At first glance, books shipping may seem a no-brainer. After all, books have a convenient shape. They’re easy to wrap up and put in a box. But there’s more to international package shipping than meets the eye.
If you need to send books overseas, be sure to follow these 5 tips. They’ll make the shipping process easy and smooth. Ready? Let’s begin!
1. Choose the right packaging
If you’re shipping to Germany, Italy, Portugal, or other European countries, you need to protect your books from damage. Your parcel will be picked up and put down many times, so the packaging must be durable.
There are few packaging options for books shipping. If you’re sending a single book, a mailer is enough. Just be sure to pick the one with padding. It’ll protect your item from impact damage. If you’re shipping multiple or heavier books, you’ll need a box.
When shipping internationally, it’s crucial to pick a box of the right size. It shouldn’t be too large or too small. So take your time to find a box with dimensions that best fit your books.
2. Waterproof your books
Books aren’t considered fragile items as they don’t break easily. Yet, they’re prone to water damage. It won’t hurt to take countermeasures against humidity when shipping books.
The best way to waterproof a book is to put it into a plastic bag. Make sure to tape it securely and your item will be safe from any leaks.
3. Pack your books with care
If you’re shipping a book in a padded envelope, you don’t need to worry about internal packaging too much. The cushioning is already there. But when you’re sending books in a box, you need to pack them carefully.
Don’t be stingy with internal packaging even if you’re aiming for cheap shipping to Poland, Lithuania, or any other country for that matter. Yes, cushioning may add to the overall weight of your package, but it’s crucial for safe books shipping.
Wrap each book separately in bubble wrap or packing paper. Even newspapers will do. Cushion the bottom of the shipping box with similar padding materials and carefully put the books inside. Finally, fill the remaining space with bubble wrap or crumpled paper.
4. Select a dependable shipping company
You have packed your books. The next step is to pick a carrier. There are many options for international package shipping, so be smart in choosing. Hunting for the cheapest rates is understandable, but it comes with the risks of picking an unprofessional service.
Instead, compare the shipping rates with the perks a carrier is offering and select a shipping company that best matches your needs. And if you ever feel uncertain about the price, you can always check the cost of sending books in a shipping rates calculator.
5. Get parcel insurance
Books may not be considered as breakables or items of extra high value, but it’s still a good idea to insure your package. At the very least parcel insurance will give you peace of mind and make international shipping less stressful.
Books shipping has its ins and outs you need to be aware of. But with these tips you’ll master them in no time!