Rest assured, Go People’s delivery runners will do their bit to take great care of your goods while in transit – they won’t get thrown around, left unsecured, or dropped! But often, the welfare of those prized personal possessions or quality products has less to do with the way they’re handled and more to do with the way they’re packed.
Indeed, when your business’ reputation is at stake, it’s time to take the packing part seriously – before you send those goods off on their merry way. Not only do damaged goods have a direct impact on a business’ bottom line through refunds and replacements, it doesn’t do much for your brand’s reputation in front of customers. And for everyone else, well, sometimes those belongings or thoughtful gifts just can’t be replaced.
Studies have found 59% of consumers say safe arrival of goods is a high priority.
How you go about packing those deliveries to ensure they arrive in pristine condition depends on what’s going inside – whether it be glassware, liquid, foodstuffs, or anything else. That’s right, there’s art to it and the rules are different every time so, we’re sharing some great tips to help you get your packing spot on next time you book your Go People delivery.
Flowers
Here, the aim of the game is to get those flower deliveries looking like they’ve just been freshly picked and arranged. So, here goes.
One: Start by bundling the stems with two or three rubber bands to protect them from rearranging in transit.
Two: Wrap the cut ends in damp paper so they don’t wilt during their journey and place the stems in a plastic bag to prevent them from drying out.
Three: Flowers should be protected and held firmly in place by wrapping them with several sheets of newspaper. This cone-like wrapping acts just like a helmet to protect those delicate petals.
Four: Now, they’re ready to be placed inside a cardboard box surrounded by scrunched up paper or packing material to prevent movement.
Perishable foods
When it comes to food, the objectives here are to prevent spillage, damage, and maintain a cool temperature throughout its journey. And there are several measures you should take to achieve all three.
One: Wrap the food in plastic and foil to prevent leakage, protect from bacteria, and keep the food firmly intact. Zip lock bags or plastic containers could do the trick here, depending on how solid your food is.
Two: Once you’ve got your items prepared, now’s the time to think about how they’ll be accommodated in a stable environment. Bundle the food inside two or three layers of bubble wrap and place them in a corrugated box for extra insulation. If you want to be extra diligent, especially in the summer months, consider using a frozen gel pack to help maintain a constant cool temperature.
Three: Now, all you need to do is book a super-fast, on-demand delivery with Go People to get them to where they need to be without delay!
Liquids
Have you ever arrived at a destination to find your shampoo has exploded throughout your luggage? That’s what happens when you don’t pack liquids properly. Whether your packing, drinks, cosmetics, or domestic products, the single most important message here is to seal and protect.
Think about it like a three-step process.
One: Consider where the weakest part of the container is (hint: this is usually the lid) and seal the join with plastic or tape. That’s the first barrier against disaster firmly in place.
Two: This is about damage control in the event your seal fails. To protect other items that might be travelling with your product, put liquid containers in their own individual sealed bags. This way, if any one leaks, it won’t ruin the rest of your delivery.
Three: Risk reduction. Usually containers get broken and seals break when unavoidable jostling takes place in transit. To prevent this risk, pack the liquids in a snug box and make sure any gaps are plugged with plenty of padding.
Glass (or anything breakable)
Layering isn’t just great way to beat the cold – the same could be said for packing breakable items for delivery too.
One: Start by wrapping individual items in paper, making sure all extraneous parts are covered.
Two: Wrap the items in multiple layers of bubble wrap so the shape and rigidity of the items is pretty much unrecognisable. Remember, you’re not aiming to bounce them off the floor – but just give them enough protection to withstand a minor knock or fall.
Three: Once you’ve got your items wrapped, place them in a box that’s just big enough and fill all the gaps with packing material (shredded paper will do), so they don’t rattle around and knock into one another. Once you’ve closed the lid on the box, why not give it a shake to see how well you’ve done. Finally, it’s advisable to place this box inside another for extra padding.
Artwork
Go People doesn’t expect to be transporting the Mona Lisa any time soon, but all artwork has a high value whether it be monetary or sentimental. So, it needs to be adequately protected. How you go about packing depends on the form so let’s start with the easiest first.
One: If it’s just the paper or canvas you’re sending, the best idea is to roll it to avoid creasing and place it in a sturdy poster tube for sending. Consider wrapping this in plastic to protect your work from the unwanted elements.
Two: It’s slightly less straightforward when there’s a frame involved so, listen out gift retailers. Deconstruct the art from the frame and place two pieces of foam either side of the glass to protect it. Once you’ve reassembled the frame, wrap the entire piece of art inside two or three layers of foam or bubble wrap, before finally wrapping in a sheet of plastic for extra protection and waterproofing. Then, you’re ready to box it and send it on its way!