Shipping Electronics Safely

Posted by Aynur Kaso

Electronics are a very popular gift idea—especially if they’re studying abroad and need a new laptop! Surprise your family and friends living abroad by sending them a smartphone, Bluetooth speakers, a Kindle, or any other electronic device using PackageHopper and save with our affordable rates.

If you’ve never shipped an electronic device before, it’s important to note that packing is a very important step. You need to do it carefully and correctly to prevent costly damages and returns. Here you can read about some tips when you ship electronics.

Take Note of Batteries

Plug-in-powered consumer electronics are generally acceptable for shipping. However, most devices these days are mobile and run off lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries. These are restricted from individuals tendering in shipments to the carriers. In some instances, the carrier retail location may have specialized packaging for purchase that will allow the shipping of one or two electronic devices that contain lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries within the equipment.

Why All the Hassle?

Our international shipping carriers utilize air transport for delivering your care packages to loved ones. Due to this transit type, there are temperature and pressure changes during travel leading to static electricity build-up. If a high-powered device is accidentally powered on in transit, the existing static electricity can cause the lithium battery-powered device to short-circuit. International safety regulations are usually very strict because of this reason.

If you’re sending a new electronic device in its original packaging, we recommend that you do not open it before you pack it for shipment—keep the original seals and shrink-wrap plastics intact. Also, make sure the power is off (especially if it’s a laptop or smartphone make sure it’s not on sleep mode).

Don’t disconnect any removable batteries. They will be kept grounded when attached and therefore safer. Another safety precaution is to cover the power buttons with tape or cardboard so they won’t accidentally be jostled and activated. A plastic bag can insulate the device from static electricity, so you may consider placing your device inside one.

What’s the Right Packing Method?

A double-wall box is a great way to ship electronics. A double-wall box is a box within a box. The inner box keeps the item safe from the container’s outer walls to minimize impacts. The double-layer protection helps protect the device from vibrations, bumps, or any kind of movement.

The first layer of protection:

The original retail box is usually great to serve as the inner container. Just try to softly shake it and see if the things inside move or not.

If you don’t have a retail box, don’t worry, you can still make a firm and safe box yourself. Find an appropriate box for your device. Wrap the electronic device with bubble wrap and put it inside the box. Remember to secure the item in the middle by inserting padding on all sides.

Don’t use “packing peanuts”! They may create static electricity and due to their loose-fill nature, they won’t hold your device static. Seal the box with tape.

The second layer of protection:

Pack the inner box with bubble wrap and insert it in another container repeating the process and including more padding so that the inner box doesn’t move. Then, seal the box with tape and make sure it’s firm. Now your double-wall box is ready for a shipping label! Follow the next steps outlined here to finish sending off that new iPhone to your family member.