How Do I Package My Product for Shipping?

Sorting out packaging a product for shipping is easy, right? 

Wrong. If you don’t nail your shipping packaging, you could end up wasting money on damaged goods and returns. 

If you are currently planning to ship packages, you may be wondering how to package your product for shipping to prevent damage and ensure it arrives safely and intact.

Damage in transit is a common concern — especially with many products shipped worldwide every day. Shipping companies are under pressure to meet tight deadlines, particularly after the delays experienced during COVID-19. Sometimes, it can feel like treating packages with care is a bit of an afterthought. 

Packaging Supplies is here to help. We’ll walk you through the basics of shipping packaging securely, minimising damage and maintaining your product’s quality. 

How Do You Package Items for Shipping?

The first step is to think about what you’re shipping. This will ultimately dictate the type of packaging you choose to use. 

If you’re going to send garments such as jackets, t-shirts and jumpers, you’ll need to make sure you’re using the best packaging for clothes shipping. For example, a mailing bag for clothes is a great way to maximise space and reduce shipping costs. 

For clothing, individually wrap each piece in protective packaging such as a sealable bag or another type of packaging material, like tissue paper, which you can secure with tape.

Once each item going to the same destination is wrapped and sealed, place them in a sturdy cardboard box. If your package is travelling a long distance, use a double-walled box for extra protection. Boxes should be sealed with heavy tape to prevent anything from getting inside that might damage the box or the products.

To package books for shipping, use a book wrap mailer with multi-depth features to pack a range of products with varying measurements. 

If the items you’re going to be shipping are smaller and more fragile, then you’ll need to consider the best way to protect each item before it gets packed into a final box.

Products like glassware, jewellery, or handmade items will require a few more layers of protective packaging, like void fill, which will keep your products safe in transit. Place your fragile items into larger cardboard boxes or custom packaging depending on their destination.

Think about the Shipping Method…

You may be tempted to use the most durable and protective packaging when considering your shipping packaging.  Although this isn’t a bad idea, it’s not always the most cost-effective solution.

It’s a good idea to try and keep your shipping costs as low as possible, which is better for your business and your customers. Consider how your package will be shipped. Packages can travel by road, air, or sea, depending on the destination. 

Items going by road will be hand-loaded onto a lorry and then driven to their final destination before being unloaded by hand. In this case — unless your goods are fragile items, such as glassware, electronics, food or furniture — you can probably get away with some standard cardboard boxes or simple retail packaging.

On the other hand, if you ship a package by air or sea, it could be damaged by the elements and be jostled around in transit. If you’ve ever watched luggage being loaded and unloaded at an airport, you’ll know the process isn’t always careful and considerate. So, think about the way your package may be handled before choosing your shipping packaging.

Items shipped by sea are also at risk from water damage or rough waters, which can move items around and cause damage. So, you need to look at extra layers of protective packaging, such as waterproof materials that keep items sealed even if the box itself is damaged on the outside. 

Shipping Packaging: The Right Way

If your packaging for shipping fails, it isn’t just the product cost you’ll have to contend with; your reputation as a business will also suffer. So make sure you’re using the best shipping packaging materials for your product and invest in high-quality, sustainable packaging for an increasingly eco-conscious market. 

Browse our selection of sustainable packaging to impress your eco-conscious consumers and ensure your products arrive in top condition.