When you send out items to your customers for delivery, the main goal is to have them delivered on time and intact. While the first part is relatively easy due to the rise of smart delivery services alongside traditional delivery services, the second part is where a lot of trouble still comes in. In fact, it’s fairly troubling how many packages are damaged while in transit each year.
As a business owner, of course, you want to make sure that each customer receives their ordered goods in excellent condition. However, once you’ve shipped the items, you’ve basically left the packages to the mercy of the delivery and transit system.
Here are five reasons why packages get damaged during delivery, and how you can prevent it.
1. The cost of damaged packages is not covered if they are not up to code
Most people, consumers and business owners alike, might reasonably think that if their packages and the content inside are damaged during transit, their costs would be refunded. Yes, that is true… IF the package falls within the guidelines set by delivery services.
The problem here is that delivery companies often cite that damages are caused because the packaging used doesn’t follow their company standards. It could be something as seemingly unimportant as the tape used not being wide enough! It doesn’t matter what excuse they use; all that matters is that the liability of the damage is passed on to the consumer or the business owner.
The best way to prevent this (or at least get your damages covered) is to make sure that your packages fulfill all the requirements set by the delivery service you plan to use. You can do this by going to their website and checking out the specific requirements, or better yet, actually calling up and asking about a particular packaging. It might be time-consuming, but it’s better than having to cover the cost of both damaged goods and the replacement to the consumer.
2. Putting “fragile” on the box doesn’t really help
The “fragile” sticker has long been thought to be a safeguard against careless employees, but one study found that putting the sticker doesn’t really do anything. In fact, that study showed that packages WITH the sticker actually received more abuse and damage during the delivery process.
There’s really no way around it: you need to invest in stronger packaging materials such as reinforced boxes or putting additional padding inside to protect the contents. If the item is truly fragile or high-value, you might even consider paying the premium fee to get it labeled and treated as such. This way, you know that the package will safely reach the consumer.
3. You’re using the wrong kind of packaging
It would be such a huge convenience if you could use one packaging for all your shipping needs, but that is simply not the case. There are so many factors that you need to take into account, such as the size of the contents, the type of contents, and even the weather during the time of transport.
In this case, it always pays to plan ahead. Make sure that you are using the correct type of packaging to deliver your goods. Check the weather and road conditions as well to ensure that the packaging can stand up to harsh elements, speed bumps, and sudden stops.
4. The system isn’t designed to work with envelopes
If you’ve ever taken a peek into a delivery system, you will note that the system typically values speed over precision and care. This means that most delivery systems aren’t designed to handle envelopes, which is why envelopes are generally among the most damaged packaging materials during deliveries.
If you really need to use an envelope to send your item to a consumer, you should consider sending it through a direct delivery service. It might be a little bit more costly, but you will ensure the safety and integrity of the package. What’s more, a consumer will typically appreciate the care and thought that you placed in sending their item when they receive immaculately printed envelopes with logos with their ordered item inside.
5. Plain old human error
Finally, here’s the final factor that one can never discount: old-fashioned human error. All shipments, no matter how automated, will always have a team of people separating the packages, loading them on the conveyor belts, and stacking them into delivery trucks.
Always assume that your package will be handled by a delivery person that might not be putting 100% effort into taking care of your package. This means that you need to label things as clearly as possible, use new boxes, and invest in the type of packaging that you use.
