Most goods damaged in transit are not damaged by a single drop. They are damaged by hours of continuous vibration, and by being stacked under heavier boxes.
Correct packing works in three layers. The inner layer wraps the surface to prevent scratching. The middle layer absorbs shock. The outer layer is a rigid box that holds the shape. The most important rule is that the object must not touch the wall of the box on any side.
Three layers, in order
- Inner layer: soft acid-free paper or thin cloth, wrapped fully so no part is left exposed to rub against the padding.
- Middle layer: padding all around, thick enough on every side, with most attention to corners and protruding parts.
- Outer layer: multi-wall cardboard, or a wooden crate for heavy items, with the seams taped in an H pattern.
- Inside: fill every void so the object does not move when you shake the whole box gently.
- Outside: mark it fragile, mark the correct orientation if the item must stand upright, and put the recipient details on two faces.
The places people tend to miss
Protruding parts such as handles, spouts and flared rims break first, so they need their own padding before the whole piece is wrapped. For items with a lid, separate the lid and wrap it apart, because a lid knocking against the rim under vibration is a common cause of damage. For candles, the wax surface also needs a protective layer, especially when shipping on a hot day.
At ZUNGZA, long-distance orders are packed by a rule: every fragile item has its lid separated, its corners padded individually, and a shake test before the box is taped. This is our internal convention, not a general standard.
What is added when sending abroad
Three more things. First, declare the contents and value correctly as the carrier requires. Second, check the receiving country's rules for your category of goods, especially for anything containing liquid, wax or plant material. Third, allow extra time for customs. For handmade goods using natural materials, the question about plant material is the one that comes up most often.
A few questions you often send us
Should loose foam beads be used
It pads well but has two drawbacks: the object can gradually settle to one side under vibration, and the recipient is left with a pile of hard-to-recycle waste. Many places have moved to compressed shredded paper or honeycomb paper sheets.
Is a tight-fitting box more economical
It saves on cost but raises the risk, because there is no longer room for a shock-absorbing layer. For fragile goods, a slightly larger box with enough padding is usually cheaper than one replacement.
What about sending a candle jar in hot weather
The wax surface can soften or deform slightly if the box sits for a long time in a closed vehicle in the middle of the day. To reduce the risk, ship early in the week, avoid long holidays, and tell the recipient in advance that the wax surface may need one burn to level out again.