Your online purchases are a usual thing that most of us are used to. People benefit from it worldwide, and it’s difficult to deny that this is one of the best ways to buy necessary products for the best price using the least effort possible – but there are some pitfalls to consider. One of them is that products coming from other countries undergo multiple checks and stops, so people whose hands this parcel comes through can damage it or do something else unwanted. 

That’s the reason for China Post tracking is so demanded. But except for tracking the package, are there any other possible ways of protecting your shipment? Let’s dive into the subject and learn!

Why Is It Important to Secure International Shipments?

You can buy different products online, and their characteristics (like price, fragility, scalability, etc.) define their shipping conditions. You can also choose various modes of delivery when buying this product because for some purchases it would be inconvenient to use urgent or expensive shipping mode, and vice versa. 

Factually, a correct choice according to your package peculiarities makes a significant contribution to its protection, but it also can show to other people, what’s in there. If a parcel has been sent through a cheap delivery mode that does not suggest a tracking code for a parcel – it’s more likely to be stolen. If it’s an expensive and fragile thing, carrier service workers are more likely to handle it carefully, ‘cause they don’t want to be responsible for any inconvenience that happens to this package. 

And the more borders your parcel has to cross – the more problems can potentially arise. That’s why parcel protection in international delivery is pivotal.

How to Protect an International Parcel?

To make your package safer, you can try the following options. 

• Choose a reputable carrier. Opt for well-established international carriers with a track record of reliable service and secure handling of packages. Research carrier reviews and recommendations. 
• Use a secure shipping option. Select a shipping method that includes tracking, insurance, and delivery confirmation. These points ensure you can monitor the package’s journey and have recourse in case of loss or damage.
• Wrap your item conveniently. Use convenient materials to save your item (e.g., bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or foam to cushion fragile items). Ensure there’s minimal movement within the package.
• Customs documentation. Accurately complete all necessary customs forms and declarations. Include a detailed description of the contents, their value, and purpose (e.g., gift, sale, personal use). Incorrect or incomplete documentation can lead to delays or issues.
• Secure inner packaging. For delicate items, individually wrap them before placing them inside the main packaging. Use padding and separators to prevent direct contact between items.
• Seal the package firmly. Use strong adhesive tape and layer it several times by widening the covering space to enhance overall solidity. Reinforce seams and edges to prevent tampering.
• Avoid excessive labels. Limit the number of labels and markings on the surface to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.
• Use a discreet address. Consider using a work address or a postal box for deliveries, especially if you’re concerned about security at your residence.
• Personal identification. Include your contact information inside the package, in case the external label becomes damaged.
• Insurance. Opt for financial protection in case something wrong happens to the package in case of any objective circumstance or force majeure and how it differs from human factor damage consequences.
• Tracking and notifications. Choose an option that provides detailed tracking updates. Find a robust platform and set up notifications to receive updates on the shipping progress timely.
• Delivery instructions. Provide specific delivery instructions if needed, like requiring a signature upon delivery or specifying a safe location to leave the package.
• Keep records. Maintain records of the shipping details, tracking number, customs forms, and receipts. This documentation can be indispensable if issues arise and restoring it from databases is more difficult compared to step-by-step collection.
• Double- and triple-check information. Review all shipping information, for accuracy before finalizing the shipment. If you’re not confident about doing everything right at the moment, do it later when more focused.
• Research destination regulations. Get acquainted with any import regulations, taxes, or duties in the recipient’s country. This prevents surprises and ensures a smooth customs clearance process. If a recipient is your client, such preparation will be your other advantage as it shows your considerate approach and attention to detail.
• Communication. Stay in touch with the recipient and share tracking information. This keeps both parties informed and minimizes the chance of the package being left unattended. It’s better to not leave the recipient alone with the tracking tool to learn everything by himself. When both of you are checking and comparing your data, it’s more likely to be true. 

It’s possible to divide all these points into categories of concern to remember them more easily, but as for international delivery – it’s better to have this as a checklist with you. In case you’re a sender, it’s your perfect reminder to stay attentive.

If you’re a recipient and you want to protect your parcel, you can also benefit from some of the mentioned points. For instance, you can insist on using a particular courier service (but only if the sender’s country has its offices, too), or buy insurance by yourself. Using package tracking tools is helpful whether your package is valuable or not – it makes you calmer, helps manage your schedule, and identifies the approximate or exact location of your parcel at a given moment. 

When you order online, there’s always some kind of uncertainty that makes you a little bit anxious about how everything will go. But by using a set of measures we can avoid this feeling and contribute to improving delivery conditions. Have the protection means within easy reach, and benefit from automated parcel tracking with pkge.net!