Shipping electronics works a little differently than shipping other items. Electronics are easily damaged and fragile and must be handled with care.
Whether you are returning something you purchased or sending an electronic item to someone else here are some strategies to secure the shipment.
Use the Appropriate Box
Don’t use just any box, choose a sturdy reinforced box and use the box inside of box method. If the merchandise is still in the original container keep it there, then place that inside a box just big enough to fit the item with a little space left so that you can wrap it with packing material. Then place that box inside of a larger box. This double boxing method secures the item and prevents damage.
Use the Appropriate Packing Material
Antistatic self-seal bubble bags work well to wrap electronics. These stop static charges from being produced and the bubble wrap adds an additional layer of protection. If you don’t use antistatic self-seal bubble bags, wrap the item in bubble wrap and packing tape.
Use packing peanuts, air bags or Styrofoam to fill any empty space inside the box to prevent the item from shifting around.
Use film support packs to cover anything that is easily scratched such as electronic screens.
Packing Cords and Accessories
Most electronics come with a power cable, there may be additional accessories as well. Wrap each piece separately before placing them in the shipping container.
By separating cords and accessories, you can label each piece for easier identification and your shipment will be more organized. This packing method also helps to prevent damage from cords, parts, and accessories bumping and rubbing against each other.
Labels
Include “fragile”, “handle with care” and “this way up” labels to alert the shipper that the package is fragile indicating to them and anyone who handles the package during transit that it should be handled with care.
Fill Empty Spaces
Fill any empty spaces in the box with packing material to keep the item from shifting around Inside of the box.
Purchase Insurance
While most shipping companies offer some form of basic coverage, when shipping an expensive item purchase additional insurance that will cover the cost of replacement.
Protect the Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries become sensitive to heat and static electricity. Due to global shipping standards, the retailing manufacturers take the necessary precautions when designing their original box, but if the item you are shipping is not in the original box or you are shipping batteries separately, cover all exposed terminals with an insulated and non-conductive material to avoid any short circuits.
Seal the Package
Once the electronic is boxed, seal it properly. Use strong packing tape and double tape the box to prevent it from coming apart during transit.
Know the Regulations
There are rules and regulations to follow when shipping certain items. These sites cover some of those regulations.
https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export
The Tech Minimalist 