Damage claims are almost always a packaging problem. Ten simple habits keep your parcels — and your reviews — intact.
A parcel travels through vans, conveyor belts, sorting hubs and line-haul trucks before reaching the customer, and Saudi summer heat adds another stress. Good packaging is the difference between a five-star review and a refund. These ten tips come from what we see every day on the courier network.
1. Use a new, correctly sized box
Reused boxes lose up to half their strength. Choose a box that leaves 3 to 5 cm of space around the item for cushioning — no more, no less.
2. Cushion every side
Wrap the item and fill all voids with paper, bubble wrap or air pillows so nothing moves when the box is shaken.
3. Double-box fragile items
Place the wrapped item in a small box, then that box inside a larger one with cushioning between the two.
4. Seal with the H-tape method
Run tape along the centre seam and both edge seams on the top and bottom of the box.
5. Protect against heat
Chocolate, cosmetics and some medicines soften above 30°C. Use insulated liners or gel packs, and ship early in the week to avoid weekend hub storage.
6. Contain liquids
Seal caps with tape, bag each bottle, and add absorbent material. Mark the box "Liquid".
7. Remove old labels and barcodes
Old barcodes confuse sorting scanners and misroute parcels.
8. Label clearly
Print the label rather than handwriting it, and include the recipient's mobile number.
9. Do not rely on "Fragile" stickers
They help, but the packaging must protect the item on its own.
10. Test the pack
Drop the sealed box from waist height onto a corner. If you would not do that, repack it.
TQM International's courier team offers packaging audits for business customers with above-average damage rates and can supply approved cartons and materials.
