Efficient and cost-effective shipping is pivotal to running a successful business that sells physical products. However, packing orders can be tremendously time-consuming and, if done incorrectly, can lead to products being damaged in transit. Implementing some smart shipping solutions tailored for your business can help streamline order fulfilment, ensure adequate protection of goods, and maximise profits. Here are four tips for UK business owners looking to enhance their packing proficiency.
1. Consider Using a Prep Centre
Using a prep centre to take care of storage and shipping can save sellers time and provide peace of mind that packaging will be handled professionally.
When it comes to finding an FBA prep centre, there are several options available to businesses. While Amazon offers FBA prep services UK to help businesses meet their stringent packaging and labelling requirements, third-party UK FBA prep centres provide flexible support, too. They receive your inventory, prep products to be Amazon-ready, and ship to Amazon fulfilment centres for you.
The pros of using an Amazon prep centre UK are saving time, ensuring packaging meets standards, and preventing errors that lead to fines or rejections. However, in order to get these benefits, you must choose the right Amazon prep centre. Ensure the centre you choose has strong processes, storage facilities, and experience working with similar businesses.
2. Optimise Box and Package Sizes
Take time to determine the optimal packaging for each product you sell. Oversized boxes lead to wasted shipment capacity, materials, and storage room. Yet undersized packaging risks damage. Analyse common box dimensions and look for ways to right-size. Consider ordering custom boxes tailored to items. Properly filled yet compact boxes keep contents secure for transportation. Where suitable, use mailing envelopes, tubes, or mailers instead of boxes. However, note that padded envelopes have size and weight restrictions. Getting strategic with packaging helps lower material costs and maximises how many orders fill a delivery truck.
3. Invest in Quality Materials
While it might be tempting to cut costs by using inferior packing supplies, these risks damaging goods or necessitating returns/replacements. Instead, use quality materials suiting each product type. Bubble wrap, airbags, and foam help to cushion the items. Crumpled paper, insulation, and stretch wrap also protect the product. Consider moisture-resistant boxes for liquids. Sturdy boxes with reinforced edges hold heavy items. Where possible, use sustainable, recyclable materials. Although it is more expensive upfront, the added protection quality packaging provides saves money over time by preventing damages.
4. Standardise Packaging Processes
Consistent, structured processes enable order packers to work efficiently. Create written guidelines and packing stations with clearly labelled locations for all materials/tools needed. Standardise box selection criteria and provide training on materials. Implement checks before sealing like ensuring no items are missing. Consider dividing teams, with some focused on quickly packing common items while others handle unique/bulky products. Purchase tools like weighing scales, box cutters, tape guns, and label printers to speed up repetitive tasks. Standardised processes, along with enough working space, make fulfilling orders smoother.
Fulfilling orders promptly and preventing goods damage requires strategic packing processes. The solutions above help UK e-commerce sellers enhance proficiency in sustainable, cost-effective ways.
