Shipping high-value goods: how to protect valuable parcels

These days you can ship almost anything, and it's inevitable that things don't always go smoothly. Damage or loss is a headache for both the customer and the seller, and when you're shipping high-value goods it's well worth taking steps to prevent it. How should you handle "insured shipping" in your online store? What matters when packaging valuable parcels? What does an ideal delivery of valuable goods look like? And what insurance does Sendcloud offer? Here's everything you need to know.

How to ship high-value goods

1. Don't advertise "insured shipping"

Online retailers often make the mistake of promoting "insured shipping" on their website. The term is misleading and legally inaccurate. It gives customers the impression that they carry the transport risk, when in fact that responsibility sits with the seller, regardless of the shipping method. It can also make customers feel that "insured shipping" gives them an advantage over standard shipping, which overlooks the fact that the shipping method should always match the value of the goods.

2. Package valuable products correctly

Choosing the right packaging is not to be underestimated. It's important for everyday products and even more so for valuable goods. A few points to keep in mind:

Keep the packaging discreet. Avoid any obvious hint about the valuable contents, and make sure the sender details don't give the product away either. A plain box is the answer if you don't want to attract prying eyes.

Secure the contents. With any shipment, valuable or not, the goods must reach the customer undamaged, so suitable filling material is key. Kraft paper, air cushions, or filler chips fill the empty spaces in the parcel and protect your products from damage. Match the cushioning to how delicate the contents are. If you're shipping jewelry, for example, cushion it so well that it makes no sound when the parcel is shaken.

Choose the right box. Depending on the transport load, pick a single-, double-, or triple-wall box. Pay attention to the construction too: an automatic-bottom box, for instance, isn't tamper-proof, so a closed-body box is the safer choice.

Make tampering visible. Make sure any external marks or changes are immediately obvious if someone gains unauthorized access to the contents. Standard brown parcel tape, for example, can simply be replaced after a box is opened without leaving much of a trace, so strong, distinctive tape is an advantage, though avoid tape printed with your logo that hints at what's inside.

3. Deliver in person

Parcels are often left at the front door, in a garage, or in a stairwell when the recipient isn't home. That's fine as long as nothing goes missing, but there are much safer methods:

Identity check on delivery. For especially valuable contents, it's important to insist on an identity check and/or a signature from the rightful recipient, so the contents are guaranteed to reach the right customer.

Authorized recipients. Alternatively, you can allow an authorization, so a spouse, family member, or other authorized person also has the right to accept the parcel.

4. Additional insurance

Damage or even loss of a parcel is something no company can fully avoid, and it's especially frustrating with valuable contents. When you ship with Sendcloud, your parcels are automatically covered, with the amount varying by carrier. Standard coverage is:

• DHL: €500

• UPS: €510

• DPD: €520

• GLS: €750

With additional shipping insurance through Sendcloud, you can insure your parcels beyond the standard coverage, individually up to €5,000.

Shipping high-value goods always carries risk, but with the tips above you can do a lot to manage it. Want to start protecting your valuable shipments? Start with Sendcloud for free!