Broken Thermometers

[cheech]

For the 2nd time in a few weeks, a customer has requested a refund stating the thermometer I sent them arrived broken.  Previously I wrapped them in cardboard and then inside a bubble mailer.  After the first refund I started putting thick foam around the tube area as well as marking the package fragile.  I have seen the contractors at Aus Post routinely chucking boxes into their vans, so what more can I do?  Even a cardboard box isn't going to protect things if the delivery guy puts really heavy stuff on top of it, not to mention hugely increasing the postage cost.  

Any suggestions would be most welcome.

Thanks.

[clarry100]

Not really much you can do IMHO, as AP state that something rediculous like a 20kg weight dropped on top from 1-metre high must be accounted for in the packaging.

So I might be inclined to up my prices a bit to cover the loss rate and just replace the odd one that they claim is broken on arrival. Still pack it as well as you can within the budget tho.

You should ask the buyer to send you a pic of the damage too just to keep them honest. Just suggest the pic is required for an insurance claim or something like that.

[digupatin]

A waste of time putting fragile on anything the APO handle, they don't have a fragile goods handling service.

In fact I believe they view it as a challenge.

Have you considered Air Cushions/bags?

They are very cheap, lightweight, and one of the best ways to protect fragile items.

[joethenuts]

very simple but depends on what size your item is , try a empty drink bottle either 1.25 litre or 600mil bottle if it cant fit thru  the hole just cut top off , after you put the wrapped item in bottle then tape up the bottle ,and the bottle will not bend ,you can add some paper in the bottle.

try and squeeze an empty bottle closed , 

a cardboard box will squash but try doing it with a plastic bottle.

[harley_babes_hoard]

Have you actually asked and seen photos of the broken thermometers? If not I surely would be, something doesn't seem right.

[saarzi]

so what more can I do?

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Honestly?  Pick a different item to sell. There are millions. It wont break you. What will, is continuing to try to sell something that you already know isnt working.

Aus Post doesnt do fragile items. Rule of thumb - if you cant drop 10kgs on it without it breaking, dont post it.

If thermometers *specifically*, are your business and your income, then find a different avenue to sell through (like street shops / markets / wholesale B2B, whatever).

[joethenuts]

you are correct about sending these items  , but its 20kg , but there arnt many items that could handle that drop from a meter.  high .

[digital*ghost]

Have you looked into whether rigid mailers would be suitable? They're basically card boxes, but still thin enough to go through as letters, so postage cost shouldn't increase too much (they're more expensive than bubble mailers, but if they can help reduce the instance of broken thermometers, it might be worth it).

I know you're wrapping them in carboard, but if packaged correctly the mailers are tough little things, and won't crush very easily - I send glass items in them, and although they're not as fragile as a thermometer, I've sent hundreds out and so far not one report of them arriving broken (I use bubble wrap as well).

There's a few different sizes, and have about 16mm of space on the inside when assembled and closed. 

[clarry100]

I like that idea Joe but it would definitely drive you up to parcel rates rather than large letter. Haven't seen too many drink bottles that would fit thru the 20mm slot.

But I think you are right tho... if you were mailing something fragile that had to go parcel anyway those plastic softdrink bottles are pretty damned tough.

[*tippy*toes*]

Are they loose thermometers or ones mounted in wood or plastic? If they are loose ones, you can get stiff straws that they might fit in. If they are mounted ones, like for house or garden, I'd be putting a folded layer of bubble wrap over the actual thermometer, then wrap it in that thin foamy packaging stuff (not sure of the actual name of it). If they'll fit, I'd be sending them in a dvd mailer as I am pretty sure they go as large letter rate.