Many problems during the transport of parcels (deterioration, breakage, loss, misdirection) result from a poorly adapted or badly made packaging. The delivery is a crucial step for the customer, whether he is a private individual or a professional, it is the first impression he will retain of his purchase from your company. VHere are some tips to help you successfully pack your packages. And have a good brand image with your consumers
Why is successfull packaging so important ? - The packaging is made to protect your goods until they reach their destination; Packaging is also the first physical contact your brand has with your customer.
✅ First step: choosing the right packaging
This one must be rigid and solid enough to resist during transport. Up to 30 kg, a double flute is sufficient. Beyond that and up to 70 kg, opt for a heavy quality triple flute. Finally, above these 70 kg, we go to the pallet and it is no longer for My Flying Box.
As a reminder, My Flying Box sends packages up to 70kg!
What about old packaging?
Avoid reusing them. Indeed, losing their rigidity a little more with each transport, the used cartons protect less effectively your goods
✅ Step 2: Set up your merchandise properly
Once you've found the packaging, you need to make sure the contents of your box are secure. That's where the padding comes in. Step 2: Set up your merchandise properly
If your business is the circular economy (see our article on e-commerce trends in 2021) and you still have the original packaging of your item, even better! Do something for the planet by using it. If you don't, don't worry, find professional quality protection and cushioning material from your usual supplier.
If you have several items in one box, place the heaviest item at the bottom of the box and spread the rest out. Also, be careful not to put two fragile items in contact in the same package.
Be aware that the mention "fragile" is most of the time useless: the transport being often mechanized, the machines will simply scan the information on the transport label.
💡 The delicate art of sending bottles Wine bottles are one of the goods most affected by damage. They should be placed in separate compartments and in a wine bottle carton and ideally recommended and/or certified by the carrier(s). By using any type of packaging, you expose yourself to a high risk of breakage and a refusal of reimbursement of your shipment by the carrier.
✅ Step 3: Close the package properly
A well-sealed package will better protect your products during transport. If you want your package to be closed properly, it is essential to use special packing tape, brown or transparent tape of good quality (the same tape you used during your last move!). Feel free to use any type of tape, as long as it is wide and strong, in the Ideal 5mm width.
If your package is not properly sealed and opens during shipment, the carrier will not be responsible for the loss or breakage of your shipment. Moreover, in order not to interfere with the transport, nothing must protrude: handles, string and kraft are forbidden because these elements could interfere with the transport of your package (DPD and Colissimo refuse this type of packaging).
That's it! Your box is now ready to be labeled and shipped.
✅ Last step: the packing slip
In order for your package to reach its destination, it must have a legible shipping label.
- Check that it is well printed and well attached: its bar code must be perfectly readable.
- Stick it on the top of the package, never in a corner so as not to cut the barcode.
- Also remove all old labels to avoid any confusion!
The use of plastic sleeves can be a plus because they guarantee the protection of your label and documents that can be attached to the shipment (invoices, description of the contents if necessary ...).
If the routing of your package is mechanized, your shipment is also handled at certain stages... if only at the time of delivery (we are not yet at the Delivery Mode of the future in reference to our blog post)!
My Flying Box recommends that you write the sender's and receiver's addresses and telephone numbers on your package. In the event that the label becomes detached, this information will allow the carrier to locate the package. This information must be clear and legible. The approximations and erroneous or incomplete information on the address can cause delays in delivery without engaging the responsibility of the carrier.
Eco-responsible alternatives for your packaging
In our article of the month on les tendances du E-commerce en 2022I talk about the importance for e-retailers to take an ethical and sustainable turn, especially in terms of transport and packaging.
Today, 55% of French people are concerned about plastic packagingwhich weigh heavily in the carbon balance (Observatoire société et consommation, 2019Most are willing to pay a little more for environmentally friendly containers. 90% of French people are in favor of eco-responsible actions by a company and more than half of consumers now say that the recyclability, durability and biodegradability of package packaging are important factors in their purchasing decisions.
💡 Find cartons that "fit" the dimensions of your products. By matching the size of your boxes, you will reduce the weight and volume of your packages, reduce your transportation costs and reduce your carbon footprint. As my middle school math teacher used to say, QED
💡 Some carriers charge by volume weight: the weight charged for your package will be calculated on the basis of its volume and not its weight. In some cases, it is even preferable to make a shipment of 2 or even 3 parcels, and to avoid the numerous inconveniences of a too bulky parcel (overloading out of gauge, difficulty to be taken in charge by the deliveryman, ...).
In summary, the success of the delivery does not only depend on the carrier but also on the preparation of the parcels and their packaging (on your side): this preparation will be decisive when it comes to the trust that your customers will grant you. More than 70% of consumers consider that the packaging reflects the quality of the material purchased and therefore the image of the seller.