When packing and shipping goods, it is well worth taking the time to invest in a smooth process. How you pack and ship matters. Choose the right materials, pack properly, and be clever about the shipping methods you use. We offer some simple tricks. Tips really. These will save you time, save you money, and above all, protect your shipment as best one can.
Choose the right packaging for the job.
You want a box of suitable size. Your goods should fit somewhat snugly, without too much unwanted space. It is unnecessary. More expensive too. Shipping costs depend on a few factors, size being one of them. Volume and weight too. Rather do not pay for empty space. For air. Instead, try a few boxes out for size. Choose the most suitable. Make it standard. Use it for the bulk of your orders.
Refine your packing process.
Decorate your packing station with clear guidelines and routines for packing goods. Make checklists for staff. Describe every step of the process and explain what to do at each. Employees will quickly learn procedures. They can follow your steps. How to choose the correct box size. How to pack items inside. How to label the box properly. How to attach labels the right way. These are some examples.
Organize stock with efficiency in mind.
Intelligent organization of shelves in the packing area can save you much time. Much time. Prioritize efficiency when arranging your packing station. Put your bestsellers, your promotions, your popular items close to the area. Minimize distance to them. You can pack popular goods ahead of time too. Place them nearby. Make them readily accessible.
If you sell many products in pairs, or in groups, then pack them close together on shelves. Within reach of each other. Label all rows and shelves too. Label them clearly. This way, nobody wastes time looking for stock. You should also organize your packing area so you have everything you might need handy. Make it neat. Logical. Things like tape, labels, packing knives, and scissors.
Prepare for peak sales ahead of time.
The retail industry knows well that online sales peak significantly before Christmas. Other peak seasons too. For busy stores, there can be very busy hours. Some are busier than others, and you should prepare for them in advance. Have your packaging ready. Your materials. Your tools and stationery. Have everything ready for when the busy hits.
Put boxes together. Cushion them inside to protect your goods. Get anything else that you will need ready, like labels, for example. If you know your busy is about to get very hectic, pack your popular products, your pairs, your bestsellers. The more you can do ahead of peak periods, the better your sales will go. The happier your customers will be too. They will receive their goods on time.
Invest in quality packaging materials.
Quality is essential in the shipping industry. Reject any temptation to save money by cutting corners. Avoid buying flimsy boxes and other materials. Any extra money spent on bettering quality will save unnecessary expense later. As the U.S. Department of Agriculture explains, poor quality only damages and breaks goods. Rather buy strong boxes of appropriate size. These provide much better protection and lower the costs of shipping. A fact well worth its investment.
Be very clear about terms and conditions for delivery.
It is important to be very transparent about your terms and conditions. To communicate them very clearly to customers. Answer their questions. All of them. Create a page on your website for common questions. Include all information about packing, returns, shipping, and delivery times. Update it often to accommodate any changes. Any news. Even bad news, like huge delays, for example.
Ensure correct address details to prevent major delays.
It is very important to address parcels correctly. Markings and labels too. Make sure all customer details check out. For example, when your carrier receives a mobile number, it sends your customers up-to-date data about their parcels. Check email addresses. Check mobile numbers. Check postal codes. Check and check again to ensure parcels get to where they should be going.
Best Packing and Shipping in New York
If you are opening a store online, or if you are just improving existing procedures, it is always wise to review your practices on occasion. Better them. Smooth your processes for packing and shipping. You can save significantly by investing in efficiency, both long-term and in the here and now. You can better protect your goods too. There really is no need for broken or damaged parcels.
