Selling fragile stuff online can be tricky for eCommerce companies. When customers get broken items, it not only costs money but also hurts your business image, like through bad reviews. Plus, customers might not come back, which is especially bad for businesses that depend on repeat buyers.

But don't worry, you can send fragile things safely with the correct packaging and shipping methods. This blog will explain how to properly pack and ship delicate items.

Pick Right Boxes

Thickness

One of the top two reasons items break is because the boxes aren't strong enough to shield them when they get hit really hard, like falling from a tall spot. So, no matter the size or type of boxes you pick, make sure they're thick and sturdy.

Sizes

Choosing the right box is more than just making it fit snugly around your product. Your box should be strong enough to hold your product's weight and big enough to hold protective materials. But don't go too big.

You don't want to use boxes that have too much extra space, causing your items to move around. If you use a slightly larger box than your product, you can fill any remaining empty space with cushioning material to keep everything steady.

Remember, don't leave any gaps between your items and the boxes. Make sure they're all snugly packed!

While poly mailers might be cheaper to send than boxes, they're not a good choice for fragile, easily breakable products. Poly bags might have bubble wrap padding, but it doesn't completely prevent fragile items from breaking.

Shape

There are some brands create custom inserts to safeguard their delicate items. Crafting personalized inserts to put inside the packages ensures that your items fit perfectly and have a strong structure to endure any impacts. But keep in mind that packaging factories might ask for a minimum number of orders. So, if you're just starting out with a small business, this method may not be suitable for you.

Pick Right Package Filler

Bubble Wrap

Packing Peanuts

Packing peanuts do a good job at keeping items from moving inside their container, but they don't shield scratchable items' surfaces as effectively as bubble wrap. They are usually less expensive than bubble wrap and come in two main types: polystyrene peanuts and biodegradable peanuts. Polystyrene peanuts are lighter than biodegradable ones, which makes shipping a bit cheaper. Biodegradable packing peanuts are crafted from starch, so they naturally break down over time or with water. However, they are pricier than the regular packing peanuts, which might not be the best choice if you're watching your budget closely.

Geami Wrap

Geami wrap is a planet-friendly option instead of bubble wrap. It's entirely biodegradable and can be recycled through your regular curbside pickup. You can get it in both brown (kraft) and white, and it looks better than bubble wrap or packing peanuts. It has two layers: one inside made of tissue paper to prevent scratches and an outer layer that's like honeycomb paper to absorb shocks.

The honeycomb part fits together without needing tape. There are two main kinds of Geami wrap: ready rolls, which are like bubble wrap and don't require any extra equipment, making them good for smaller businesses. If you have larger shipping needs, you can use a dispenser to expand flat Geami wrap into a honeycomb structure right where you need it.

Tape Right

When you're shipping packages, it's essential to use tape to secure them properly. For mailing tubes, make sure to tape the ends closed to stop them from opening while they're being shipped. For regular shipping boxes, use a method called "H-taping" on both the top and bottom. This means taping all the seams on the box to create an "H" shape.

If you're using mailer boxes without locking tabs and they won't be placed inside another box for shipping, you'll need to tape them too. For mailer boxes with a front flap that tucks in, add tape or a wafer seal along the bottom of the front flap. If your mailer boxes have a top flap that tucks in, add tape or a wafer seal to the top front part of the box. This extra taping helps keep everything secure during shipping.

Fragile Label

Remember to attach labels that say "fragile" on all sides of your package if your budget allows for it. This way, the people who work for the shipping company will know to handle your packages gently. It's a way to let them know that the contents are delicate, so they won't be rough with them.