Packaging, Part 3

Wrapping your lovely handmade or vintage widget is most important. Especially so if it is travelling internationally without you. Know that any time a border is crossed, the potential increases for your package to be opened and inspected.

Standards vary between countries. Well-wrapped parcels seem not to attract as much attention as sloppily packaged goods.

Well wrapped= what, you ask?

Packaging in boxes and envelopes which are sturdy and free from advertising of goods not contained within.

For example, Canada Post encourages the use of recycled boxes so long as previous uses have a line drawn across. US Homeland Security will not accept boxes with advertising on them, UNLESS they are advertising the products within.

So...liquour boxes are out....unless you turn then inside out.

Anything breakable should be double-boxed. Pottery I wrap in bubble wrap nestled in peanuts or air-bags inside a box. First box is then placed within a larger one, made of corrugated card. Gift boxes are not sturdy enough to withstand the tossing around by postal workers.

Remember, lettermail is electronically sorted; parcels are generally hand-sorted.

Tape should be packing tape, a clear cellophane tape. Save masking tape for your walls. Thin strips of tape too have to strength. And duct tape..the best but adds weight!

Make sure there are no dangling sticky bits...they get caught in the conveyor belts. So do loose envelope flaps.

Ensure you have documentation affixed. Even a packing slip, easily accessible to customs. I use labelopes...which are sticky envelopes which hold the paypal postage label and packing slips. They are free from my post office, IF I order them online. Saves a customs officer from opening the packet.

Also make sure there are airmail stickers on several box faces. USPS has packing tape marked with service. Very good tools.

And finally let your buyer know the package has left port.