Your customer cannot see or touch the product before it arrives. Your packing is the first thing they see. Good packing keeps the product safe and makes a great first impression.

Step 1: Cushion it

Cushioning is the soft layer that protects your product from knocks.

• Wrap each item on its own with bubble wrap, honeycomb paper or soft paper.
• Fill all empty space with shredded or crumpled paper. Nothing should move when you shake the box gently.
• Cover sharp or pointed parts with folded cardboard, foam or bubble wrap, and tape it in place.
• Keep items apart. Items should not touch each other or the walls of the box. Use filler or a cardboard divider between them.
• Use the right amount. Too little lets the item rub and knock. Too much makes the box bulge and press on the item.
• Pack things that can spill or crumble in a sealed pack first.

Cushion on every side

Wrap the item first. Then put a soft layer under it, around it and over it. Close the box and shake it gently. If you feel or hear anything move, add more filler.

Choose your cushioning

Pick what suits your product. You can also use two together. For example, wrap a bottle in bubble wrap, then fill the gaps around it with shredded paper.

Bubble wrap: soft and light. Good for bottles, jars and glass.

Honeycomb paper: made of paper. It opens out into a net that wraps around your item.

White shredded paper: thin strips that fill every gap and keep items from shifting. Good for gift boxes too. Put food in a sealed pack first.

Crumpled paper: cheap and easy. Old clean paper or newspaper works well.

How to wrap a bottle in bubble wrap

1. Cut a sheet that is bigger than the bottle on all sides.
2. Lay it flat with the bubbles facing the bottle. Stand the bottle at one edge.
3. Roll the bottle in the sheet. Go around at least two times.
4. Fold in the top and bottom ends so the bottle is fully covered.
5. Tape the wrap so it stays closed.

How to wrap a bottle in honeycomb paper

1. Pull out a sheet from the roll. It opens out like a net.
2. Stand the bottle at one edge of the sheet.
3. Roll the bottle in the sheet so every side is covered.
4. Tuck or fold in the top and bottom ends.
5. Tape the end of the paper so it stays closed.

Step 2: Pick the right box

• Choose a box with room for the product and the cushioning.
• Do not put a small item in a big box with a lot of filler. It looks careless and the item can still move.
• Use a strong, clean box with no holes, tears or dented corners. Weak cardboard crushes easily.
• Check that the flaps are whole and close properly.
• Use a thicker box for heavy items.
• If you sell different sizes of products, keep two or three box sizes ready so each order fits well.

Step 3: Seal it

1. Use wide, strong packing tape. Do not use cello tape or thin tape.
2. Tape along the middle seam of the box.
3. Tape across both ends of the seam. Together they make an H.
4. Do the same on the bottom of the box.

Seal it well, but keep it easy to open. A box that is hard to open can make your customer damage the product while opening it.

Step 4: Label it

A label that cannot be read can delay pickup and delivery.

• Stick the label on the biggest flat side, usually the top.
• Keep the whole label on one side. Do not bend it around a corner or edge.
• Do not put it over a tape line or a box seam. The surface must be flat.
• Do not fold the label or cover any part of it, especially the barcode if there is one.
• If you cover the label with clear tape or plastic, make sure it is still easy to read through it.
• Remove or cross out any old labels on a reused box.
• Make sure the customer name and address are easy to read.

Packing fragile or costly items

Glass, ceramic, candles, jars and other things that break easily need extra care.

1. Wrap the item well and put it in a small box that is only a little bigger.
2. For very fragile or costly items, put that box inside a bigger box.
3. Fill the gap between the two boxes with paper or other filler.
4. Seal with strong tape, going over the seams more than once.
5. Write Fragile on the box or stick a Fragile sticker.

Finishing touches

• Keep the outside clean. Wipe off dust, oil or marks before handing over.
• Add a small thank-you note or sticker with your shop name. Small touches make customers remember you.
• Keep the order ready on time. Have it packed, sealed and labelled before pickup or delivery time. See the Pickup and Delivery Guide.

Common mistakes

• Too little or too much cushioning.
• Weak boxes, thin tape or old, soft cartons.
• A box that is much too big or too small for the item.
• A box that is very hard to open.
• A label on a seam, a corner or folded over.
• Not packing liquids and food in sealed packs.

Extra tips

• Pack in a clean place. Wash and dry your hands and table first, especially for food.
• Keep products dry. Put liquids, oils and sauces in a sealed pack and then in a plastic bag.
• Do not mix smells. Keep food away from soap, incense or strong scents.
• Reuse boxes only if they are strong and clean. A soft or damaged box will not protect the order.
• Take a photo before you seal. It helps if there is ever a question about the order.

Quick check before you hand over

1. Right items and quantity, matching the order in the app.
2. Nothing moves when you shake the box gently.
3. Box is sealed in an H on top and bottom.
4. Label is clear, flat, fully visible and on the biggest side.
5. Fragile items are marked and double-boxed if costly.

Damage caused by poor packing is counted as a seller fault. See Refunds and Seller Fault. For a shorter checklist see How to Pack an Order.