How to Pack Your Consignment Professionally...
Any consignment you wish to send with postagesupermarket must be packed to a professional standard. If these guidelines are not adhered to, any claim you may need to make will be void.
What You Must Do....
Boxes should be durable and double walled. Remember that your consignment will have another consignment stacked on top of it at some point during its journey, therefore your packaging must be able to support the weight of other consignments
You should choose the size of the packaging according to its content. Under-filled boxes are likely to collapse, and over-filled boxes may burst.
Always use high quality materials for your shipments. Consider strength, cushioning, durability when selecting your wrapping supplies.
Choose boxes made of corrugated cardboard, with good quality outer liners. Use heavy-duty double-layered board for fragile items.
Make use of cushioning materials, especially to stop the contents of your consignment moving around within the packaging.
Use strapping or strong tape to seal and secure your box.
Put any fragile goods in the centre of the package, this ensures they do not touch the sides. Your consignment should be well cushioned on all sides.
Ensure liquids are stored in leak-free containers, packed with a lightweight, strong, internal material (for example styrofoam) and sealed with a plastic bag. Always remember that bad packaging may cause damage to surrounding items within your box.
Seal semi-liquids, greasy or strong-smelling substances with adhesive tape, then wrap in grease resistant paper.
Place powders and fine grains in strong plastic bags, securely sealed and then packed in a rigid fibreboard box.
Use "arrow-up" label for non solid materials.
Repack your gifts properly. Many goods sold in attractive packaging will not be suitable for shipping through a courier network.
Use triangular tubes not round-type cylinders to pack rolled plans, maps and blueprints.
Remember to pack small items and flyers appropriately.
Protect your data discs, audio and video-tapes with soft cushioning material around each item.
Complete the address clearly and completely, using uppercase letters when handwritten to ensure all documents are legible for courier personnel.
When shipping sharp items, such as knives or scissors, ensure that you fully protect the edges and points. Heavy cardboard is suitable for this. Fix the protective material securely so that it cannot become dislodged whilst in transit.
Always use cardboard dividers when sending flat, fragile material (such as vinyl records).
When re-using a box, remove all labels and stickers. Ensure that the box is in good condition and not in any way worn.
What You Must Not Do... Do not use bags made of fabric or cloth.
Do not overseal your consignment. remember that all shipments can be opened by customs authorities for inspection.
Do not use cellophane tape or rope to seal your shipment.
Do not consider "Fragile" or "Handle with care" labels as a substitute for careful packaging. They are only appropriate for information purposes only.
