The Do’s and Don’ts of Shipping Fragile Items
Shipping fragile items can feel like sending your heart out into the wild. Whether you’re a small business mailing handmade ceramics, a baker shipping delicate cookies, or just sending a glass heirloom to a friend, one wrong move can turn your package into a pile of shards. At Best Box Store, we’ve seen it all—and helped countless customers get their fragile goods from point A to point B in one piece. With our low-quantity, custom packaging options, you don’t need to be a shipping expert to succeed. Here’s a rundown of the do’s and don’ts to keep your fragile items safe, no matter the journey.
Do: Choose the Right Box Size
Size matters when it comes to fragile items. A box that’s too big leaves too much room for movement, while one that’s too small won’t allow enough cushioning. Aim for a box that’s just right—about 2-3 inches larger than your item on all sides. This gives you space for padding without letting things rattle around. At Best Box Store, you can order custom-sized boxes in small batches, so you’re not stuck with a one-size-fits-all solution.
Right size, right protection.
Don’t: Skimp on Materials
It’s tempting to cut corners with flimsy boxes or thin paper, especially if you’re on a budget. But fragile items demand quality. A sturdy corrugated cardboard box is your first line of defense—don’t settle for anything less. Cheap materials might save a buck today, but they’ll cost you more in replacements and unhappy customers tomorrow. Our durable, customizable boxes at Best Box Store are built to handle the bumps of shipping, even in small runs.
Strong materials save the day
Do: Use Plenty of Cushioning
Padding is your fragile item’s best friend. Bubble wrap, foam peanuts, or air pillows should surround your product—top, bottom, and edges. For extra-delicate items, double up: wrap the item individually, then add more cushioning inside the box. A good rule? If you shake the box and hear or feel movement, add more. With small orders from us, you can pair your custom box with the perfect padding amount, with no overstock required.
Cushion like you mean it.
Don’t: Trust Tape Alone
Tape seals the deal, but it’s not a miracle worker. Overloading a box and expecting a strip of tape to hold it together is a recipe for disaster. Don’t just tape the seams—reinforce stress points like corners and edges, and use heavy-duty packing tape, not flimsy office stuff. Better yet, choose a box designed for strength (hint: we’ve got those at Best Box Store) so tape isn’t doing all the heavy lifting.
Tape smart, not sparse.
Do: Label It Loud and Clear
Never assume carriers will guess your package is fragile. Slap a bold “Fragile” or “Handle with Care” label on at least two sides—top and one side work best. If you’re shipping liquids or something extra-breakable, add “This Side Up” arrows too. With our custom printing, you can even design boxes with these warnings built in, saving you the hassle of stickers and ensuring every shipment screams “caution.”
Labels that can’t be missed.
Don’t: Overpack or Underpack
Balance is key. Overpacking—cramming too many items into one box—increases the risk of pressure cracks, while underpacking leaves gaps for things to crash into each other. Each fragile item needs its own space, ideally separated by dividers or extra padding. Test your setup: if it feels like a Tetris game gone wrong, rethink it. Our small-batch options let you order just enough boxes to ship smart, not sloppy.
Space it out, save the goods.
Do: Test Before You Send
Before you ship dozens of orders, do a trial run. Pack your item, drop the box from waist height (gently!), and check for damage. It’s better to break one now than disappoint a customer later. Small quantities from Best Box Store make this easy—order 10 boxes, test a few designs, and ship with confidence once you’ve nailed it.
Try before they fly.
Don’t: Ignore Insurance
Even with perfect packing, accidents happen—lost packages, rough handling, rogue forklifts. Don’t skip shipping insurance for fragile items, especially high-value ones. It’s a small cost for peace of mind, and many carriers offer it at checkout. Pair that with our sturdy, custom boxes, and you’ve got a safety net that keeps your business humming.
Cover your bases.
Ship Fragile, Ship Smart
Shipping fragile items doesn’t have to be a gamble. With the right box, plenty of padding, clear labels, and a little prep, you can send your delicate goods anywhere with confidence. At Best Box Store, we’re here to make it painless—our low-quantity, custom packaging lets small businesses and individuals ship smart without the stress of bulk orders. Whether it’s 10 boxes or 50, we’ve got your fragile items covered.
Got a fragile shipping story—success or disaster? Share it below, or head to bestboxstore.com to design your perfect protective packaging today!
