Overview Seller Services Seller Handbook Seller Policies Sellers FAQ

Seller Handbook

Simple guides to help you start, sell and grow on Homakes.

← Back to Seller Handbook
Packing & Shipping

How to Pack an Order

How to Pack an Order
A sealed, labelled parcel with a green tick

Pack it right the first time.

Good packing means fewer damaged orders and fewer refunds.

Your packing kit

Start simple. Add more as you grow.

The basics

Corrugated box and white flap boxBoxes
White poly mailer bagsPoly mailer bags
Clear and brown packing tapeTape
Shredded paper, bubble wrap and honeycomb wrapFiller
Shipping label with QR code and barcodeLabel 4 × 6 in with QR code

For size and weight

Weighing scaleScale
Metal rulerMetal scale
Marker penPen

Order received? Start here

  1. Open the order in the Homakes app.
  2. Check the items and quantity.
  3. Pack it within a few hours of receiving it.

The 7 steps

Checklist with ticks next to the ordered products

1Check the order

  • Match items and quantity with the app order.
  • Right items.
  • Good condition.
Jar wrapped in bubble wrap and a sealed pouch

2Protect the product

  • Seal jars and lids.
  • Wrap fragile items.
  • Put loose items in a bag or pouch.
Snug-fit box with a jar and cushioning

3Pick the right box

  • Clean, strong box. Smallest that fits.
  • Leave room for cushioning.
  • Soft items need no box. Use a poly mailer bag.
See: Volumetric Weight →
Box filled with shredded paper around a jar

4Fill the gaps

  • Crumpled paper or bubble wrap on every side.
  • Shake test: nothing should move.
Box sealed with H-pattern tape

5Seal strong

  • Take a clear photo of the packed items before sealing.
  • The photo protects you if there is a complaint.
  • Water-resistant tape, at least 48 mm wide.
  • H-pattern on top and bottom seams.
Sealed parcel on a scale with a metal ruler

6Measure and weigh

  • Sealed parcel only.
  • Measure the outside. Round up.
  • Enter the exact size and weight in the app.
  • Delivery charge depends on size and weight.
Parcel with shipping label on the largest flat side and a Fragile sticker

7Label and get ready

  • Print the label yourself at 4 × 6 in.
  • The label has a QR code. Print it sharp and clear.
  • Don't fold, cover or smudge the QR code or barcode.
  • Tip: a thermal label printer gives sharp, scannable labels.
  • Label on the largest flat side.
  • Not on seams or corners.
  • Barcode fully visible. Label not folded.
  • Add a "Fragile" sticker if needed.
  • Keep the parcel ready before pickup.
  • Track the order status in the Homakes app.
See: Pickup and Delivery Guide → See: How Orders Work →
Right: box with a snug fit ✔ Right: snug fit
Wrong: box too big with too much space ✖ Wrong: too much space

Pack by product type

Food Products

  • Sealed jars and pouches.
  • Leak-proof packing.
  • Double-seal gravy, pickles, oil and liquids.
  • Tamper-proof seal.
  • Liner or butter paper for sweets and fried items.
  • Keep away from strong smells like incense or soap.
  • Label with ingredients and date.
  • No loose, open or untied food.
  • No newspaper directly on food.

Crafts & Decors

  • Wrap each piece on its own.
  • Wrap in bubble wrap.
  • Protect corners and edges of frames and boards.
  • Cover glass with cardboard.
  • Extra cushioning for fragile pieces.
  • Soft, paper or fabric items in a sealed poly bag.
  • Double box for costly items.
  • No bare items touching the box.
  • No loose small parts or beads.

Home & Body Care

  • Close caps tight.
  • Add a seal or liner under the cap.
  • Wrap each bottle in its own bag.
  • Stand bottles upright.
  • Keep powders and creams in tightly closed jars.
  • Extra padding around glass.
  • No loose caps or lids.
  • No different products loose together.

Packing mistakes to avoid

✖Box far too big for a tiny jarBox too big
✖Jar against bare cardboard with no cushioningNot enough cushioning
✖Thin tape peeling off the boxWeak or thin tape
✖Label folded across a seam and cornerLabel on a seam or corner
✖Items loose and slid into one cornerProduct moves inside the box
✖Ruler measuring only part of the parcel on a scaleWrong weight or size entered

Fragile items: quick tip

Fragile vase in bubble wrap with even cushioning on all sides and a Fragile sticker

Box slightly bigger than the product.

About 6 cm of cushioning on all sides for fragile items.

Wrap twice and write Fragile on the box.

Sturdy items need much less.

Packing cost is already included in your item price. Homakes does not supply packing material or stickers.

Why pack fast and pack strong

Quick order, happy customer

  • Customer gets the order sooner.
  • Products stay in top condition.
  • Fewer cancellations and complaints.
  • Better reviews and repeat orders.
  • Your shop grows faster.

When packing is slow

  • Delivery gets late.
  • Products lose freshness or quality.
  • Customers feel let down.
  • More cancellations.
  • Lower ratings and fewer repeat orders.

When packs are low quality

  • Box or pack breaks on the way.
  • Leaks and damaged products.
  • Refund and complaint issues.
  • Customers may not order again.
  • Strong packs protect your product and your name.

Final checklist

  • Product checked
  • Protected and sealed
  • No empty space or movement
  • Photo taken before sealing
  • Tape sealed on all seams
  • Size and weight entered
  • Label on a flat side and ready for pickup

Very important. Please follow.

Good packing protects your order, your rating and your payout.

Well-packed orders reach customers safe and avoid refund issues. See Refunds and Seller Fault to know how it works.