Tips for Sellers to Prevent Boxes Damaged in Transit
Despite the fact that damage to products in transit is usually preventable, 21% of large parcels bought online will reach the consumer in bad condition.
From long-transit times to careless couriers, there are many opportunities for your product to get damaged in transit. This could leave a significant hole in your pocket when multiple customers request refunds.
Have you suffered the effects of boxes damaged in transit yet? Regardless, it’s an inevitability at some point if you don’t implement a careful shipping strategy.
Read on to find out what to do next to prevent shipping damage.
Package Your Products Carefully
The main reason goods are damaged in transit is because they weren’t packaged correctly. There are several things you need to ensure if you want your product to arrive intact:
- Wrap each item individually
- Ensure there is no empty space in the box
- Use bubble wrap or an equivalent protective product
- Use sturdy packaging (e.g., a box rather than an envelope)
- Protect your product from the elements
Label Your Boxes Before Shipping
This is essential if you don’t want boxes damaged by couriers. Plaster the outside of your package with ‘fragile’ stickers.
Every person who handles the product from door to door will know that your product is not to be thrown around or mishandled.
Choose a Reliable Shipping Company
Next, choose a company that can explain their handling policies and how they’d handle a box damaged in transit. Research each local company:
- Do they have a quality guarantee?
- Are they open about their services?
- Do they charge a reasonable price? (Don’t pick the cheapest courier)
- Do they have good reviews and testimonials?
- What’s their policy regarding damaged items?
Finding a reliable shipping company is debatably the most crucial task after packaging your products.
Additionally, see what consumers think of the company. Are their couriers famous for throwing packages over garden fences? If so, avoid, avoid, avoid!
Consider Specialist Services
If your product is particularly expensive or fragile and mustn’t be damaged in shipping, consider hiring specialist services.
For example, shipping frozen food would need a different service than shipping delicate ornaments. Both, however, would need specialist services.
You can hire companies that guarantee your product arrives intact and damage-free (if the worst does happen, you’ll be financially compensated).
Although these companies are more expensive to hire, sometimes this is necessary. You can avoid multiple refunds and payment disputes by ensuring your product is delivered by a reliable service.
No More Boxes Damaged in Transit With These Tips
Getting the calling from a customer about boxes damaged in transit is every business owner’s worst nightmare. An external party has damaged your perfect product, yet you’re the one that has to pay the price.
So, no more damaged boxes! Now you know how to avoid this issue.
Did you find this article helpful? If so, check out our other posts for more essential business advice.
Samantha Gaines wrote this article on behalf of FreeUp. FreeUp is the fastest-growing freelance marketplace in the US. FreeUp only accepts the top 1% of freelance applicants. Click here to get access to the top freelancers in the world.
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