How to Package Electronics for Shipping?
Having a problem with the security of shipping the electronic products? Electronics shipping does not need to be that complex, right?
Nevertheless, smartphones, computers, cameras; all the electronic goods need particular attention during shipping. Therefore, whether it is the selection of the packaging materials or an effective location of the product, every move you make influences whether they are safe or not.
And then, what to do when shipping electronics? Let's discuss all the details!
Causes of Damage of Electronics during transit.
To begin with, we shall establish the key causes of damages to electronics during transit.
Temperature: Both hot and cold temperatures may damage the electronic equipment during transportation.
Moisture: Condensation may occur due to moisture and it may destroy electronics.
Shocks/vibrations: The vibrations in the vehicle can shock the electronic equipment.
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD): This can be an electrical discharge event where the delicate electronic equipment is destroyed.
Effects: Small bumps that occur in the shipping of delicate electronic parts may damage them.
How to pack electronics to deliver?
Electronic products safety and security in shipping is complex. Yet, it’s a necessity.
These are the few steps that you can use to pack your electronics to be shipped.
Individual Each Electronic Part.
Chargers, power cords, earphones, or mounts; all these parts must be disassembled. You also need to use bubble wrap on each part separately. Wait, can bubble wrap be used on electronics?
Alternatives such as anti-static bubble wrap (ESD-safe) are safer.
After wrapping every part, put it in a Ziploc bag. Otherwise, it is better to use a small container in order to protect it the most.
Focus on the Main Device
Ensure that you cover up the main device, its screens, and sides. Apply some bubble wraps and then secure it with tapes so the device does not vibrate during the transportation.
It is noteworthy to protect the screen.
Smartphones and tablets have weak screens. You must, therefore, remember to use transparent protective film or screen protectors.
Put Your Electronics in the Box
Important hint: it is impossible to transport electronic products in a simple shipping box. In lieu of this, opt to use a tough and quality-made one. Example? Use custom magnetic-closure rigid boxes. These boxes have external cover (lid) with four walls, with internal case (base), which also has four walls. Besides, they are made up of layers made of thick paperboard or chipboard- ideal electronics protectors. The second technique is the double-boxing. How? Put the electronics in their original box, and place the box in a bigger outer box, with a high amount of void fill, as supplementary protection.
Fill the Box with Cushioning
The box should not have any open space. Stuff any empty areas with peanuts or air pillows to ensure the product does not move. Ensure that all your electronic parts are tight and firm even when shipping.
Seal the Box
After all the electronics have been packed in, apply strong tape to cover all of the edges and seams.
Do the Box Test
All done? Check your box Shake your box. When you do not hear any cracking or movement of any part, then you know your box is ready.
Label It
Write such labels on the top of the box as Fragile or Handle with Care. It is also possible to use a special label, which is called Surface Transportation Only label, should you be shipping electronics that contain lithium batteries.
Selecting the Right Carrier to ship Electronics
FedEx, UPS, DHL, USPS; the list of the carriers to choose is quite numerous. However, there are a number of factors to keep in mind when deciding on the carrier to use when shipping electronics.
What are they?
Reliability is important, expertise to manage.
Check unique characteristics, including insurance/tracking.
Compare carriers according to the value of your product, size and the presence of a battery.
Look at the responses of the clients on their websites.
Friendly tip: Go with UPS.
Why?
The small carrier shipments are delivered with some amount of damaged contents between 2% to 11% of small carrier shipments such as UPS and FedEx have less than 1 damage rate.
And you have a question such as; Is UPS safe to ship electronics?
Yes, UPS is an effective carrier when it comes to the safe delivery of electronic goods. It even offers specialty and packaging you may obtain on electronic devices.
Okay, it does not imply that UPS will have a free time wrapping my things, eh?
Yes, UPS will in the majority of cases, box and package your item free of charge. Nonetheless, specialty or large shipments can be billed at a very slight cost.
Reassured with Insurance
Shipping insurance is always a good thing to have. The positive thing is that every carrier (UPS, FedEx, USPS) provides shipping insurance. All you have to do is pay 100 dollars and the entire thing will come in a package that will cover:
Package loss: This is compensating lost or stolen electronic products.
Damage replacements: Repair or replacement in case your electronic products suffer damages as a result of carrier negligence, accidents or even weather related damages.
Altogether, shipping insurance is a good decision to make in case your electronics are not ruined. Hence, it’s worth it.
Summing Up
Even now, find it difficult to ship, electronically, your products safely?
Just after the steps mentioned above, you will be able to carry your electronic products to your safe place, needless to mention that they will arrive with a perfect shape during a firmly shipping journey. There are no further product damages, refurbishment, or customer dissatisfaction. Do not cheat on shipping insurance!