Shipping books seems pretty straightforward. Put them in a shipping box, add a label, and send them on their way, right?
But what happens when your customer receives their order only to find damaged corners or bent pages? The excitement of receiving a new read quickly turns into disappointment, leading to complaints, returns, and negative reviews.
On top of that, the cost of shipping books can vary greatly. That’s why you should be evaluating multiple shipping services to find the most reliable yet cheapest way to ship—especially when shipping from the US to other regions.
In this article, we’ll cover essential packaging tips to prevent book damage, explore cost-effective shipping options, and discuss how a 3PL like ShipBob can streamline your process.
Why shipping books properly matters
As a book retailer, every book you send out represents your brand. For buyers, receiving a damaged book can feel like the brand didn’t meet their expectations. For sellers, it increases return costs and damages your potential for repeat business. That’s why taking the time to pack and ship books correctly is vital to protecting your investment and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Services like ShipBob can help by offering solutions such as customized packaging to prevent damage in transit and a network of ecommerce fulfillment centers that optimize shipping efficiency.
How to pack books for shipping
Properly packing books helps ensure they arrive at their destination undamaged. This may require a customized packaging solution tailored specifically to protect certain books and enhance the unboxing sweden whatsapp number data 5 million experience. With ShipBob, this service is readily available, but for those with their own shipping operations, it’s important to follow a few best practices.
Select the right packaging materials
Books are delicate, and they require durable, well-cushioned custom packaging to prevent damage. Whether you choose eco-friendly packaging options or standard protective materials, here are some of the best packing materials to use:
Boxes: Sturdy, corrugated cardboard boxes provide excellent protection for multiple or heavy books. Be sure to select a box that fits the books snugly to prevent shifting.
Padded envelopes: For lightweight or single books, bubble poly mailers offer an easy, protective solution.
Dunnage: Use dunnage (think air cushions, packing peanuts, or foam) to help prevent books from shifting during transit and absorbing any shock.
Wrap and secure books
Protecting all areas of the book, especially the examples of brainstorming activities corners and edges, is critical. Here’s how to properly wrap and secure your books:
Wrap books in plastic or bubble wrap: This protects books text services from moisture, dust, and impacts during shipping.
Secure the wrap with tape: Make sure the wrap stays intact by taping it securely around the book.
Secure the wrapped books in the box: Fill any empty spaces with dunnage to keep books from shifting in transit.
Label and address packages
A clearly labeled package helps ensure it arrives on time. Here are some labeling best practices:
Clear and legible labels: Make sure your shipping labels are easy to read and printed clearly.
Correct placement: Position the label on a flat surface, away from the edges and seams, to avoid damage during transit.
Include all necessary details: Ensure the recipient’s address, your return address, and any special shipping instructions are correctly printed and visible.