ll spend for possible return or replacement if you use a lower-priced but thinner and flimsier packaging that tears or deforms by just the touch of sweaty hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

High-value items may require double-boxing (package within a package) for extra protection.<\/b> This technique can also apply to large products\u2014you can disassemble the parts and pack each into smaller boxes to spread the weight evenly in a larger box. However, this will naturally increase your shipping costs.<\/span><\/p>\n

2.<\/b> Wrap the item and surround it with infill<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Wrap<\/p>\n

Wrap each product with paper and seal with Scotch tape followed by bubble wrap, ensuring you cover all the parts. Use packing tape to secure your plastic wrapping. Think twice before adding a second bubble layer, as it might make unboxing harder. It might be better to wrap your product in foam first instead of paper. If you’re shipping several items in a box, wrap them separately.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fill the base of your box with crinkle paper, packing nuts, or other internal packaging before placing your product in the center. Then pour more infill around the item to restrict movement. Add corrugated inserts or craft paper on the box walls to make them sturdier. Give your box a slight shake to check if your item or items don’t shift. Pour a final infill layer\u2014just enough to close the top flaps shut without a bulge.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Package Filler Type<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Examples<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Uses<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Paper<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Kraft paper<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Thicker variants for heavier fragile items and thin variants to cushion lighter items<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Paper\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Tissue paper<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

– Dust protection for shoes, clothing, and plastic<\/span><\/p>\n

– Base layer before applying Kraft paper wrap on soap bars,<\/span> candles<\/span><\/a>, glassware, jewelry, and items that easily scuff<\/span><\/p>\n

– Can carry logo and branding elements<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Paper<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Crinkle paper<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Product presentation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Paper<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Custom carton inserts<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

For blocking (prevents side-to-side movement) fragile items of various materials, from glass to heavy plastic<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Plastic<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Bubble packaging (paper bubble wraps, perforated and non-perforated bubble wraps\/rolls, bubble bags with self-sealing closures)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Impact and vibration protection for uniquely shaped items (The larger and thicker the bubbles, the higher protection your item gets.)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Plastic<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Air pillows\/ air bags (requires inflating machine)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

For blocking and vibration protection<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Plastic<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Stretch wrap films<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Dirt, moisture, and debris protection for furniture, appliances, and other heavy items<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Fiber<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Molded fiber packaging<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

– For wines and<\/span> beverages<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

– Rigid construction allows for multi-layering<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Foam<\/span><\/p>\n

(being phased out in some U.S. states)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Foam rolls or sheets<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

– Anti-static material for electronics<\/span><\/p>\n

– Scratch and shock protection for dinnerware or artwork and photos (with or without framing)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Foam<\/span><\/p>\n

(being phased out in some U.S. states)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Foam packing blocks<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

For blocking, bracing (prevents up-and-down movement), and crush protection for appliances and equipment<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Foam<\/span><\/p>\n

(being phased out in some U.S. states)<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Packing peanuts\/packing popcorn<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

For cushioning large, irregularly shaped voids and conforms better to an item compared to crinkled paper<\/span><\/p>\n

Note<\/span><\/i>: Now available in a biodegradable version, made with starch. Meanwhile, polystyrene packing peanuts aren\u2019t recyclable and can be messy during unboxing<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

You can follow the packing tips below for each fragile item category.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ceramics and glassware<\/b><\/h4>\n

\"ceramics<\/p>\n