December 2, 2016
PostalAnnex has been serving the packing and shipping needs of consumers and small businesses alike since 1985. In over 30 years of packing and shipping, the experts have learned a few strategies along the way to successfully ship your packages near and far. Here are their top 5 packing and shipping tips to help your gifts arrive on time and intact this holiday season.
- Always ship early. Adverse weather and the increase in shipping volume can cause delays, so if you want your gifts to arrive by a certain day, give yourself extra shipping time.
- Don’t choose a shipping method just because it is the cheapest. UPS, FedEx, and USPS all offer different shipping options, so pick the method which is right for you. The cheapest way to ship is often the slowest and not trackable, which usually isn’t a good fit for holiday gifts.
- Decorate the inside of your box, not the outside. If you wrap the outside of the box with paper, the shipping label could be torn off and the package lost. Tying string or ribbon around the box is also problematic because the string will get caught in the sorting machines. In addition, masking tape, painter’s tape, cellophane tape, and duct tape won’t withstand the shipping process, so even though other tapes have decorative options, make sure to use professional-grade packaging tape to seal your package.
- Don’t forego insurance, especially if you’re shipping a valuable gift. Typically, basic value protection ranging from $50-$100 is included in the cost of shipping, but if that isn’t sufficient, don’t hesitate to purchase a different insurance option for your package.
- Listen to the people behind the counter. They are experienced with proper packaging techniques, and they are familiar with the rules and regulations of the various carriers. If you let them guide you through the packing and shipping process, your gifts are more likely to arrive on time and undamaged.
This holiday season, when you’re ready to pack and ship your gifts, visit the PostalAnnex nearest you and let the experts do the work for you. The friendly staff members will package your gifts to help ensure safe arrival, and they can compare shipping rates for UPS, FedEx and USPS to determine which service best fits your needs.
