Packaging Guidelines For Returning Merchandise

• General Tips
• Packaging Guidelines
• Shipping Materials Suggestions
• Tips on Packaging Small Items
• Tips on Packaging Large or Heavy Items

General Tips

An unwritten rule of shipping is: "If you can throw or drop a box from 2 feet without damaging the contents it is probably okay. Rest assured, someone will try it."

Closing the Package

• Pressure-sensitive plastic or nylon-reinforced tape.
• Water-activated paper tape:
  • Use 60-pound grade tape at least three inches wide.
  • Apply three strips to both the top and bottom of the box.
• Water-activated reinforced tape:
  • Similar to plain paper tape, except that reinforcing fibers have been added for strength.
  • Tape requires only two center seam strips, in contrast to six strips necessary for paper tape.
• Do not use masking tape, cellophane tape, string, or paper overwrap.

Labeling Properly

• A Return Merchandise Authorization is required.
• Place the RMA number you received from Customer Service into the space provided on the RMA form
• Do not write on the box.
• Enclose a COPY of the RMA form with the merchandise and send it freight pre-paid (insured) to the address on the form.
• Cut off the bottom portion of the RMA page and use it as an address label.
• Tape it securely to the package you are returning.

If you have any questions that this document doesn't answer, please contact our Customer Service Department at 1 (800) 543-5454.

Packaging Guidelines

• Two inches of packing material is needed on ALL sides of the shipping article including the top and bottom.
• Contents must be secured in the box.
• Any lose items must be wrapped separately to avoid damage to each other or the machine.
• Please provide insurance on the machine - As the shipper, you are solely responsible for the safe return of all item(s).
• Products cannot be accepted if their original boxes are marked, damaged, written upon, or stickers or labels of any type placed upon them.

Shipping Materials Suggestions

• Foam (solid, not egg crate)
• Bubble wrap
• Expanded polystyrene "Peanuts" (may not be suitable for heavy products that may shift while in transport)
• Shredded or crumpled Kraft/newspaper
• Use enough cushioning material to ensure that the contents won't move easily when the box is shaken
• The box must be securely taped closed
• The packing is only as good as the box and the way it is sealed

Tips on Packaging Small Items

Packaging Tips & Supplies

• Items wrapped separately
• Rigid carton with flaps intact
• Adequate cushioning material
• Duplicate label inside carton
• Strong tape designed for shipping, no string or paper overwrap
• Single address label
• A clear, complete delivery address, and a complete return address

Corrugated Boxes

• The new box should be large enough to allow room for adequate cushioning of the material on all sides of the contents will give you the best results.
• When using an old box, make sure all old labels and other shipment markings have been removed from the box.
• Do not exceed the maximum gross weight (generally printed on the bottom flap) on the box.

Protecting the Contents

• Prevent damage of fragile items by protecting them from each other, and separated from the corners and sides of the box.
• The contents of your package should be wrapped separately, and will cushion each item properly.
• Use enough cushioning material to ensure that the contents won't move easily when the box is shaken.

Large or Heavy Packages

• Evaluate packing materials, to ensure adequacy for packages weighing over 70 lbs.
• Boxes need to be of stronger construction, preferably with seams that are stitched or stapled, not glued.
• Check the box maker's certification for maximum weight.
• The higher the weight certification, the better your box will protect its contents from impact in sorting and over-the road vibration.
• Use new boxes whose strength has not been compromised by humidity or prior-use wear and tear.
• Seal with heavy-duty tape, preferably reinforced.
• Dense cushioning material is a must:
• Expanded polystyrene ("peanuts") and crumpled paper are not acceptable because they crush and shift under heavy loads.
• Customized corrugated or molded foam "framing" is more suitable and reinforces the rigidity of the outer box.
• Do not band packages together unless each individual packages is in the box designed to support the total "package" weight. For example:
• If two 40 lbs. boxes are combined into an 80 lbs. unit, both components should be in boxes with at least 80 lbs. weight capacity.
• That's because on the end, all 80 lbs. will be pressing on the bottom layer of the corrugated box.
• If you do band packages, use a minimum of two bands in each direction and label the individual boxes.
• Only same-sized boxes may be banded together.