A Few Tips for Shipping Electronics
Whether you are moving and need to ship some of your electronics to your new home or you want to send an electronic device as a gift to someone, you should know how to properly ship electronics to protect them from damage and ensure that they arrive at their destination safe and sound. Here are some tips for shipping electronics that may come in handy.
Choose the Right Carrier and Shipping Service
All of the major carriers (USPS, UPS, FedEx) are reliable enough to ship electronics, so the choice comes down to finding the right balance between delivery speed and cost, although personal preferences and additional services offered by the carriers also play a role.
For example, UPS and FedEx offer pack and ship services, where the carrier’s packing experts ensure your fragile electronics are properly packed. It is worth mentioning UPS Pack & Ship is available for both UPS and USPS packages at UPS Stores that provide the service.
When choosing the best shipping service, be sure to check the carrier’s lithium battery policy. Some carriers allow devices with pre-installed lithium batteries to be shipped by air, but ground delivery may be a safer, albeit slower, choice. You should follow the carrier’s battery shipping policies to the letter.
Make Sure Your Electronics Are Properly Packed
Electronics are fragile and sensitive; they can be damaged by humidity, high and low temperatures, vibration, electrostatic discharge, and external impacts. To make matters worse, the damage isn’t always immediately apparent: you think everything is fine at first, but after a while the device stops working because of invisible damage. That’s why it’s important to make sure your electronics are properly packaged and protected from everything you can imagine.
Before shipping used electronics such as cell phones or laptops, back up your data and delete any personal information, just in case. Before packing, make sure the devices are completely turned off and protect the power button so it doesn’t accidentally turn on during shipping.
If the device has a delicate screen, use a special screen protector or clear protective film to protect the screen from damage. If the device has removable parts or accessories (memory cards, cables, chargers, remotes, etc.), pack them individually in separate packaging and containers.
If you are shipping multiple items in one package, wrap each item individually. First, place each device in a special anti-static bag to protect it from electronic discharge that can fry circuits. Then wrap each item in several layers of bubble wrap, making sure to cover all edges and corners, and tape down the bubble wrap.
For added protection, use the double-boxing technique: place the device within a smaller inner box, then place the smaller box in a sturdy outer box, preferably a double-wall corrugated cardboard box. Make sure that both boxes are well-suited for the items you’re shipping and don’t forget to fill any remaining space with cushioning material. We recommend that you avoid loose packing materials such as packing peanuts and use foam inserts or something similar. It is also a good idea to place several desiccant packs inside the box for additional moisture protection.
Finally, seal the package thoroughly with several layers of strong tape, making sure to reinforce all edges and corners. The tape will keep the box closed and protect the contents from moisture.
Leave Clear Handling Instructions
Since electronics are so delicate and sensitive, it is important to leave clear handling instructions in the form of warning labels such as Fragile, Handle With Care, This Side Up, etc.
Consider Paying for Additional Services
When shipping electronics and other expensive items, it is a good idea to purchase additional insurance to ensure that you will be reimbursed in the event of damage, loss, or theft, as the standard insurance offered by carriers may not be sufficient. It is also a good idea to pay a little extra for signature on delivery, a service that requires the recipient to sign for the package; some carriers will not even insure electronics that do not require signature on delivery.