Whilst the importance of obtaining the right insurance and price for important parcels is well documented, fewer people take the necessary care to ensure that their goods are properly wrapped than you might think. That's why CRV Sameday - one of the UK's premier providers of same day courier services - are here to offer their tips on the various mistakes that people make when trying to wrap their parcels in the most efficient manner, and why you should avoid them.
Don't use the wrong materials. Rule one: there are different sized postage boxes for a reason, and using the wrong one will potentially leave you with some very damaged goods! It's important that you use a box that leaves a decent sized gap between itself and the item, to allow room for padding (polysterene balls, packing peanuts, etc). If the external box is only just big enough, then the item itself will absorb the shock of any impact rather than the packaging, which is what will lead to the damage. If the space is provided and the padding is used, this problem will be avoided.
Over-packing. If there's one sure-fire way to cause damage in transit, it's by making a box far to heavy. There are a variety of different risks that this creates: it can lead to your courier accidentally dropping it due to being unaware of the excessive weight, as well as the potential for the external box to become worn and rip at the corners. This can present huge issues if there are multiple small parts within the parcel, eg fixings and screws for a larger piece of furniture. Placing a couple of layers of tape around the corners of the parcel can also be a good thing if this is the case, as it will aid those providing your same day courier services.
Not using original packaging. When packaging electronic items, it is always better to use the original packaging where you can: it will have been perfectly constructed to keep the items safe and secure. If you don't have the original box and you're planning on sending the item a long way, then try and obtain a suitable box from a nearby store: you might be surprised with what they have in their stock-room, and they'll often be happy to help you, especially if the boxes will just be thrown out anyway.
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For more information on the various aspects of preparation for Same Day Courier Services , Visit CRV Sameday - UK leading sameday couriers : http://crvsameday.co.uk/