Having to ship high value items can be stressful for small business owners, as these products often require special handling, packaging, and delivery services to ensure their safe and secure arrival at their destination.
In this article, we will explore eight best practices to successfully ship high value items, providing small business owners with the knowledge and tools needed to safeguard their valuable products during transit. To better illustrate the importance of these best practices, we’ll use a specific scenario.
Imagine a small business owner who specializes in creating and selling one-of-a-kind, handcrafted jewelry pieces. They receive an order for a custom-made necklace with precious gemstones, valued at several thousand pesos, that needs to be shipped to a customer across the country. Given the high value of the item, the business owner is understandably concerned about ensuring its safe and secure delivery.
In the following sections, we’ll discuss eight essential best practices for shipping high-value items like the custom-made necklace mentioned above. These recommendations will cover various aspects of the shipping process, such as selecting the right courier, choosing appropriate packaging materials, obtaining insurance, and utilizing tracking services.
By following these guidelines, the small business owner can feel confident that their valuable product will arrive safely at its destination, providing their customer with a positive experience and helping to build the business’s reputation for reliability and professionalism.
So, whether you’re shipping expensive jewelry, delicate artwork, or high-tech electronics, our comprehensive guide to shipping high-value items will provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to ensure a successful and secure delivery.
The right packaging materials are crucial to protect high-value items during shipping. Invest in high-quality, durable boxes that can withstand the rigors of transit. If your item is highly delicate, you might want to enclose it in a wooden box as well, to prevent the box packaging from being damaged, especially if it’s going to travel far and with other shipments.
Also, make sure to use bubble wraps, foam inserts, or custom-molded padding to provide additional cushioning and protection for your products. Take inspiration from how laptop manufacturers package their products by using various cushions and protection.
Lastly, seal the boxes securely with heavy-duty tape to prevent tampering and accidental opening during transit.
If using a wooden box/crate is too much for you, double-boxing is also an effective method for providing extra protection to high-value items. Place your product in a smaller box (your main packaging) surrounded by protective padding. Then place that box inside a larger one, adding more cushioning material between the two boxes. This technique helps to absorb shocks and impacts, safeguarding your items from potential damage.
Not all carriers are equipped to handle high-value items. Some specialize in moving bulk items quickly, while others have the capacity to handle packages delicately to ensure proper handling and safe delivery.
That’s why it’s essential to select a carrier with a proven track record in this area.
Research carriers that specialize in handling valuable goods and have the necessary infrastructure, security measures, and insurance coverage in place. Don’t hesitate to ask logistics companies about their procedures, policies, and insurances for high-value and fragile goods before committing to them.
Also, always check customer reviews and testimonials to ensure that the carrier has a reputation for delivering high-value items safely and securely.
High-value items should always be insured during shipping to protect against loss, theft, or damage. Many carriers offer insurance coverage as an additional service, or you may purchase coverage through a third-party provider. Ensure that the coverage amount is sufficient to cover the full value of your items, and consider purchasing additional coverage for particularly valuable shipments.
Getting an insurance is not a bet against the logistics company you’re working with, but a protection for you in case an unforeseen event happens and something unfortunate happens to your product.
Tracking and signature confirmation services can provide peace of mind and added security for high-value shipments.
For instance, tracking services allow you to monitor the progress of your shipment in real-time. This helps you keep your customers updated on delivery schedules as well.
Moreover, signature confirmation ensures that your package is only delivered to the intended recipient, who must sign for the delivery.
These two services help to minimize the risk of theft or loss during transit. So make sure you work with a logistics company that can provide you with both services.
Ensure your packages are labeled with the recipient’s name, address, and contact information. Also, add your own contact information to make communication easier.
Moreover, avoid using any language or symbols on the packaging that might indicate the contents are valuable, which could attract unwanted attention. Instead, use generic terms or product codes to describe the contents of your package.
For example, instead of saying “Handle with Care: Expensive Painting Inside” use generic markings like “Handle with Care: Highly Breakable Item Inside.”
Keep your customers informed throughout the shipping process by providing them with tracking information and estimated delivery dates. Encourage customers to report any issues with their shipments promptly so that you can address any problems and initiate insurance claims if necessary. Clear communication helps to build trust and confidence in your shipping process, ensuring customer satisfaction.
Regularly review your shipping processes, procedures, and suppliers to identify areas for improvement. Gather feedback from customers, carriers, and employees to pinpoint potential issues and implement changes to enhance the safety and security of your high-value shipments. Continuously refining your shipping practices can help to minimize risks and ensure the successful delivery of your high-value items.
Shipping high-value items can be challenging, but by following these best practices, small business owners can protect their valuable products and ensure a safe and secure delivery.
Ultimately, the key to successfully shipping high-value items lies in being proactive, diligent, and attentive to detail. By prioritizing the safety and security of your products and maintaining clear communication with both carriers and customers, you can build a robust and reliable shipping process that supports the growth and success of your small business.
If you need help in shipping high-value items to your customers, you can get in touch with us. Our Cargo Padala Express Forwarding Services Corp. (CaPEx) team will happily help you find the right solution for your business!
Need a trusted air freight in the Philippines? Contact CaPEx today to get a quote and book your shipment!
