The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
Members recommend a combination of courier choice and robust packaging to minimise breakages on case shipments. Courier options vary by volume and geography: **For parcels (up to 12 bottles/small consignments):** - **Parcelforce** — consistently praised as reliable and cheaper than alternatives; air pack bottles inside cases to reduce movement - **FedEx** — effective but variable by local depot; experience can be "luck of the draw" - **Gophr** — recommended for London deliveries - **APC** — recommended for national coverage **For larger consignments (multi-box/8–10 cases):** - **Parcelforce** — proving solid and consistent; cheaper option - **FedEx** — works well but quality varies by local depot - **DHL** — usable but requires "bomb-proof" packing; historical high breakage rates (50%+) reported on specific postcodes (e.g. Edinburgh), though this may be depot-dependent **Packaging specifics:** - Use **double-walled/fluted cases** for added protection - One member specified: **BC flute 200 kraft outer with 80 B flute/80 liner/80 C flute and 200 inner liner** for their boxes - **Air packing** inside bottles significantly reduces breakages **Key warnings:** - Some postcodes have "rogue drivers" and higher theft/breakage rates; consider switching couriers if a postcode consistently underperforms - Courier quality is inconsistent and can depend heavily on the individual depot and handler - Some breakage is inevitable even with best practice; one member noted they "always will be some breakages" - Theft has been reported (contents replaced entirely in extreme cases) **For pallet configurations:** Members referenced **https://www.gigacalculator.com/calculators/pallet-calculator.php** as a tool for determining layouts for specific bottle sizes like 35cl.