Should I remove batteries before shipping electronics?
No, it's best to leave batteries installed. Electronics are designed to prevent charge buildup when powered off, but exposed batteries can pose a fire hazard from static electricity.
What packing materials work best?
Bubble wrap, plastic wrap, and foam work well. The key is to cushion the item to prevent shifting and absorb impacts.
How should I label shipments with lithium batteries?
Clearly mark the box as containing lithium batteries to ensure proper handling and meet carrier regulations.
What size box should I use?
Choose a box larger than the item so you can surround it with adequate cushioning material.
How much tape should I use?
Seal the box completely with 2-3 layers of transparent packing tape to prevent opening or damage.
Should I mark packages as fragile?
Yes, visibly labeling boxes as "Fragile" prompts more careful handling, especially for delicate items.
Is it better to ship electronics myself or use a fulfillment service?
Third-party logistics (3PL) providers professionally handle packing, labeling, and shipping, saving you time while reducing mistakes and damage.
What does a 3PL provider do?
They store inventory, pick/pack orders, apply branding, and handle shipping. This simplifies scaling an ecommerce business.
A recent data exposure at a fulfillment vendor affected thousands of ecommerce customers' records. Four questions worth asking about data retention, access controls, breach notification, and subprocessors before you sign with a 3PL.
Apparel fulfillment is harder than standard ecommerce: size-and-color SKU matrices, high return rates, and poly-bag and hang-tag requirements. Here's what changes when you move clothing through a 3PL, what to ask before you sign, and how Simpl runs apparel programs, starting at $7/order.
What does order fulfillment actually cost? This guide breaks down every fee type, from pick-and-pack to receiving, storage, and setup, with real industry ranges and Simpl's flat-rate model as a case study.
