You want to send a package, but are not sure how to pack it? To avoid your package arriving in bad condition or being blocked during shipment, taking care of its packaging is essential! Whether it's a piece of clothing you're selling on Vinted, a piece of art, an object or even jars of jam, choosing the right packaging to protect your goods is very important when transporting them. Choosing the right cartons or pallets for your items will avoid any inconvenience and improve the satisfaction of your end customers. Whether you are shipping an item by express or standard, all of our tips apply to both delivery methods.

How to pack a parcel: our tips

Step 1: Choose the right type of packaging

To choose the right packaging for your packages, you must first consider : the shape, weight, size and form of your merchandise. Depending on the fragility of your product, choose a single, double or triple fluted cardboard for optimal protection. For objects weighing more than 110 lbs, opt for a wooden, metal or plastic box (except for shipments with UPS).

To be sure not to encounter any problems, give preference to "classic" shaped packaging. For example, if you are shipping a guitar, choose a rectangular package adapted to the size of your guitar. Avoid atypical shapes such as curved, conical or cylindrical, as your package will be placed on a flat surface. Some carriers also refuse any package that does not have a classic shape. During delivery, carriers use industrial routing, which is not well suited for irregularly shaped packages.

Be sure to adjust the size of your packaging to the size of your product to avoid too much flutter.

⚠️Warning⚠️

When you are ordering your shipment, write down the outside dimensions of your box and not the inside dimensions, which are often given by the packaging suppliers. This will avoid any additional billing by the carrier. 

Step 2: place and arrange your products 

Use materials such as bubble wrap (ideal for fragile products), kraft paper, polystyrene, compressed air cushions or even newspapers. Don't hesitate to protect your fragile items and to pad the inside of your box to avoid voids or floating.

If you have several objects in the same box, place the heaviest one at the bottom of the box and distribute the rest in your package. Also, be sure not to put two fragile items together in the same package. 

Here is a non-exhaustive list of cushioning materials adapted to the content of your packages: 

• bubble wrap
• kraft paper
• polystyrene
• newspapers
• compressed air cushions 
• cushioning fiber (Raja)
• cushioning crimp
• foam film
• palletizing net
• dunnage particles
• fluted cardboard

Step 3: Close the package properly

Not sure how to place the tape? There are several ways to seal your package: 

The U-shaped method: this method of sealing is adapted to light packages, it consists in sealing the top and bottom of your box along its entire length, leaving your adhesive overflowing on each side.

The L-shaped method: this closure is adapted to light shipments, and consists of taping your package along the length while leaving a part of the adhesive on the width. 

The H method: this method of closing is suitable for all types of packages, fragile or not. Place the tape along the entire length of the box at the top and bottom, as well as at the 4 ends. Choose a minimum of 2 inches of tape. 

Do not use string or packaging with a handle or flap, some carriers may refuse your package. DPD does not accept circled packages.

Illustration source: Sympa

Step 4: Get ready for shipping

Now that your package is properly packed and sealed, all that's left is the finishing touch! Print your packing slip and stick it on a flat surface, on the top of your package: the label must not be hidden or used to close your shipment. The shipping address, destination and barcode on the label must be clearly legible for the carrier to avoid any return or delivery error. 

You have the possibility to stick "fragile" or "International" labels on your parcel if you wish to take even more precautions during the transport of your goods, but this step is not mandatory. 

Now you are ready to ship!

Good to know: 

If you are sending folds or envelopes, the process requires a little less preparation, however, once again you must be careful about the choice of these (whether they are classic or bubble pack) and be careful to respect the weight announced. 

Some carriers charge by volume weight: the weight of your package will be calculated on the basis of its volume and not its weight. In this case, reduce the volume of your shipment by dividing your items into several small packages. 

Not sure about the dimensions of your package? Discover the importance of the information provided with your shipment.

Need help or more information about packaging or your shipments? Contact our customer service! You can contact our support via this form.

Have a nice shipment!