How to Ship Fragile Items: A Guide for eCommerce Businesses

Has your eCommerce business been searching for a solution to shipping fragile items? Broken items can mean a lost customer, a bad review, and the added cost of a return or replacement. At Box City, we help online retailers ship with confidence using the right packaging, packing materials, and packaging techniques. Here’s everything you need to know to protect your products in transit.

Overview: Shipping Fragile Items

Common Fragile Product Categories

Fragile items come in many forms. Common examples include:

• Glassware and ceramics
• Electronics and accessories
• Cosmetics and beauty containers
• Artwork or framed prints
• Delicate home decor items

These products are highly susceptible to damage from even mild mishandling or impact during transit.

Shipping Challenges

ECommerce shipments may pass through multiple warehouses, carriers, and delivery vehicles. Common threats include:

• Impact: Dropping or sudden shocks
• Compression: Stacking and weight pressure
• Vibration: From transport over long distances
• Temperature changes: Which can weaken some packaging materials

Improper packaging can result in broken items, costly returns, and negative customer reviews. For small businesses, even a few damaged shipments can impact brand reputation and profits.

Choosing the Right Packaging Materials

Corrugated Boxes

Corrugated boxes are the industry standard for shipping. For fragile items, consider:

• Double-wall or triple-wall construction for extra strength
• Right-sized boxes that minimize movement

Box City offers bulk corrugated boxes ideal for eCommerce businesses shipping fragile goods.

Internal Cushioning

Always wrap items with protective materials before boxing:

• Bubble wrap: Lightweight and flexible
• Foam rolls or sheets: Great for electronics or sharp-edged items
• Air pillows: Fill empty space while minimizing weight

Void Fillers

Use void fillers to keep items from shifting in the box:

• Kraft paper: A recyclable option
• Packing peanuts: Lightweight but effective
• Corrugated inserts or pads: Add layers of protection

Specialty Packaging

For very fragile or high-value items:

• Box-in-a-box method: Double boxes with padding between layers
• Molded pulp trays: Great for items like wine bottles
• Foam-in-place systems: Ideal for electronics or oddly shaped goods

Step-by-Step Guide to Packing Fragile Items

Step 1: Choose the Right Box Size

Start with a corrugated box that fits the item snugly with room for 2-3 inches of padding on all sides.

Step 2: Wrap Each Item Individually

Use bubble wrap or foam sheets and secure them with tape. For electronics, consider anti-static wraps.

Step 3: Layer and Fill

Place heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on top. Fill any empty space with packing materials to prevent movement.

Step 4: Seal with Heavy-Duty Tape

Use strong packing tape and apply the H-tape method (sealing all edges and seams). Reinforce box corners if needed.

Step 5: Label Clearly

Use clear shipping labels and apply stickers like:

• “Fragile”
• “Handle with Care”
• “This Side Up”

These help alert handlers, but don’t take the place of proper packaging.

Shipping Multiple Fragile Items in One Box

If you’re shipping more than one item:

• Use dividers or internal boxes to keep items separate
• Add extra padding between items
• Don’t let items touch inside the box
• Run test shipments to assess durability

Recommended Products from Box City

We carry a full range of protective shipping materials ideal for fragile products:

Corrugated Shipping Boxes

Sturdy, corrugated boxes in numerous sizes—available in single, double, or triple-wall constructions.

Protective Packaging Materials

Bubble wrap, packing peanuts, kraft paper, and air pillows available in rolls or bundles.

Custom Inserts and Trays

Tailor-fit solutions for cosmetics, electronics, glassware, and more.

Labels and Tape

Fragile item labels, branded tape, and heavy-duty options for high-impact protection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors to minimize breakage:

• Reusing old or weakened boxes
• Under-padding or skipping void fill
• Overloading one box with multiple fragile items
• Ignoring box strength guidelines
• Choosing form over function (pretty but flimsy boxes)

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best box type for fragile items?

We recommend double-wall or triple-wall corrugated boxes sized appropriately for the product. Add interior padding and void fill to complete the protection.

How can I reduce damage during shipping?

Use quality boxes, wrap each item, fill voids, and clearly label the box. Consider test shipments if you’re unsure.

Are eco-friendly options available for fragile packaging?

Yes, we offer recyclable kraft paper, biodegradable peanuts, and sustainable boxes. Eco-conscious shipping is possible without compromising safety.

Conclusion: Shipping and Packing Fragile Items

Shipping fragile items doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right materials, smart packing strategies, and reliable boxes from Box City, your eCommerce business can reduce breakage, impress customers, and improve your bottom line.

Need help finding the right shipping supplies for your eCommerce business? Our packaging experts are here to help you choose the best options for your products and budget.