Excellent Packing for E-Commerce Shipping

How to properly pack when selling on EBay, Etsy, Vinted or other E-Commerce platforms

Don’t you just hate it when you purchase something from a private seller on the Internet and after days of anticipation it finally arrives… in a second hand shoe box, with a crumpled corner, a tear in the side and peeling tape. As the courier hands it over to you you can immediately hear it rattling inside, most likely damaged and in pieces.

Packaging plays such a vital role in protecting products during transportation and ensuring they arrive safely to their destination. This is particularly important for small businesses, home-operated eBay sellers, and sellers on Vinted, who rely on online marketplaces to sell their items. In this blog post, we will recommend the types of packaging one can use and also provide a step by step guide to professionally package your items when selling on eBay, Vinted or selling through Royal Mail.

The most commonly used types of packaging are listed below.

Bubble wrap: Bubble wrap is a popular packaging material that provides cushioning and protection to fragile items. It comes in different sizes and can be easily cut to fit the size of the product being shipped. Bubble wrap is particularly useful for shipping delicate items such as antiques, glassware, and electronics.

Void packing: Void packing materials such as packing peanuts, air pillows, or paper can help fill any empty spaces in the package and prevent the product from moving around during shipping. This is particularly important for larger items that may be prone to shifting and damage during transport. Void packaging also provides impact protection and protects from squashing when your package is packed together in transit or storage with other heavy cartons.

Postal boxes: Postal boxes are sturdy and easy to use, making them a popular choice for shipping products. They come in different sizes and can be used to ship a wide range of products. When selecting a postal box, it is important to choose one that is the appropriate size for the product being shipped to prevent damage during transport.

Mailer bags: Mailer bags are lightweight and cost-effective, making them a popular choice for shipping clothing and other non-fragile items. They come in different sizes and can be easily sealed with tape. We have reviewed both plastic and paper (with honeycomb cushioning ) mail bags on this website.

Tape: High-quality packing tape is essential for ensuring that the package remains securely sealed during transport. It is important to use tape that is appropriate for the weight and size of the package being shipped. Use at a minimum width 48mm tape. Do not use 12mm or 24mm like you do for wrapping gifts. Check out our reviews on the new Eco-friendly tapes.

Labelling methods: Proper labelling is essential for ensuring that the package is delivered to the correct destination. It is important to clearly label the package with the recipient’s name, address, and postcode. For international shipments, it is also important to include customs forms and other required documentation.

When selecting packaging materials, it is important to choose materials that are both cost-effective and provide adequate protection for the product being shipped. Amazon.co.uk offers a wide range of packaging materials, making it easy to find the right materials for your needs. By using the right packaging materials, small businesses, home-operated eBay sellers, and sellers on Vinted or Etsy etc can ensure that their products arrive safely to their destination, resulting in satisfied customers and repeat business.

STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO PROPER PACKAGING

Now that we have reviewed the types of packaging materials that are available on Amazon.co.uk, let us discuss the step-by-step process of packaging your products for sales on eBay.

Step 1: Choose a suitable container or box. The first step in packaging your items for shipping by courier or mail is to choose the right container , bag or box. Depending on the size and shape of the product, you can choose between a postal box or a custom-made box, or a plastic mailbag or paper cushion mailer bag. It is important to select a box or bag that is the right size and provides enough space for the product and the packaging materials.

Step 2: Choose the right cushioning and void packing materials. Once you have selected the right box, it is time to choose the right cushioning and void packing materials. This includes bubble wrap, packing peanuts, air pillows, or paper. These materials are important in protecting the product from damage during transit. They also help to fill any empty spaces and prevent the product from moving around inside the box.

Step 3: Add additional protection with cushioning materials. If the product is particularly fragile, it may be necessary to add additional cushioning materials such as foam or cardboard inserts. These materials provide an extra layer of protection and prevent the product from shifting inside the box. Items such as antiques, crockery or other fragile items should always have extra cushioning and all spaces and voids filled

Step 4: Seal the box with high-quality tape. Once you have packed the product with the appropriate cushioning materials, it is time to seal the box. Use high-quality packing tape that is appropriate for the weight and size of the package. You can use either 48 or 75mm plastic packaging tape or why not try the new Eco-Paper Tape. Make sure to seal all edges and corners to prevent the box from opening during transit.

Step 5: Label the package correctly. Proper labelling is essential for ensuring that the package is delivered to the correct destination. Clearly label the package with the recipient’s name, address, and postcode. For international shipments, include customs forms and other required documentation. It is also helpful to add a “Fragile” label if the product is delicate or fragile.

Step 6: Choose the right shipping method. Finally, choose the right shipping method for your product. Depending on the weight, size, and destination of the package, you may need to choose a specific shipping method. Be sure to check the shipping requirements for each product to ensure that it arrives safely and on time. If you are shipping with the UK, The Royal Mail has a wide variety of affordable and efficient options. Check with your local post office for sizing and pricing.

In conclusion, packaging plays a crucial role in ensuring that your products arrive safely and in good condition when selling on eBay, Vinted, or through Royal Mail. By choosing the right packaging materials and following the step-by-step guide, you can be confident that your products will arrive at their destination in perfect condition, resulting in happy customers and repeat business.