Clever Ways to Protect Your Shipments (That Don’t Involve More Bubble Wrap!)

by Marisa Kenyon

If you're someone who ships a lot of things, big or small, then there is a high chance you've had issues with items damaged in transit.  Whether it's due to mishandling by the carrier or inadequate packaging, these damages can accumulate over time - in both money and frustration.

Fortunately, there are a few innovative and unconventional ways to safeguard your shipments all the way from carrier to customer. So, let's think outside the box (pun intended!) and explore some effective methods to ensure the protection of your packages along their journey.

Scotch™ Flex & Seal Shipping Roll

(or, the “Not a Box” Box)

If you're looking for a one-step solution, the flex & seal shipping roll is the way to go. Simply cut your desired size, fold the packaging over itself, and seal the edges securely. Voila! You'll have a precisely fitting package every time, eliminating the need for cluttered stacks of boxes or rolls of bubble wrap. The shipping roll also incorporates a layer of cushioning and a resilient outer covering, making it both water-resistant and tear-resistant.

The “Hidden” Box

In 2015, a European-based bicycle company decided to experiment with their international shipments to reduce the number of damages. They ditched the image of a bicycle – which was obviously not phasing carriers – and began printing flatscreen TVs on the side of their boxes instead.

The result? An almost 80% decrease in damages. Absolutely nothing had changed except for the picture on the box. It seems that carriers are more inclined to exercise caution and ‘handle with care’ when they can easily perceive a package’s value – real or not.

The “Funny” Box

If your carriers seem unaffected by the usual 'Fragile' or 'Handle With Care' labels, it's time to get creative and make them take notice. Instead of a simple 'THIS SIDE UP,' opt for something attention-grabbing, like 'THIS SIDE UP - OR ELSE. NINJA KITTENS INSIDE.' Replace 'Handle With Care' with phrases like "Extreme Awesomeness Enclosed: Handle with Care" or "Warning: Highly Addictive Bubble Wrap Enclosed. Pop Responsibly!"

The key is to use labels that make workers pause and pay attention, as they tend to give more consideration to packages that stand out. Visit our custom printing site at print.oexusa.com, or email print@oexusa.com to speak with a designer about creating custom labels.

The “Cool” Box

Thanks to advancements in cardboard production, adding a touch of color to your shipments is more affordable than ever before. Whether you opt for seasonal designs or showcase your company's signature colors, making your box stand out serves as a clear indicator when mishandling occurs. A crushed corner is far more noticeable on a bright, blue box than on the standard kraft brown, and carriers are well aware of this fact. By using eye-catching colors, you increase the likelihood that carriers will handle your packages with extra care.

Check out our custom-printed box options here, or at promo.oexusa.com.