Packing items securely can help decrease the number of lost and delayed packages during shipping. That means happier buyers (because they get the stuff they ordered) and fewer headaches for you (since your buyers get the stuff they ordered). Sounds good, right?
1. Use high quality ink, or use toner
Low quality ink can wear off the shipping label or smear or smudge during shipping if water is spilled onto it. If the address becomes damaged en route, the package could either get lost or be returned to you (if you’re lucky!).
2. Use DARK ink/toner
Sometimes as your printer is running out of ink, “black” ink will show up as gray. USPS scanners sometimes have trouble reading gray and light shades of ink or toner. As a result, tracking may only scan “delivered” instead of being scanned throughout the package’s journey, as usual. The only reason the faint ink is “scanned” as delivered is because the postal carrier punched in the delivery confirmation code by hand.
3. Patch all holes in reused boxes or envelopes
If you decide to reuse a box or envelope while shipping an order, be sure to tape over any tears or holes to the package. Existing holes can easily tear apart during shipping. Torn packages could result in loss of or damage to the contents inside.
4. Tape over the envelope opening (Optional, but recommended)
Even though most padded envelopes are self sealing, taping over the seal provides extra protection and piece of mind. A little redundancy doesn’t hurt.