China Packaging: How To Protect Your Goods

Posted by kimary on July 11th, 2018

Whenever a package arrives in the mail that is damaged or broken the postie is often blamed. However, most damage is caused by poor quality packaging.

Packaging is often overlooked but it is a fundamental part of any import. Properly packaged goods will withstand almost any postal service in the world. Leeline sourcing and other professional companies follow simple procedures to ensure goods are received safely.

Leeline sourcing Tip 1

Goods should be packaged safely so they are able to handle a two-metre drop. If any damage occurs during this test, then the packaging should be improved.

Leeline sourcing Tip 2

Pay a little extra for good quality boxes.  Importers often use light, cheap cardboard boxes that the factory offered to get the cheapest price, but this could be a costly mistake. Light boxes are cheaper to buy and weigh less but don’t offer anywhere near the same protection for their contents. It’s not just shocking resistance, either. Thin, cheap cardboard boxes also offer less resistance to water and, as they get damp, can either develop mould or fall apart mid-transit. Leeline sourcing recommends using desiccants inside boxes that will be in transit for any significant period of time.

Fragile goods

Fragile goods are easy to pack but it does cost slightly more. Unfortunately, Chinese factories often have to cut corners on packaging as they quoted an unrealistic price.

1.Each item must be wrapped securely and placed in an inner container. Corrugated fibreboard bubble wrap, foam, polystyrene and heavy graded paper are always advisable. The product should be a tight enough fit in an inner container so it doesn’t shake around.

2. Marking the boxes is very important and something easily missed by Chinese manufacturers. “Fragile” and “This Way Up” need to be clearly marked.

3. Reinforced tape must be used to close any boxes.

4. The courier must be informed of fragile goods before pick up.

Palleting

Pallets are the primary connection between the finished goods and the handling equipment. A strong pallet must use as the goods are unloaded at speed using forklifts. Cracked or cheap pallets can cause the items to drop off the forklift while being moved. The pallet’s role is often overlooked but It shouldn’t be.

Stack in columns: Columns ensure maximum stacking strength. If the contents are rigid, you can use the ‘bricklayer style’ method for increased stability.

Do Not Overhang: Items should fit squarely on the pallet, without hanging over the edge. Overhanging items on a pallet are one of the easiest ways to damage a consignment.

Keep It Flat: A level top surface makes it strong, compact and stackable. Non-stackable pallets will incur a surcharge in Australia.

Strap it or Wrap it: Use strapping and/or stretch wrapping to hold items in place on the pallet. Wrapping should include the pallet itself.

Label Clearly: Pallets are stacked for transport, so labels need to be affixed to the side, not the top.

A well-stacked pallet can reduce product damage by eliminating or lessening the consequences of impacts, protruding objects and heavy loads. It is worth noting that incorrect palleting can lead to significantly higher delivery costs. Factories only charge FOB so they are not responsible for transit in Australia which can be very costly if the goods were not stacked correctly.

Nylon bands

Cartons that are opened during transportation are more at risk of damage. One of the most effective ways to minimise the chance of the carton being opened is to apply nylon bands around it.

Summary

At Leeline sourcing we work with the factory to ensure the cost of the goods includes the adequate packaging required for safe transit. Once the goods are ready for dispatch, a Leeline sourcing agent will inspect the goods in our warehouse in China before we hand it over.

Want to sourcing products from China? Leeline Sourcing is a verified China sourcing agent, we offer you Amazon FBA prep services, Amazon FBA private label service, Amazon FBA logistics service, supplier verification, price negotiation and quality control etc.

Read More: Leelinesourcing.com/