A
seller is responsible for ensuring a shipped item is delivered to a buyer in
excellent condition. Below are some packaging guidelines to assist you.
Wrapping an item
The
item to be shipped Wrap
your item in excess bubble wrap or paper e.g. more than you think is necessary.
Packing
container Select
a container or cut down to size a packing container to ensure that it is a good
fit for the item you're shipping.
Container
shape Select
a container or cut down to size a packing container to ensure that it is a good
fit for the item you're shipping.
Multiple
items If
shipping together, ensure the items do not touch, using plenty packaging
material in between
Movement of item Fill
the box with enough packaging material to ensure the items inside do not move
during shipping.
Extra Protection Where possible, use a double walled container. This
can be achieved by placing a smaller box within a larger padded box.
Packing tape Use a wide packaging tape, not a standard thin office
cellotape
Electronic Items e.g. TVs, computers ... Where possible, use original packaging that the item
was purchased with.
Heavyand/or
large items Ask a shipping company for advice. They may pack the
item for you or have special packaging containers.
Labelling Print the buyers address in clear large
letters with a waterproof marker. Also write your
address in a corner, just in case the purchasers address is incorrect and/or an
items needs to be returned to you.
There are
some items that require more care when packing to minimise any risk of damage when
being shipped. Below are some helpful packing tips:
Posters, prints, unframed art, photographs
Flat images: Place soft tissue between each item and secure between a sheet of
flat cardboard on both sides. Ensure the flat cardboard is larger than the item(s)
being shipped. Seal the cardboard with commercial packing tape and then place this
in an envelope or a layer of strong wrapping paper.
Rollable images:
Place in a strong cardboard or PVC packing tube container. Seal both ends with a
plastic cap and commercial packing tape.
Framed art
Cover the corners of the frame with cardboard. Fully cover the glass with
masking tape. Wrap the item with two to three layers of heavy duty bubble wrap.
Place between two pieces of strong cardboard. Wrap and seal the item with a strong
grade of paper. Clearly mark as fragile the package on both sides.
Odd
shaped items
Wrap the item, place the item in a strong square or rectangular container and
fill in any gaps in the container with crunched paper or bubble wrap to ensure
the item does not move whilst in transit.
Books
Wrap books in a double layer of bubble wrap. Place the book(s) between two
strong pieces of cardboard and wrap with a strong grade of paper, or place in a
firm cardboard container.
Crockery and glassware
Wrap each item separately with a thick layer of tissue or bubble wrap.
Place in a strong cardboard container with enough cushioning to ensure that the
items inside do not move while in transit. Ensure you place a double amount of
cushioning between the outside of the packing container and the items being
shipped.
Small electronic items
Package items in a strong cardboard container with plenty of cushioning
material. Postal regulations require that batteries must be removed from
electronic items before shipping. Place computer parts in non-static
packaging to minimise risk of damage to the electronic circuitry.
Sharp items
Take extra care to wrap with enough packing material so that no sharp
edges can be felt.
Books
Wrap books in a double layer of bubble wrap. Place the book(s) between two
strong pieces of cardboard and wrap with a strong grade of paper, or place in a
firm cardboard container.
Some items that are prohibited from being shipped.
Shipping
and postal companies that identify a parcel as containing prohibited goods may
destroy, repackage or return the package at the senders expense.
Below is a brief list of items that are prohibited by
shipping and postal companies.
Prohibited items:
All drugs except in prescription quantities and
packaged correctly (additional restrictions apply for international services)
Cash, bullion or currency
Corrosives (e.g. mercury - including thermometers,
bleach, nail polish and remover, nitric acids, battery fluids, acid, caustic
soda)
Dead animals
Electronic/electric devices with batteries
installed (batteries must be removed)
Explosives (e.g. Aerosol Cans, ammunition, fireworks,
igniters, flares, toy caps)
