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Compared with other items, shipping glassware requires a lot more attention and care. Even a small mistake can lead to the whole item shattering. That’s why, whether you’re a small business owner or an e-commerce entrepreneur, knowing how to safely ship glass economically is an important consideration.
In the following short guide, we’ll provide a walkthrough on how to ship glass safely and economically, keeping your customers happy while saving your bottom line.
Understanding the Challenges
Glass is inherently fragile. Without proper packaging, it’s more likely to break during transit than most other materials. Factors like rough handling, vibrations, and sudden impacts are all common during delivery, so it has to be able to survive a certain amount of roughhousing.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Ship Glassware
1. Choose the Right Box
The first step is selecting an appropriate box to fit your glassware without too much spare room. A sturdy, corrugated box is a good starting point for most glassware, only just slightly larger than the item to provide space for adding cushioning.
2. Wrap Each Item Individually
Perhaps the most important step in how to pack glass for shipping is to carefully wrap each glass item separately, providing cushioning on the inside and out. The standard solution for this is bubble wrap. Here’s how to do it right:
- Bubble Wrap It: Completely wrap each item with at least two layers of bubble wrap. Secure it with packing tape to prevent the wrap from slipping.
- Foam Sleeves: For bottles or glassware with handles, foam sleeves can provide extra protection. Ensure you cover every part of the item, including the more delicate areas like handles and spouts.
3. Cushioning is Key
After you’ve wrapped your item, the next step is to line the bottom of its packaging with packing peanuts or crumpled paper and fill the rest of the box with cushioning material once you’ve placed the item on top. More specifically:
- Fill the Bottom: Line the bottom of the box with at least two inches of packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or foam inserts.
- Place and Fill: Carefully place your wrapped glassware into the box, making sure there’s enough space around the item for additional cushioning. Fill all remaining gaps with packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or air cushions.
For more specialized or fragile items, custom foam inserts can be designed to securely hold irregularly shaped glass products in place. The snug fit of the foam ensures maximum protection by reducing movement during transit.
4. Seal the Box Securely
With a delicate item, securely sealing the package becomes even more important, as any movement can open space for the item to move within and increase its chances of breaking. Here’s how to seal it properly:
- Use high-quality packing tape to seal all openings of the box.
- Reinforce the seams to add extra strength.
- Apply at least two layers of tape along all edges and openings.
- Reinforce the bottom and top seams for added security.
5. Label Appropriately
Although not always a guarantee, marking or labelling the box with “Fragile” and “Handle with Care” does psychologically nudge handlers to be more careful, making it a good addition to the steps on how to package glass for shipping.
The shipping company itself may also have extra precautions in place for packages labeled as such, further increasing your chances it will be handled with care.
6. Test Before Shipping
Finally, you should do a quick and gentle test of the box to check if the object inside is loose. Pick up the box and gently shake it. If you hear any movement or feel items shifting inside, you need more cushioning. Properly packed glass items should be immobile within the box.
Tips for Shipping Glass Bottles
There is an additional layer of special care to consider when deciding how to ship glass bottles. The same principles as with all glass items apply, but with a few additional considerations:
- Use Dividers: Place cardboard dividers inside the box to keep bottles from touching each other.
- Leak-Proof Packaging: Seal bottle openings securely and consider using shrink bands or seals.
- Custom Packaging: Custom-designed packaging such as foam inserts or molded compartments can can provide even better solutions that cushion the bottles more carefully.
Why Custom Packaging Matters
In addition to the steps provided above, custom packaging provides an additional level of protection through its form-fitting factor. This helps to minimize the movement of items in the package and offers greater overall security to their staying in place.
At PakFactory, our team of packaging experts is ready to develop custom solutions for any glassware and fragile item needs, providing advice and custom packaging solutions.
Conclusion
You don’t want your products to break on the way to loyal customers. By following these steps, you will find the best way to ship glassware that minimizes the risks while helping your glassware reach its destination safely.
Ready to safeguard your fragile products? Contact PakFactory today for custom packaging solutions designed specifically for shipping fragile and glass items.