PACKING GUIDE MARKETPLACE

Elaborado por:

Romero Flores Omar

Julio 2016 PACKING GUIDE MARKETPLACE

INTRODUCTION

With this manual we want to help you make the best decisions about packaging your products. We will demonstrate that good packaging is not a "detail" or a "luxury", but an essential part of running your business.

For many reasons, most companies and businesses do not properly address the issue of packaging, usually do to nancial concerns or the inability to distinguish between an expense and an investment.

There are many problems involved with product packaging, and it is important to know how to deal with each one and nd the most suitable solution in each scenario.

This manual will outline the speci c problems you should look out for when packaging your products.

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1. USES OF PACKAGING

• Contain: The primary function of packaging is to hold or contain a certain amount of product.

• Preserve: To ensure the product's characteristics remain the same throughout the distribution cycle.

• Protect: Protect the product from external agents

To achieve a good package, you must take into account three primary rules.

• Immobilize

Immobilizing the product will prevent it from moving from side to side within the packaging and being exposed to bangs or scratches.

• Cushion

The packaging should provide enough cushioning to absorb any force that falls on it, through bumps or vibrations.

• Isolate

The product must not touch any side or wall of the packaging, so that the packaging and not the product will receive the impact of any force that comes into contact with it during shipment.

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1.1 PACKAGING SIZE

It is important to use the smallest package available, as shipping price is a function of package size.

Depending on your product line, you may need to consider speci c package sizes, such as small, medium, and large.

Small Dimensions less than 15 x 23 x 33 cm and weight less than 2.77kg Medium Dimensions less than 15 x 23 x 33 cm and 57 x 70 x 57 cm and weight less than 45kg Large Dimensions greater than 57 x 70 x 57 cm and weigh more than 45 kg

Later we will explain the correct way to measure a box.

By doing this, you will be able to use the smallest possible packaging without compromising the protection of your products.

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1.2 CATEGORIES OF PACKAGING

Most products come with some sort of packaging from the factory that advertises product features but does not necessarily protect the product. This type of packaging can be classi ed into 3 categories:

• Adequate Packaging:

Some products already come with adequate packaging according to their needs, with a rigid inner packaging and reliable protection.

• Inadequate Packaging: These are products that are not protected according to their needs and have a very fragile package that would only prevent basic wear and tear.

• No Packaging:

These products, either due to inattention of the manufacturer or a rugged nature, do not come with any packaging or only have a commercial covering.

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1.2 CATEGORIES OF PACKAGING

The following are common occurrences throughout the distribution cycle that require proper packaging:

• Impact:

Impact includes any blows or forces the packaging undergoes throughout the shipment either by other products or from mishandling by the carrier staff.

• Crushing:

A product can be crushed when it is subjected to more weight than it can handle. This could be due to improper storing or stacking of products.

• Humidity:

Due to humidity or wet conditions, a product's packaging can become contaminated by water or other liquids, reducing its resistance to impact and weight placed on the package.

For the safety of your shipments, avoid placing your items within: gift bags or boxes, plastic bags (supermarket).

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2. INTERIOR PACKAGING MATERIAL

• "C" Flute Cardboard:

C Flute Cardboard or corrugated cardboard consists of channels or utes that provide resistance to prevent crushing. The material is extremely exible and can be used to cover and protect products of various shapes. The correct way to use this material is to place the rough, corrugated side of the cardboard against the product, leaving the at side visible.

• Kraft Paper:

This material lightly covers an area in order to prevent scrapes and scratches. Kraft paper is ideal for covering uneven surfaces.

•

• Paper Filling:

Paper lling serves to immobilize and protect the product. It is one of the most ecological and economical llings available. Paper lling can help to avoid damage from impacts and heavy weight.

•

• Cardboard:

Cardboard is 100% recyclable material and offers strength, high impact absorption, and resistance to crushing.

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2. INTERIOR PACKAGING MATERIAL

• Honeycomb Cardboard:

Honeycomb cardboard is reinforced for greater strength and shock absorption than traditional cardboard.

• Polyfoam:

Polyfoam is a rigid material that can be found in different thicknesses. Polyfoam packaging is primarily used for protection, thanks to its excellent resistance to compression and ability to reduce impact. However, polyfoam has less resistance to sharp corners and objects.

•

• Bubble wrap:

Bubble wrap consists of two polyethylene lms encapsulating air forming a bubble in order to protect products from shock, vibration, and movement. Excellent for irregular shapes, these sheets should be used by placing the bubble side on the product, leaving the at side exposed.

• Styrofoam Shredding/ Packing Peanuts:

Styrofoam peanuts can be used to stuff boxes, cushions blows, and hold products in place. The main problem with this type of material is that it can move and leave the product exposed if the box is not properly lled.

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2.2 EXTERNAL PACKAGING MATERIALS

• Cardboard Boxes:

Cardboard boxes can be used to consolidate two or more products in one package and to protect fragile containers. Cardboard boxes have two types of siding or paperboard: simple siding can be used for light products (less than 7kg), while double corrugated siding is more suitable for heavy products (less than 14 kg). Cardboard boxes protect products from impacts and provide cushioning.

• Parcel Bag: Parcel bags protect products from moisture and cover small items that carriers require in a bag.

• Bubble Envelope:

Bubble envelopes protect delicate and ultralight items during short- distance shipments. It is recommended to use bubble envelopes with parcel bags.

• Plastic wrap:

Plastic wrap can be used to keep the packing material tight and under pressure. Although plastic wrap does not protect from impacts, it is useful to keep objects together and protect from moistur

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2.3 SEALING AND SAFETY MATERIALS

• Tape:

Tape can be rmly adhered to surfaces such as cardboard, paper, and other exterior packaging. Tape is not recommended for sealing heavy packages. Tape can lose grip when exposed to sun and moisture and is easily ripped by sharp objects.

• Gorilla Tape:

Gorilla tape is an excellent choice for closing or sealing cardboard boxes. This tape has a component that creates a powerful adhesive when it comes into contact with water. This tape is nearly unbreakable once applied, and the bers in the tape greatly increase the strength and resistance of the packaging.

• Fragile" Labels:

"Fragile" labels can be used to mark packages as delicate and requiring special care and handling. Remember to always place "Fragile" labels on packages containing pieces of glass.

•

• Safety Label:

Safety labels that leave a mark when they are removed should be used for high value items. These labels provide an increased level of security.

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2.4 STRENGTH OF MATERIALS

HUMIDITY INCREASED IMPACT RESISTANCE STRENGTH RESISTANCE

"C" FLUTE CARDBOARD "C" FLUTE BUBBLE WRAP BUBBLE WRAP CARDBOARD POLYFOAM POLYFOAM PAPER FILLING PACKING HONEYCOMB PACKING PEANUTS CARDBOARD PEANUTS PACKING PLASTIC WRAP HONEYCOMB PEANUTS CARDBOARD PARCEL BAGS PAPER FILLING BUBBLE WRAP GORILLA CARDBOARD CARDBOARD TAPE BOX BOX

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GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The packaging of a product is an important part of the shipping process. Packaging protects your product from shocks and damage, and it is the rst thing the customer sees when receiving the package

• It is important to make sure that the boxes you use are in perfect condition. • Cardboard boxes, like shoe boxes, must be sent in a "C" ute corrugated box. • Double corrugated boxes should be used for items weighing more than 14kg. • Filling material should always be used to prevent the movement of goods inside the box during transit.

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GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

STANDARD PACKING OPTIONS

Before you can send your products, you have to pack them for safe transport, and here are some common ways to do so. Unless your product is quite small or very sturdy product, it will require some type of box to protect it and provide cushioning from the inevitable bumps and blows throughout the journey.

Proper packaging will protect from:

• Impacts and blows during transit. • Crushing from heavier products or materials. • Humidity or moisture from the environment or carrier vessel. • Damage to the product's original packaging.

PROPER PACKAGING GUARANTEES A PRODUCT WILL BE SAFELY DELIVERED TO THE CUSTOMER IN GOOD, WORKING CONDITION

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PRODUCTS WITH PROPER PACKAGING

These are products that are very well protected by their original packaging, so they do not need additional packaging.

• Small: Some products due to their small size can be put in box with bubble wrap or paper lling, not to cushion the product but to keep it from moving within the box.

• Medium: There are two types of medium-sized products: those that only require normal protection to prevent damage (such as blenders and irons), and high value products that require maximum protection and should be wrapped in kraft paper before being packed.

• Large: Large products such as televisions should be wrapped in plastic wrap to protect the box from damage.

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CELL PHONES

Remember that it is important to use the

For items such as cell phones, it is smallest possible box available for recommended to use security hologram packaging. The box should rst be lled with labels to reduce the risk of theft. base padding (paper lling, bubble wrap, or 1 2crushed styrofoam), and then the item should

be paced in the box.

Then the remaining space between the item Once the box is closed, it should be sealed and box should be lled with additional with tape forming a cross across the middle padding material to ensure that the product to prevent tampering during transit. 3 cannot move within the box. 4

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LAPTOP

The laptop box should rst be wrapped with Next a layer of bubble wrap should be kraft paper, as if it were a gift, leaving no part applied to prevent damage to the original of the box exposed. Tape should be used to packaging. 1 adhere the paper to the box. 2

As a last step the box should be sealed with plastic to ensure the bubble wrap does not move or detach. Finally, shipping labels and 3 a "Fragile" sticker can be added if necessary.

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HOME APPLIANCES

Due to their size, these products must be To wrap the box correctly, place the product completely wrapped in plastic if the original vertically as shown in picture 1, then without packaging offers little resistance or cutting the plastic place the box on its side protection. These products must be sent in a and cover the box twice on each side. 1 box. 2

Now apply the shipping label on the side of Make sure to place labels on the longer side the package where the plastic wrap was cut of the box. If the product contains fragile to prevent it from detaching. pieces, add a "Fragile" label to each side of 3 4 the box.

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TVs

TVs do not generally require extra The purchase information can be attached to packaging, as they usually already come the box in a carrier envelope. with adequate protection. 1 2 .

We will then add a layer of plastic wrap to the box vertically. Do not attach the shipping label directly to the box, and make sure to 3 add a "Fragile" label.

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PRODUCTS WITH IMPROPER PACKAGING

Many products have packaging that serves only aesthetic purposes and does not protect the product. This type of packaging includes:

• Boxes with Straps: Although straps are widely used, they are very harmful to the boxes and can easily break the cardboard if incorrectly applied. It is therefore best to cut the straps and wrap the item in plastic to avoid the carrier staff using the straps as handles.

• Boxes with Staples: This type of boxes needs reinforcement to maintain its structure, and the staples, like strapping, can easily break the cardboard.

• Packaging that Opens Easily: Packages such as shoe boxes that open easily provide little protection from impact and resistance to heavy weight. These packages must therefore be stored within a box with protective cushioning to prevent damage.

• Heavy Products: Sometimes products are stored in containers that do not support their weight. These packages must be heavily reinforced with plastic wrap to give strength and structure to the box.

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BOXES WITH PLASTIC WINDOWS

Boxes with plastic windows are often It is important to cover the plastic window, if manufactured with very thin cardboard, not the entire box, with cardboard to allowing them to be easily crushed by reinforce the package's strength and 1 heavier objects. 2 structure.

Next cover the package in plastic wrap to Shipping and "Fragile" labels can be secure the cardboard. applied to the plastic wrap as required. 3 4

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GLASS PRODUCTS IN BOXES

If the product contains more than one piece Each piece should be covered in bubble of glass, they should be separated and held wrap individually. Tape or plastic wrap can in place to prevent them from coming into be used to hold the bubble sheets in place. 1 contact with one another. 2

The pieces should be placed within the box, Place the product box in the shipping box ensuring no empty space between them. Any with lling material to ensure the box cannot empty space should be lled in with move. 3 cushioning material. 4

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JEWELRY

The box should be placed inside an All pieces must be immobile with the box. envelope with bubble cushioning, and the envelope should be approximately the same

size as the box. 1 2

The parcel bag should be folded according Due to its small size, the envelope should be to the size of the envelope inside, and the placed within a parcel bag. shipping label should be placed over the fold to prevent tampering with the product. 3 4

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TABLETS

Most of these products come with strong Remember to always use the smallest box packaging, but they are not immune to available or best suited to the size of product. damage from impacts or heavy weight. Add protective cushioning between the box and the product, leaving no empty spaces. 1 2

Seal the box with tape and place shipping labels on top of the box.

3

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PACKAGING WITH STAPLES OR STAPS

Staps Staples

Packaging for heavy products often includes It is best to remove straps from the box to staples or straps which can end up prevent the package from being incorrectly damaging the package and the product. handled. Then the product should be 1 2 wrapped in plastic.

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PRODUCTS WITH CARDBOARD AND BLISTER

BLÍSTER

This type of packaging is usually pretty Because of its strong packaging, this kind of resistant because the plastic is in the form of product can be put directly into a parcel bag the product it contains, and this gives structure or bubble wrap envelope. Place the shipping 1 to the packaging, adding resistance. 2 label over the fold.

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PRODUCTS WITHOUT PACKAGING

• Fabric: If the material is malleable, use plastic wrap to hold the pieces together without constraining its shape. Fabric does not need to be protected from impacts or heavy weight.

• Glasses: If they do not come in a box, glasses should be put in a bubble envelope or box with protective cushioning and lling to prevent movement.

• Bottled products with a safety cap: should be covered with a layer of plastic wrap to prevent the bottle from opening or being crushed.

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FABRIC PRODUCTS

Small Products

Small fabric products (baby clothes, t-shirts, Fabric products should be sent in a carrier shirts etc.) should be folded so that they bag. If the items exceed the volume of the occupy less space. If the article comes with bag, they can be sent in a box. a hanger, the hanger should be removed, 1 and the product should be sent without it. 2

Large Products

Large fabric products, such as sheets, quilts, These products should be wrapped tightly in and blankets, do not need additional plastic wrap. packaging. They only need protection from 1 dust and moisture. 2

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GLASSES / WATCHES

These items are very fragile due to their These items should be placed in a bubble physical characteristics. These items should envelope or wrapped directly in bubble always be sent with additional protection, wrap. 1 preferably in a box with lling material. 2

The item should be placed in a box Once the box is sealed with tape, the corresponding to the product's size with shipping labels can be applied. cushioning material to prevent the product 3 from moving. 4

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BOTTLED PRODUCTS

Before packing this type of product, make Most bottled products have seals. If not, the sure that it is well-sealed. Bottled products item should be covered from the lid to the are easily broken and crushed. body in plastic wrap to prevent the liquid from coming out. 1 2

Place the item in a box surrounded by Then seal the box with tape and add the protective cushioning material that will shipping labels. prevent movement. 3 4

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GLASS PRODUCTS

Wrap the item in bubble wrap, attaching the These items are highly fragile and require a ends with tape, then add a layer of plastic more meticulous packaging process. wrap to prevent the product from coming out. 1 2

Add a layer of protective padding to the box, Seal the box with tape and add the shipping and place the product on top of it in the label. Remember to add a "Fragile" label on middle of the box. Fill in the remaining space top of the box. with protective lling material to make sure 3 the product cannot move. It is very important 4

that the product remains in the middle of the box during transit.

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