Tips to Successful Packaging on Amazon

30/11/2016

Tips to Successful Packaging on Amazon

For people who conduct their business either partly or exclusively on Amazon – or indeed online in general, there are many things which need to be considered. One big issue is that you must ensure that you are adequately protecting your product in shipping. Of course, whilst the product is in your hands, you treat it well, and the likelihood is that when it is in the hands of the consumer, they look after it. However, when it is in the post, it’s another story.

We all know how letters and packages get thrown around during the postal service or other shipping services, and there is not much that we can do about that, short of telling them that the item inside is fragile. Packages are handles not just by people but also machines – who don’t really have much notion of handling things with care.

Amazon
For people who are running their business on Amazon, there are two major shipping issues here. The first, of course, being that the items that you are shipping can be fragile and of course, you don’t want your customers receiving broken or damaged goods. This will result in a low customer satisfaction and probably you having to send out a new item.

The other problem is that Amazon are strict about customer satisfaction and come down hard on companies who they deem to not be doing everything that they can to get it. So if the customer and, consequently Amazon don’t think that you are doing enough to avoid damage in shipping, they can punish you. And for the best chance of business success on Amazon, you don’t want suspensions or the like!

So, bearing this in mind, how can you go about protecting your product in the post? Of course, each product has its specific necessities, and each Amazon business needs to think carefully about how they are going to stop damage in shipping, but here we are going to assume that the item inside is fragile – like a piece of pottery or glass.

It is worth spending a little extra money to make sure that there are no shipping problems and to ensure that your product arrives in perfect condition.

• For items which are less fragile, you can use envelopes which have bubble wrap inside to give a basic protection.
  
• There are also airbags available which can help to protect your item from damage in the post.
• Pack the item inside at least one box – two if possible. Getting the packaging of goods right is probably the most important thing that you can do for your business.
• Wrap individual items separately. This way they will be protected all of the time and will not hit against each other whilst they are being shipped.
• Corrugated cardboard or bubble wrap is an excellent way to wrap the first layer of protection.
• Use about 3 -5 layers of corrugated cardboard or bubble wrap packaging to make the item really secure, but pay particular attention to delicate areas such as handles and give them a bit extra if you think it is necessary.
• Always use new (or new looking) boxes. They tend to get given better handling than old or tired looking boxes by the postal or shipping workers.
• Use another packaging inside the box, and make sure that you push it right through to the corners to ensure that the item doesn’t rattle around inside. Packaging such as packaging peanuts are a good option to try, but make sure that it is cosily packed.
• Make sure that the box is sealed properly.
• It is a good idea to cover the address label with tape to avoid ink from running if it gets wet, as well as clearly marking the package that its contents are fragile.
• Bear in mind that your package is also likely to be ‘handled’ by automated equipment and not just people, so make sure that your product will be protected even if it is thrown around, landing on its side or upside down or with other, heavy goods on top of it.
• You can test your package by dropping it from a height of about 4 feet, throwing it around a bit and then seeing how well the items contained have been protected.
• Try to leave at least 4 inches of packaging around the product.
• It’s best to try to avoid newspaper as it can smudge and the ink can stain your product – as well as your customer’s hands.
• There are shipping companies who will guarantee that your product will arrive in good condition. If you are really worried, it might be worth looking into this
• When you are taping up your packaging as well as your box, use a different coloured tape (as opposed to the transparent tape which is usually used) to help your customers find it and making the unpacking process easier for them.

When it comes to the packaging of your items – especially if they are fragile, you really cannot be too cautious. And whilst Amazon come down pretty heavily on businesses who don’t appear to package their goods very well, most shipping companies do have appeals and complaints procedures.

However, unless the damage was caused by a specific mistake from them – for example, being run over or trapped in machinery, you are unlikely to have them admit to any damage, meaning that you are left to pick up the pieces (quite literally) suffering negative feedback and having to replace the product.

With careful packaging and labelling you can make sure that your item arrives at its destination in one piece and great condition.

If you have any questions about how to use Amazon for your business, shipping items with Amazon, or need help with your business`s web design and digital marketing, get in touch with Studioworx either via email ([email protected]), telephone +44 (0)1603 274285 or the website (https://www.studioworx.co.uk).