Bundle up well

Sturdy, not too small, not too large

All shipping companies use automated sorting machines; consequently, we see many packages that either tear apart or fall through conveyor belts if they are packed too loosely in a plastic bag or a thin envelope!

As a general rule, only clothing and "soft goods" should be sent in a bag. All hard items MUST be packed in a cardboard box with internal shock-absorbing material.

Therefore: If you are sending a package, pack it well. If you use a bag, ensure there are no loose flaps that could get caught on something. Use strong tape—better too much than too little. 😉 Do not use a cloth bag, as shipping labels tend to fall off them easily.

If you are sending a small package, don't make it too small—it risks getting lost in the sorting machines!

If the packaging does not comply with the shipping companies' rules, they will issue a (costly) surcharge.

Remember that fragile items must be packed individually in a sturdy cardboard box with shock-absorbing protection to prevent them from rattling against each other and breaking. This applies to items such as china, glass, electronics, children's furniture, and the like. The items must not be able to shift inside the package.

The best option is a sturdy cardboard box reused from other deliveries you have received. You can read more about dao's requirements here, Bring's requirements here, and GLS's requirements here.

Clear package code

Ideally, write it directly on the package using a clear marker. If you attach the package code as a sticker, make sure it cannot fall off!

Attach a photo of the package

Always attach a photo of the package to the shipment request so that any tracking or compensation claims can be handled as quickly and easily as possible.

dao's requirements for proper packaging

"Adequate packaging of your package is your responsibility. dao and the carriers are under no obligation to verify whether the packaging is sufficient. The package must be able to withstand pressure, impact, vibration, and a drop of at least 1 meter onto a hard surface without the item inside being damaged. Therefore, you must be thorough when packaging your package, especially if the contents are fragile. Fragile items and technical/electronic items must be packed in a sturdy box capable of withstanding impact; the inner packaging must be shock-absorbing and snug, ensuring the item is secured in foam, polystyrene, or similar material cut precisely to the item's shape, or alternatively, that any voids in the package are tightly filled with polystyrene beads or chips. Items inside your package must not be able to shift, rub, or bump against the packaging or other items within the package. Furthermore, the packaging must comply with legal requirements and be secure enough to allow the package to be handled without causing damage to other packages or the people handling them."