How to package electronics and fragile items for posting

Good packing is the difference between your item arriving exactly as it left, and arriving with a cracked screen. It doesn't take much: a decent box, some padding and five minutes. Here's how to do it properly.

What you'll need

• A sturdy box. Double-walled for anything heavy or expensive. Reusing a box is fine as long as it's rigid and undamaged.
• Padding. Bubble wrap, packing paper, foam, or crumpled newspaper. Air pillows from your own deliveries work well.
• Strong tape. Proper parcel tape, not sticky tape.
• Small bags for cables and accessories.

The golden rules

1. Box, not envelope. Padded envelopes don't stop items flexing or getting crushed. Anything with a screen or glass needs a box.
2. Nothing should move. Shake the box. If you hear or feel movement, add more padding.
3. Padding on every side. Aim for a few centimetres of padding between the item and every wall of the box, including top and bottom.
4. Wrap items individually. Accessories can scratch or crack the main item if they touch.
5. Tape every seam. Use the H-taping method: tape along the centre seam and across both edges, top and bottom.
6. Remove old labels. Cover or remove any old postage labels and barcodes so there's no confusion.

Packing by item type

Phones and tablets

Wrap in bubble wrap and place in a small box with padding all round. Screen-side protection is the priority.

Laptops

Close the lid with nothing on the keyboard. Wrap in bubble wrap, box with padding, and pack the charger in a separate layer so it can't press on the lid.

Consoles

Original box inside an outer box is ideal. Otherwise wrap the console and controllers separately and pad well.

Cameras and lenses

Detach lenses, fit body and lens caps, wrap each item individually and box with plenty of padding.

Heavy items (stand mixers, cast iron, tools)

Use a double-walled box. Heavy items need to be held firmly in place, or they'll break through the box in transit. Remove detachable parts and wrap them separately.

Fragile items (glass, ceramics)

Wrap each piece in several layers, and consider double boxing: a box within a box, with padding between the two.

Batteries

Devices with built-in lithium batteries are fine to send inside the device. Spare batteries should be packed with the item they belong to. Never post a swollen or damaged battery.

Size and weight limits

For SendForCash, parcels need to be under 30kg and no more than 1.5m long. Your free postage label is for Royal Mail Tracked 48 or Parcelforce, depending on your item.

Sending it

Once your offer is accepted, we email a free postage label. Print it, stick it securely on the largest flat side of the box, and drop the parcel at a post office or parcel shop. Keep your proof of postage. We pay the same day we inspect your item.

FAQ

Can I reuse an old Amazon box?

Yes, if it's sturdy and in good condition. Remove or cover old labels.

Do I need to send the original box?

No. It's useful but not required.

I don't have a printer. What can I do?

Many post offices and libraries can print for you. Ask at your local branch.

What if my parcel gets lost?

If a parcel is lost in transit on our free postage label, we pay your offer. Packing carefully is the best way to make sure your item arrives as described.