Packaging Guidelines For Returning Merchandise
* General Tips
* Packaging Guidelines
* Shipping Materials Suggestions
* Tips on Packaging Small Items
* Tips on Packaging Large or Heavy Items
General Tips
An unwritten rule is: "If you can throw or drop a box from 2 feet without damaging it's contents – it is probably okay. Rest assured, some gorilla will try it."
Closing the Package
* Pressure-sensitive plastic or nylon-reinforced tape.
* Water-activated paper tape:
o Use 60-pound grade tape at least three inches wide.
o Apply three strips to both the top and bottom of the box.
* Water-activated reinforced tape:
o Similar to plain paper tape, except that reinforcing fibers have been added for strength.
o Tape requires only two center seam strips, in contrast to six strips necessary for paper tape.
* Do not use masking tape, cellophane tape, string, or paper overwrap.
Labeling Properly
* A Return Merchandise Authorization is required.
* Place the RMA number you received from Customer Service into the space provided on the RMA form
* Do not write on the box.
* Enclose a COPY of the RMA form with the merchandise and send it freight pre-paid (insured) to the address on the form.
* Cut off the bottom portion of the RMA page and use it as an address label.
* Tape it securely to the package you are returning. If you have any questions that this document doesn't answer, please contact our Customer Service Department at +800-844-0962.
Packaging Guidelines
* Two inches of packing material is needed on ALL sides of the shipping article including the top and bottom.
* Contents must be secured in the box.
* Any lose items must be wrapped separately to avoid damage to each other or the machine.
* Please provide insurance on the machine - As the shipper, you are solely responsible for the safe return of all item(s).
* Products cannot be accepted if their original boxes are marked, damaged, written upon, or stickers or labels of any type placed upon them.
Shipping Materials Suggestions
* Foam (solid, not egg crate)
* Bubble wrap
* Expanded polystyrene "Peanuts" (may not be suitable for heavy products that may shift while in transport)
* Shredded or crumpled Kraft/newspaper
* Use enough cushioning material to ensure that the contents won't move easily when the box is shaken
* The box must be securely taped closed
* The packing is only as good as the box and the way it is sealed
Tips on Packaging Small Items
Packaging Tips & Supplies
* Items wrapped separately
* Rigid carton with flaps intact
* Adequate cushioning material
* Duplicate label inside carton
* Strong tape designed for shipping, no string or paper overwrap
* Single address label
* A clear, complete delivery address, and a complete return address
Corrugated Boxes
* The new box should be large enough to allow room for adequate cushioning of the material on all sides of the contents will give you the best results.
* When using an old box, make sure all old labels and other shipment markings have been removed from the box.
* Do not exceed the maximum gross weight (generally printed on the bottom flap) on the box.
Protecting the Contents
* Prevent damage of fragile items by protecting them from each other, and separated from the corners and sides of the box.
* The contents of your package should be wrapped separately, and will cushion each item properly.
* Use enough cushioning material to ensure that the contents won't move easily when the box is shaken.
Large or Heavy Packages
* Evaluate packing materials, to ensure adequacy for packages weighing over 70 lbs.
* Boxes need to be of stronger construction, preferably with seams that are stitched or stapled, not glued.
o Check the box maker's certification for maximum weight.
o The higher the weight certification, the better your box will protect its contents from impact in sorting and over-the road vibration.
* Use new boxes whose strength has not been compromised by humidity or prior-use wear and tear.
* Seal with heavy-duty tape, preferably reinforced.
* Dense cushioning material is a must:
o Expanded polystyrene ("peanuts") and crumpled paper are not acceptable because they crush and shift under heavy loads.
o Customized corrugated or molded foam "framing" is more suitable and reinforces the rigidity of the outer box.
* Do not band packages together unless each individual packages is in the box designed to support the total "package" weight. For example:
o If two 40 lbs. boxes are combined into an 80 lbs. unit, both components should be in boxes with at least 80 lbs. weight capacity.
o That's because on the end, all 80 lbs. will be pressing on the bottom layer of the corrugated box.
* If you do band packages, use a minimum of two bands in each direction and label the individual boxes.
o Only same-sized boxes may be banded together.