E-commerce is the fastest growing retail market in Europe and the UK, especially, is one of the main reasons for this. The average Brit spends more than £6,000 a year over the internet. Platforms like Amazon and eBay are amongst the most popular sites, and both offer the opportunity for third-party sellers to reach a huge potential audience. If you want to be successful in this field, though, learning how to effectively package your goods is crucial.
Using the Proper Materials
The main way that you can ensure that your parcels always arrive safely is to use proper packaging materials. Whether it’s a jiffy bag, a square box, or a postal tube, always try to use materials that closely match the size of the item. This will restrict the amount of movement during the shipping process, which could damage your item and potentially leave you having to deal with a time-consuming return process. Secondly, when securing your item, make sure to use parcel tape on all four corners of the package. As well as ensuring that it won’t fall open during transit, this will add an extra layer of protection.
Adding Extra Packaging When Necessary
The unboxing experience is an important, yet seldom considered, part of your product. For years, luxury brands have paid attention to this with some even going as far as to use scented packaging in an effort to change your mood. If you don’t have the budget for this, the key thing to remember is not to use unnecessary excess packaging. One example of this that consumers don’t like is the much maligned “Russian doll” technique: where companies place a pre-boxed item in a second, or maybe even a third, box. If you need to fill in extra space, opt for air bags rather than scrunched up newspaper. Not only will this look more professional, but it’s also lighter which will reduce your shipping costs.
Choosing the Right Courier
The advent of online shopping has created a raft of opportunities for so-called “lifestyle couriers.” These self-employed drivers are often hired to meet demand during peak shopping periods. However, in recent years, there have been numerous cases of customers claiming that their parcels have been damaged or carelessly left on doorsteps in the view of passersby. As these drivers are paid on a per delivery basis, there’s less incentive for them to stick around and wait for a signature when they could quickly move on to the next job instead. Earning positive feedback is crucial if you want to continue selling goods online, which is why dealing with reputable companies like Parcels Please who’ve worked with big names like DHL, Parcel force, and UPS, is the best long-term strategy.
