Stress-Free Ways to Avoid Holiday Shipping Woes

If you are shipping holiday gifts to loved ones who are miles away, buying a present could be the easy part. However making sure your holiday packages arrive at their destinations safely before Christmas shouldn't drain your bank account or be a big hassle, if you keep these tips in mind. 

 

Pick the right gift - Not only do you want to buy gift that they will like, you need to buy something you can send easily. Even with the right packing precautions, it's always safer to buy items you know can survive a bumpy trip through the mail. Apparel, shoes and most toys are a safe bet.

 

Pay attention to the box - Make sure to use a box that's in good condition. Using a new, sturdy box that's a few inches larger than your gift on all sides to allow for plenty of cushioning is always a good idea. In an attempt to save money, many inexperienced shippers often make the mistake of using the wrong size box, or an old box, which can easily result in damaged gifts. Using an old box can cause problems down the line. The more times a box is used, the more it loses its strength and protective quality.

 

Leftover shipping labels also can cause a lot confusion about a package's destination, so if you need to reuse a box be sure to completely remove the old label. Simply placing the new label over the old one is asking for a mishap.

 

Splurge on high-quality cushioning - UPS said it's better to spend a bit more and use higher-performing cushioning materials made of polyethylene or polyurethane, because basic polystyrene cushion can endure only one impact. Using stronger, but thinner cushioning is better because you can use a smaller box and save on shipping costs if the price is based on the package's dimensions and weight.

 

Take the shake test - Be sure to pack it right. Use at least 1 inch of cushioning around the item, top, bottom and all four sides to fill in any air spaces. There should be very little movement when you shake the box. Newspaper is not a good choice for cushioning, since it may flatten while the box is in transit, but it's great for wrapping fragile items.

 

Remember holiday ship time deadlines - Ship your gifts in accordance to set delivery dates.

 

Flat-rate boxes - Flat-rate boxes come in a variety of sizes and can be a money-saver when shipping small, but heavy gifts. FedEx and the U.S. Postal Service both offer this option, which allows you to pack as much as you can into a box and pay one price with weight not mattering.

 

Consider insurance - There is always a chance that your package might get lost or damaged. Ask the shipper about insurance or a declared-value option. The post office includes $100 of insurance in its Priority Mail Express shipping and offers options for declaring a higher value, for a fee. FedEx does not offer insurance, but you can pay extra to declare a value on your package up to $1,000 before you ship it. With UPS, liability for loss or damaged is limited to $100 unless a higher value is declared and paid for.

 

Look for deals – Bargain hunting should not end when you buy your gift. If you have time shop around for a cheaper shipping rate.

 

Avoid missed packages - If package recipients miss delivery more than once, they may be forced to pick up the package at a shipping hub. To avoid the potential inconvenience, consider sending the gift to their place of employment. This also helps avoid unwanted snooping from children, or even neighbors or even being stolen.