Packaging Electronics: 3 Ways to Ensure Safe Transit

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Given that our lives are now increasingly built around the internet, and technology is constantly evolving, electronic devices are sneaking their way to the top of consumer’s wishlists. Whether you’re shipping the latest iPhone or a shiny new smart speaker, electronic devices contain thousands of fragile parts, which means they need to be suitably packaged for optimum protection in transit.

That’s why in today’s post, we’ll be discussing how to ensure your electronics are safely and securely packed during the shipping process. With tips on choosing the right containers, picking packaging equipment and protecting smaller parts, using our advice, you’ll be able to ship your products with peace of mind that they’ll arrive in one piece.

Choosing the right box

The box is ultimately the first wall of defence for your electronics to survive the shipping process, so it’s essential to pick the right one that offers the best possible protection for your products. For added protection, it can pay to opt for a box with double-walled corrugated cardboard - delivering a robust outer layer to absorb more impact on route.

Another important consideration is box size. A box that’s too big could leave your product rattling around, putting thousands of fragile and expensive parts at risk of damage. Additionally, if the outer box becomes damaged, it could dent and damage the contents. On the other hand, choosing a box that’s too small may cause it to press against the walls of the inner box, again, resulting in potential damage to goods. So, for optimum protection, we’d recommend choosing a box with a 3cm gap around the item or inner packaging that it’s protecting.

Picking your packaging equipment

To safeguard your product further, ensure they’re wrapped individually before placing them in a box - particularly for items which can be easily broken such as glass screens or small, delicate components.

When shipping smaller or fragile items, consider packing them alongside packing peanuts. Their shape is designed to interlock when compressed, offering a strong cushioned layer between the product and the outer box. For added protection for very fragile or small pieces that could collide with other items in the box, we’d suggest wrapping them in packing foam sheets or bubble wrap to protect against scratches or dents. Ultimately, when it comes to smaller items, the more protection added, the more likely your item will be to arrive undamaged and in full working order.

Not all electronics will require such robust packing materials, yet it’s important to remember that they can still be broken in transit. Housing them in snug padded envelopes with bubble wrap lining is an effective choice here. Items such as wires or DVDs will be adequately protected in padded envelopes, as they’ll have little room for movement, while also being safeguarded against damage with their high performance cushioning.

Protecting smaller components

Some electronics also come with smaller components such as headphones, USB cables or memory devices such as SIM cards. These items can often get lost or damaged in the post, so it’s essential the outer box is secured properly with suitable packaging materials. One option is to bulk up these items with an additional layer of bubble wrap to restrict their free-flow and ensure that they don’t slide through any gaps in the outer box - all while safeguarding them from damage. Alternatively, these could be secured within the box with tape.

If any of your products include batteries, these should be wrapped separately from the main product to ensure they don’t get crushed or pierced. This is because batteries contain hazardous fluid that could damage other items they come into contact with, so a plastic seal or bubble wrap around them should prevent dangerous liquids from seeping into the rest of the package - giving you and your customers added peace of mind.

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