26 Nov, 2013
11 Tips for Packing & Shipping Festive Season Gifts, Courtesy of FedEx
BANGKOK, November 26, 2013 – With the year rapidly drawing to a close, consumers and businesses around the world are gearing up for the festive season. To help ensure that the holiday shipping process is hassle-free for both retailers and shoppers, here are 11 packing & shipping tips courtesy of FedEx:
(+) Tip 1: Prep your item: Start by looking at your gift – is it sturdy, fragile, box-like or have small moving pieces? Use bubble wrap to “square off” any odd angles to make them less fragile during shipment. If your item is shallow or hollow inside, like a vase or bowl, fill that space to protect it – packing peanuts, bubble wrap or firmly crumpled paper all work!
(+) Tip 2: Choose the best box: Use a new, sturdy box that’s a few inches larger than your gift on all sides to allow for plenty of cushioning. If reusing a box, make sure it’s still strong enough to stand up to shipping (no torn flaps, no holes or corner dents, no water-damage, etc.). And be sure to remove all old shipping labels.
(+) Tip 3: Cushioning is key: Protect your gifts by using at least 1 inch layers (preferably 2 inches) of cushioning around the item – top, bottom and all four sides.
(+) Tip 4: Fragile Gift? Double It: When you’ve got a super-breakable item to ship, use two boxes. Cushion your item with at least three inches of packing peanuts or other cushioning material, and seal it in a box. Place that box within a second, slightly larger box, with another layer of cushioning. All that added padding is added protection for your fragile item.
(+) Tip 5: Pack In the Address: Sometimes winter weather can streak or remove shipping labels and paperwork can get lost from pouches. Just in case, always put an extra shipping label, business card, or letterhead with the shipper and recipient’s address information inside your box before sealing things up.
(+) Tip 6: Seal It Tight: Keeping winter rain, sleet and snow out of your box is easy. Just seal all the flaps and seams using proper packing tape. No duct tape or masking tape, please! Bonus Pro Tip: Just remember to make the shape of an “H” when taping seams.
(+) Tip 7: Keep Your Wrappings Inside the Box: Please don’t wrap your shipping box in anything. We love that you wrap your gifts beautifully, but these items can get caught in FedEx sorting machines, so it’s best to keep the wrappings inside the box!
(+) Tip 8: Label It Right: One of the best ways to ensure your package gets to its destination on time is with proper labeling. When using a FedEx shipping label, airbill, or airway bill, fill it out completely and accurately. When using a FedEx shipping label, run your hand firmly over it to make sure it’s secure on the box. When using pouch, make sure the peel-off strip has been removed and the flap is firmly sealed. Place labels or pouches on the largest surface of the box, avoiding corners, edges, and seams.
(+) Tip 9: Consider An Alternate Delivery Destination: When ordering something online, consider sending the package to your workplace, or to a family member, friend or neighbor—someone whom you know will be there to receive it.
(+) Tip 10: Don’t Miss the Holiday Moments & When In Doubt, Call in the Experts: Do have your gifts and purchases ready for shipping in advance as much as possible to ensure on-time delivery to their destination. Some items are simply too precious to trust to less experienced hands. Or maybe your gift is just a really odd shape and size. Visit the FedEx Packaging website or contact your local FedEx customer service hotline for more insider information.
(+) Tip 11: Request A Signature Upon Delivery: Many packages today are sent without requiring a signature. If you’re shipping something of high value – or you just want to be sure items aren’t left unattended – definitely require a signature for packages to be released. Often, either the shipper or the recipient can make this request
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