Although every TV, monitor or computer comes with its own perfectly fitted polystyrene form and an appropriate-sized box, it does not solve all the problems related to shipping such appliances by courier. Besides, you do not always have the original packaging to hand. What to do then? We have collected a few simple tips on how to minimise the risk of damage to electronic appliances during shipping.
You usually only keep the original packaging until the warranty expires. However, you do not always have it to hand when you need to ship a monitor because it needs to be repaired or because you sold it.
Do not save on fillers
The most essential thing when shipping monitors and TVs without their original packaging is to choose the box size carefully. First, wrap the monitor in bubble wrap with a protective layer of about 5-6 cm thick.
Then, you choose a matching box. If the box is a little too big, you may use bubble wrap to fill the gaps. You can also use plastic bags and foam spray – special bags filled partially with foam, which expands while congealing and fills the void space.
Regardless of the type of filler, the appliance inside the box must be protected in such a way that it won’t wobble when the box is moved. The box must be rigid and heavy duty, as well as resistant to any deformation during handling. The corners should be protected with an additional layer of bubble wrap, cardboard or polystyrene corners.
Then the package should be placed in a bigger outer box, which should have about 15-20 cm of clearance in every dimension. The gaps should be filled with loose fill peanuts (skropak, flopak), air cushions or mats, or crumpled paper.
You can read more about different types of fillers in the article “Don’t tuck newspapers into the box! We choose parcel fillers for pros”.
It is also important not to insert unprotected cables into the box with a monitor. It is best to put them in a plastic bag or secure them with bubble wrap and then attach them to the inside of the box. In the case when you use a pallet for your shipment, it is better to put all cables and accessories in an additional smaller package (for which you will not be charged extra) and which will help to protect the screen of the monitor.
Safe only on a pallet
In the case of larger monitors and TVs, some courier companies require the use of a standard euro pallet sized 1.2 x 0.8 m. Even if your carrier does not require you to do so, you’d better use a pallet yourself, if you want your shipment to reach its destination safely.
It is important to properly choose the dimensions of the pallet and completely attach the package to it. The box should be stacked in the middle, specifically in an upright position – a horizontal position means that it is almost certain that your appliance will get damaged.
You can provide additional protection to the sides of the box with sheets of expanded polystyrene, styrodur or corrugated cardboard. The whole package should be fastened to a pallet using a PP strap, which should pass through the top of the box and be attached to the outermost pallet boards. In practice, the strap will wrap the package and pass under the pallet. Finally, you should wrap the pallet and package with stretch film.
Label and insure
Do not forget about the role of proper labelling and insurance of the parcel. Neither of them will give you a full guarantee that the goods will reach the destination fully-functioning and undamaged. However, the label will let the courier know how to handle the package and if something happens to your goods during shipment, you are not to blame. Insurance, on the other hand, effectively protects you against big losses – you may get a refund of the incurred costs and be able to reship goods to the customer.
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