FOUR PACKAGING RULES TO REMEMBER :

1. Use a carton or bag designed for shipping.

Use cartons in good, rigid condition, with all flaps intact. Select a carton large enough to allow room for adequate cushioning material on all sides of the product. If you reuse a carton, be sure that it is in good condition with no punctures, tears, rips or corner damage.

It is a good idea to wrap the item(s) in plain white tissue paper before adding cushioning materials. The plain paper will protect items from discoloration from the packaging materials. Shurtuff bags are waterproof and great for posting items. They come in 6 sizes from size 1 to 6 and are similar to Aust Post prepaid satchels without the print and are popular with many ebay sellers.

Several kinds of cushioning material are available.

Butchers paper (similar to take away wrapping paper or deli paper) is the best choice. Though old newspaper might be easier to get, and cheaper, newspaper ink is highly unstable and may come off onto anything it touches.

Bubblewrap is more expensive, but very effective in protecting items. They come in different size bubbles such as 10mm and 20mm.

Void Fill Biodegradable is best. Styroform bits also make effective cushioning, but can be a risk if someone is opening the item in front of children or pets as they can be caught in the wind pipe.

Pack several inches of cushioning materials in the bottom of the carton. Then, wrap items separately and place them in the center of the carton. The further you keep fragile articles away from the corners and sides, the less chance there is of damage.

Stuff cushioning material firmly around, over and between the items. Shake the box to be sure that nothing rattles and to settle the packing material. Add more cushioning material, if necessary.

3.  Use proper materials for closing the package.  

The key is to use the carton sealing tape designed for shipping. Do not use masking tape or cellophane tape; these tapes do not provide the strength necessary for good closures. Do not use string or wrap the box in paper. String may break and paper wrapping may tear if caught on automatic equipment or during handling. If the over wrap is lost, the address information may be lost with it. Do not use staples - they could pop out if the package is subjected to shock.

To close a carton securely, use one of the strong tapes below.

Acrylic tape is generally easiest to use. Apply three strips of tape to both the top and bottom of the carton: one across where the flaps meet or overlap, and one on each end across the seam. These tapes are also excellent for sticking plastics together such as bubblewrap and other plastic materials as it doesn't tear and the wrap can easily be reused. They come in clear and brown with different width and length to suit your application.

4.  Use proper labeling to ensure proper delivery.

Remove or black out any old label information. Place the label on the "top" of the carton - the most stable side of the box - not over seams or tape. If using packing slip information, place on the same side as the address label. Do not put labels on any other surface of the carton.

The address must include the Post Code of the receiver with the complete street address. When addressing to a P.O. Box or Rural Route destination, include the recipient's telephone number on the label. Include the apartment number for all multi-unit dwelling addresses.

If there is any possibility that the label might come off or that the writing might smear, cover it completely with a wide band of acrylic tape.

Always include your complete return address with your Post Code and full address. For added protection, place a duplicate label inside the package.

Unusual items

Some items require special consideration when being packaged for shipping. Protect pointed areas with tape; enclose paper in corrugated paper tubes; double-box fragile items. For help with unusual items or tips on posting via Australia Post, contact us at sales@giftpac.com.au for professional suggestions to ensure your packing is both cost effective and the best for your situation.

Checklist for safe packaging

• Rigid carton with flaps intact.
• Items wrapped separately.
• Adequate cushioning material.
• Strong tape designed for shipping.
• No string or paper over wrap.
• Single address label.
• A clear, complete delivery address.
• A clear, complete return address.
• Duplicate label inside carton.
• Indicate which end of the box should be opened first or face up. Sometimes breakable merchandise will make an entire cross-country trip in one piece, only to smash on the customer's floor because he opened it wrong side up..
• Place heavier or larger items on the bottom of the box and lighter ones on top.

HAPPY PACKING!