This section specifies the guidelines that you must follow to carry out to sufficiently package your item and shipment. Remember that you need to follow this Packaging Guide.
The preparation of the packaging is essential to provide adequate protection to the item during the transport and distribution process. The packaging must protect the products from shocks, falls and vibrations, so it must act as a shock absorber.
These indications can be useful for all types of shipments, but pay attention to the type of item you are sending, as there are some specifications.
You MUST follow These 4 Simple Guidelines
- Find a sturdy cardboard box that is suitable for stacking during shipping.
- It uses shock-absorbing material according to the weight, dimension and type of item.
- Wrap the items individually with a shock-absorbing element appropriate to the type of item.
- Pay special attention to protecting the corners and sides. Items must be separated from each other (on the sides and corners), with sufficient filler material appropriate for the type of item being shipped.
External Packaging
- Choose a new corrugated cardboard box. Make sure the cardboard is robust and durable. Cardboard, paper, plastic and padded envelopes do not have shock-absorbing properties.
- Select the size of the box based on the size and weight of the item. Always use filler materials for empty spaces to prevent possible damage.
- Handling instructions (handle with care, this side up, fragile, do not fold/bend, do not stack, etc.). They do not guarantee any special treatment. The item is handled by automatic machines and must withstand a free fall of at least 1.50 m.
- Pallet. It is to be used only for shipping bulky and/or heavy goods.
Internal Packaging
The internal packaging protects the item during the sorting process. Good internal packaging should protect the product from shocks, vibrations and act as a shock absorber. Check the specific protective measures according to the type of item.
The internal protective materials required are divided into 3 main categories: shock absorbers, fillers and separators.
COMPLIANT SHOCK ABSORBER:
- Moldable foam.
- Inflatable packaging (Airbags).
- Expanded polyethylene- corners and profiles (aka EPE foam).
NON-COMPLIANT SHOCK ABSORBER:
- Corrugated fibreboard (aka cardboard)
- Newspaper.
- Clothes, blankets, quilts or similar fabric materials.
FILLER:
- Polyethylene foam.
- Moldable foam.
- Injectable foam.
- Foam rubber.
- Inflatable packaging (Airplus cushions).
- Foam chips or shavings
SEPARATOR:
- Moldable foam.
- Injectable foam.
- Sheets of expanded polyethylene.
- Bubble wrap.
- Thermoplastic polystyrene.
- Modular Packaging / Matryoshka (Russian doll) / Box-in-Box.
Moldable foam - SHOCK ABSORBER, FILLER & SEPARATOR
Suitable for any kind of product; reinforces corners and protects edges. Highly recommended.
Inflatable packaging (Airbags) - SHOCK ABSORBER
It uses air pressure to protect products from outside temperatures and absorb shocks when transporting fragile goods. Not to be confused with Airplus Cushions.
Expanded polyethylene- corner and profiles - SHOCK ABSORBER
Protects the corners from possible impacts.
Injectable foam (EPS) - FILLER & SEPARATOR
It adapts to the shape of the item and fills the empty spaces of the box, immobilising the item and protecting it from vibrations. Does not act as shock absorber in the case of a fall.
Compression-resistant polyethylene foam (PE) thickness >10 cm - FILLER & SEPARATOR
Lightweight and compression resistant material with shockproof capacity. Does not act as shock absorber in the case of a fall.
Inflatable packaging (Airplus cushions) - FILLER
To immobilise lightweight objects and fill empty spaces in the box. Does not act as shock absorber in the case of a fall.
Foam rubber - FILLER
Medium density sponge material with shockproof capacity. Does not act as shock absorber in the case of a fall.
Foam chips or shavings - FILLER
They are filler materials that prevent scratches. They do not have shock-absorbing properties, therefore they do not act as a shock absorber in the case of a fall.
Sheets of expanded polyethylene, thickness <10cm - SEPARATOR
Surface protector that prevents scratches.
Bubble wrap - SEPARATOR
Encapsulated air provides good protection for lightweight, non-fragile items. This material is flexible and allows you to wrap items of virtually any shape or size. Large encapsulated-air plastic (bubble) sheeting is highly recommended for higher shock absorption performance.
Thermoplastic polystyrene - SEPARATOR
Suitable for separating items from each other and from the edges of the box, preventing contact and possible scratches.
Modular Packaging/Matryoshka (Russian doll)/ Box-in-Box - SEPARATOR
Boxes of different sizes that can be inserted one inside the other to protect from scratches and impact. This type of packaging also enables the item to be immobilised and offers additional protection from vibrations and shocks.
Honeycomb cardboard (Flexi-Hex Sleeves) - SEPARATOR
It is used to separate light and non-fragile objects. This packaging material protects from scratches, but not from impact. It does not have shock-absorbing properties.
Corrugated fibreboard (aka cardboard) - NON-COMPLIANT SEPARATOR
Two or more layers of plain corrugated cardboard used as a separator do not guarantee sufficient protection between the item and the box. This material does NOT comply with our Packaging Guide.
Newspaper, clothes, blankets, quilts or similar fabric materials - NON-COMPLIANT SEPARATOR
These materials are not proper protective packaging. These materials do NOT comply with our Packaging Guide.
Closing and sealing
- Seal your parcel in the shape of a "H": draw the letter "H" with good quality and resilient adhesive tape, closing all the openings of the packaging, both at the bottom and at the top.
- Use good quality, strong adhesive tape: it should be at least 50mm wide and applied to both the top and bottom of the box.
- Protect corners: protect your parcel using impact-resistant expanded polyethylene, they distribute pressure evenly, preventing damage to the box.
Documentation
- Transport label: we recommend using adhesive labels. The label must be visibly located on the exterior of the box. It certifies that the postage of the parcel has been paid through eBay Delivery and the recipient will not have to bear the cost of postage.
- Customs documentation: we recommend using a self-sealing adhesive plastic sleeve where the envelope with the shipping documents is affixed. It must be visibly located on the exterior of the box. For all shipments to or from non-European Union (EU) countries, you need to include customs documentation.
Item type
Correct packaging must be accordingly selected depending on the type of item being sent. Please see the list of items below: