What packaging strategies help prevent shipping damage?

Robust packaging investment consistently outperforms the cost of dealing with damage claims. Members report that over-engineering packaging is a sound business decision despite higher upfront material and labour costs.

**Key strategies:** - **Secondary delivery boxes** — One member ran an A/B test at a previous company (NIO) that proved using a secondary box layer reduced damage costs more than it added in packaging spend, making it economically optimal - **Courier selection** — **DPD** is noted as reliable with low missing-package rates, though members still pair this with robust packing as standard practice - **Over-specification of packing materials** — Multiple members emphasise "going over the top" with packing as "the key" to avoiding breakages, treating it as a non-negotiable cost of doing business rather than an area to economise

**Third-party considerations:** If using a 3PL or courier consolidator, clarify upfront whether they manage packaging standards or if you need to control this yourself, as quality varies.

**Courier options for reference:** Members use **APC** for larger orders and **Royal Mail** for individual shipments, though Royal Mail costs are rising.