Proper packaging for your products is crucial to ensure they arrive at your customers' doorsteps in pristine condition. While it may seem straightforward, there's more to consider than meets the eye.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps of how to package a parcel for shipping, covering everything from choosing the right parcel packaging materials to addressing potential hazards. By following these guidelines, you'll not only protect your products but also enhance customer satisfaction and build a strong brand reputation.
Besides the packaging of goods, DHL Express offers comprehensive solutions to support your entire shipping process, from pick-up to delivery. Our expertise in international shipping, customs clearance, and last-mile delivery ensures your parcels reach their destinations efficiently and reliably.
How to wrap and package your parcel to be shipped out
Choose the right box
Select a sturdy box that's slightly larger than your item, allowing ample space for cushioning. If you're reusing a box, ensure it's in good condition with no holes, tears, or punctures. For fragile items, consider double-boxing, placing the item in a smaller box before putting it inside a larger one. This provides an extra layer of protection against bumps and drops.
Use dividers
If you're shipping multiple items in one box, use dividers to separate them and prevent them from shifting or colliding during transit. Dividers can be made of cardboard, foam, or other sturdy materials. This is particularly important for fragile items, as it minimizes the risk of them bumping against each other and getting damaged.
Wrap your items individually
Use bubble wrap or other cushioning materials to wrap each item separately. This prevents them from shifting and colliding during transit, which can cause damage. For irregularly shaped items, consider using custom-fit foam inserts for optimal protection.
Secure heavy items in place
Position heavier items in the centre of the box and use packing tape, packing straps, or other securing methods to hold them in place. This will prevent them from moving around during shipping, which can cause damage. Also, consider using additional reinforcement, such as cardboard inserts or wooden braces, to prevent them from damaging the box or other items when they are out for delivery.
Fill empty spaces
Fill any gaps in the box with additional cushioning to prevent items from moving around during shipping. This is especially important for fragile items. You can use crumpled paper, foam peanuts, or air pillows to fill empty spaces and ensure your items are snug and secure.
Seal the box securely
Use strong packing tape to seal all seams and flaps of the box. Ensure the tape is applied evenly and securely to prevent the box from opening during transit. Reinforce the edges and corners of the box with additional tape for extra protection against wear and tear.
Label your parcel correctly
Clearly write or print the recipient's complete address and your return address on the parcel. Use a waterproof pen or marker to prevent smudging. Place the labels on the largest flat surface of the package and consider enclosing a duplicate address label inside the box in case the external one gets damaged.
Attach any necessary documentation
If you're shipping internationally, securely attach any required customs forms or commercial invoices to the outside of the parcel. Ensure these documents are placed in a clear plastic pouch or envelope to protect them from moisture and damage.
Top tips when packaging your parcel
Assess your product
Before you do anything, consider what you are packaging. How much does it weigh? What is its value? Is it fragile? Does it need controlled conditions, like regulated humidity? Are there any special packaging regulations around it? Some seemingly innocuous products, like perfume or electronics for instance, can be classified as Dangerous Goods and need to be packaged accordingly. All of this will have a bearing on how you decide to package your parcel.
Choose appropriate parcel packaging materials
There are two main types of packaging to consider – external and internal. For external packaging, unless you're shipping something that needs special care (like liquids or powders), a sturdy cardboard box is usually the way to go. Be sure to choose a high-quality corrugated box to keep your items safe, and avoid reusing old boxes since they lose their strength over time.
Internal packaging is just as important. It cushions your product and fills any empty spaces inside the box, preventing things from shifting around during shipping. While styrofoam used to be a popular choice, it's now banned in many places due to its environmental impact. Luckily, there are plenty of other internal packaging options, each suited for different needs—whether you’re looking for cushioning, void-fill, or dividers when sending multiple items in one box.
Here's a handy chart to help you choose the right packaging for your shipments.
Use your packaging as a marketing tool
While the primary purpose of packaging is to protect your goods while they are in transit, it can do so much more. Packaging can be a powerful marketing tool, allowing you to communicate with your customer when they’re feeling most positive towards your brand.
At its most basic, packaging can bolster your brand image with consistent colors, logos, messaging, typography and other design elements. While your outer packaging may be a cardboard box, it needn’t just be plain brown! Consider using packing tape in your brand colors and custom-designed labels.
You can also align your packaging with your advertising. For example, if you’re running a social media campaign using a particular headline, why not look into adding it to your packaging? You can also cross-promote your social media campaign by adding a hashtag or social handle.
Other opportunities include tying in your packaging with particular events like Valentine’s Day or Christmas; adding a personalized, handwritten thank-you card (perhaps with a personal discount code); dropping in free samples of related products.
Creative packaging, personalization, free samples and discounts are all powerful ways of encouraging customer loyalty and repeat purchases.
Make sure it’s returns-friendly
Returns are a fact of life in e-commerce. While offering free returns has cost implications for your business, many customers will only shop from retailers who operate a free returns policy. It’s a dilemma you have to weigh up and make a decision about.
Whatever you decide, it's worth remembering that returns are another opportunity to build your relationship with customers. By making them straightforward and hassle-free, you will encourage people to buy from you again, even when a particular purchase hasn’t worked out.
Always include clear instructions and a returns label. And when it comes to the packaging itself, choose a box that is easy to open – perforated for example – and easy to re-use and re-seal, maybe including an adhesive strip.
Consider green packaging alternatives
With sustainability high on many consumers' agenda, using packaging that's better for the environment could be crucial to the success of your brand. Sustainable packaging, eco-friendly packaging or green packaging as it's variously known makes a smaller impact on the environment in three basic ways: by reducing packaging waste; by using materials that are recyclable or biodegradable; or by using renewable energy in the production of the packaging.
There are lots of sustainable packaging materials out there, and new alternatives are being developed all the time. For detailed information on these, check out our more in-depth guide to green packaging and why it’s important to your business.
Other considerations when shipping overseas
Effective packaging is just the first step in ensuring a successful international shipment. Unexpected delays or unforeseen costs can quickly sour the customer experience. DHL Express understands the intricacies of international trade and offers tools to streamline the process.
DHL’s free Global Trade Services help you calculate customs duties, taxes, and other fees upfront, eliminating surprises for your customers. You can also access accurate HS (Harmonizied System) codes and verify compliance with import and export regulations for any country, ensuring your shipments arrive on time and without complications.
Beyond packaging, timely delivery is crucial for customer satisfaction. With a DHL Express Business Account, you gain access to a range of expedited shipping solutions, allowing you to meet and exceed customer expectations with reliable and fast delivery times.
