As a seller, it’s your responsibility to prepare proper packaging that protects your items and prevents damage during shipping. Before packing, make sure to check that the product complies with weight and size restrictions. The maximum allowed weight varies depending on the country from which you are shipping, as well as the shipping service you choose. You can read more in “Can I ship my product?”
Following this guide is necessary to ensure that the product arrives in perfect condition. It also ensures that, in case of any damage during transit, the damage coverage is effective and we can compensate for the value of the product.
As a buyer, remember that you can always open a dispute with the seller if the item you purchased arrives damaged due to inadequate packaging. For more information, click here.
As a buyer, remember that you can always open a dispute with the seller if the item you purchased arrives damaged due to inadequate packaging. For more information, click here.
Preparing Proper Packaging
1- Outer Packaging
- Use a cardboard box as the outer packaging.
- If you reuse boxes, make sure to remove any old labels or barcodes to avoid confusion during shipping. We care about the environment, so we encourage you to use recycled or recyclable packaging whenever possible, as long as it’s in good condition and suitable for the size of the item inside.
- The minimum box size should be 21 cm x 15 cm.
- The surface of the package should be flat so the shipping label sticks properly and the information remains clearly visible.
- We recommend using wide adhesive tape (at least 5 cm wide) to seal the edges and prevent the package from opening or letting moisture in. Please do not use string to close the package.
Keep in mind: Envelopes as outer packaging are only allowed for flexible or non-fragile items, such as books or clothing. Make sure they are securely sealed, and ideally waterproof and padded on the inside.
If your shipment contains a fragile item, we recommend that you mark the box so that the carrier is aware of this and handles it with extra care.
2- Inner Packaging
- Protect the item properly inside the package using cushioning materials that absorb shocks and prevent movement, such as foam paper or bubble wrap.
- This is especially important for fragile items like lamps, ceramics, toys, perfumes, and other delicate products.
Once the products are protected and packed, make sure they are secured.
To check that the products are secured, simply lift and shake the package. If the product moves inside the package, it means it has not been secured properly.
Keep in mind: That the type of packaging should match the type of product. If the right packaging isn’t used, the item may get damaged during shipping.
3- For Bundle Sales
- Remember: each shipping label is intended for one package only. All items sold as a bundle must be shipped together in a single package so the carrier can collect them properly.
- Wrap each item separately and use dividers between them inside the box to prevent impacts.
- If one or more items are fragile, make sure to wrap them in bubble wrap.
- We recommend using wide adhesive tape (at least 5 cm wide) to seal the edges and prevent the package from opening or letting moisture in. Please do not use string to close the package.
- We care about the environment, so we encourage you to use recycled or recyclable packaging whenever possible, as long as it’s in good condition and suitable for the size of the item inside.
- When a package contains multiple items, they must be properly arranged so that they remain separate (with no direct contact between them: cardboard dividers, packing materials, etc.) and protected (bubble wrap, foam, or shrink wrap), and the packing materials must prevent them from shifting.
If you’re shipping bulky items such as furniture or large appliances, and are located in Spain and Peninsula, packaging and shipping are handled by the company Method. For more information, click here.
Here are some tips for packaging products that are more likely to get damaged during shipping.
Bicycles
- Remove the handlebars, pedals, and seat.
- Protect them with padded materials and secure them with zip ties to avoid damage or losing parts.
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Find a proper box for the bicycle and avoid wrapping it only in plastic for shipping.
Ceramics / Porcelain / Glass
- Create a cushioning layer at the bottom of the box using shock-absorbing material.
- Wrap the item (or each item in a bundle) with bubble wrap or kraft paper.
- Fill any empty spaces inside the box with cushioning material.
- Make sure the box is sealed securely so it doesn’t give way under the item’s weight and cause it to fall or break.
- Test it! Once the box is sealed, gently shake it. If you hear the contents moving or hitting the sides of the box, you need more filler material. If the item moves, it can break.
- If you’re shipping an item with glass, such as a mirror, place tape in an X shape across the front surface to help reduce the risk of the glass shattering if broken. It’s also important to cover the item with cardboard and use cushioning materials like blankets, sheets, or bubble wrap to keep it secure during transport.
Electronics
- We recommend placing the product in its original box and then putting that box inside a new outer box that fits the dimensions properly.
- If you no longer have the original box, place the item in a new box that fits the product closely and fill any empty spaces with cushioning material.
Plants
- We recommend placing the base of the plant inside a plastic bag and tying the bag around the stem.
- To prevent branches and leaves from breaking, you can roll corrugated cardboard into a tube shape and secure it around the pot.
- Finally, place the wrapped pot inside a box with cushioning material to prevent movement during transport.
Now you know how to pack properly! But remember: if you ever have questions about shipping, you can always come back to this article.