7 Tips for Shipping Items Using Bubble Wrap

Most of us are familiar with popping sheets of bubble packing material. Yet, do you know the correct way to use bubble wrap when shipping items? As a bubble wrap supplier, we understand that when you ship products, you want to ensure they will arrive at their destination intact. This guide was written to help businesses just like yours keep their shipping items safe with quality bubble products.

Below you’ll find our 7 tips for shipping items using bubble wrap.

Bubble Wrap Shipping Tips

1.) Pick the Right Bubble Size

Protective bubble comes in a range of bubble sizes to accommodate the size item you’re shipping. For example, if you are shipping large bulky products such as furniture, you may benefit most from a large bubble size.

Large bubble bags and sheets are perfect for protecting items from impact damage and large bubble can also be used to fill void space in boxes so that your items don’t move around and break during shipping. Small sized bubbles are best suited for protecting fragile items (such as electronics and dishware) from being scratched. Check out our blog post to learn what size bubble wrap you need.

2.) Pack with the Bubbles Facing In

There seems to be some debate on whether the bubbles on bubble wrap should be facing in or out when wrapped around a product. To clear any confusion you might have, you should know that packing with the bubbles in provides greater protective cushioning for shipping items. This is because the bubbles help hold your items in place during shipping. The smooth side of bubble wrap is also more durable and less likely to pop, which is why it makes sense to put it on the outside.

3.) Protect Flat Breakables with Self-Seal Bubble Bags

Bubble bags with lip and tape are perfect for shipping small fragile items such as CDs or picture frames. These clear protective bubble envelopes can be easily sealed for your convenience and keep items secure during shipping. We carry stock bubble lip and tape bags for small quantity needs, as well as offer quotes for custom bags based on your product size.

4.) Protect Small Accessories with Custom Bubble Bags

While bubble lip and tape bags are perfect for flat items, regular bubble bags are best suited for small breakables of various shapes and sizes. Bubble bag sizes are custom so let us know if we can quote a size to fit your needs. Still aren’t sure if using bubble bags is the right choice for your company? Check out our other blog post to learn what type of bubble packaging you should use.

5.) Fill Void Areas

To prevent shipping damage, it’s important to fill all void areas with protective bubble sheeting, or whatever is most appropriate for the product being shipped. If there are void areas in your shipping boxes, you run the risk of product damage before they even get to their destination.

To maintain customer satisfaction, make sure that all void areas are filled. That way, you won’t have to worry about items moving around during shipping and being damaged.

Use more than one layer of bubble packing material. You may also want to use more than one type of packaging material to help your items arrive at their destinations intact. The bubbles help absorb impact from being jostled or dropped. Yet, it’s important that you use enough bubble wrap for what you want to ship.

Items that are delicate should have more protective packaging. To know if you’re using enough bubble wrap, gently shake the box. If you can hear anything moving inside, you’ll need to add more bubble packing material so the items in the box don’t move.

6.) Don’t Skimp on Packing Tape

If you use a single strip of packing tape across the cardboard box flaps, it won’t be secure. For the best results, you should use three strips of tape. Make sure each strip of packing tape slightly overlaps the other.

We understand that business owners are concerned with cutting unnecessary expenses. However, using a sufficient amount of packing tape will prevent your boxes from bursting open when they’re pushed from the sides during shipping.

7.) Consider Your Shipping Process

Are you a company that gets products ready for shipping via an assembly line? If so, you may be interested in ordering bubble bags on a roll. With this product, your employees are able to work more efficiently by easily tearing off bubble bags from a roll. Bubble bags on a roll are also great for people who sell their own crafts on the internet and need to ship products from home.

This may seem like common sense, but it’s so much easier to package items on a flat, clean surface. The last thing you want is for one of your customers to complain about their items being stained or smudged. We recommend you create a designated space for packing items. Not only will this help you stay organized, but it’ll also ensure each box is packed with care before shipping. Most companies already have designated spaces for packing, but this may not be the case if you’re working from home.

Call Premier Protective Packaging

Not all companies are the same. For this reason, we recommend calling us with any questions you might have about protective packaging. As a reputable bubble, foam and spun bond converter, we offer a variety of products to fit your shipping needs.

If you are interested in ordering our protective bubble products, please feel free to give us a call at (616) 791-7400. The shipping experts at Premier Protective Packaging are dedicated to helping products shipped from businesses arrive safely at their destinations.