GENERAL PACKAGING

A seller is responsible for ensuring a shipped item is delivered to a buyer in excellent condition

Below are some packaging guidelines to assist you

Wrapping an item

The item to be shipped

Wrap your item in excess bubble wrap or paper e.g. more than you think is necessary

Packaging container

Select a container or cut down to size a packing container to ensure that it is a good fit for the item you're shipping

Container shape

Select a container or cut down to size a packing container to ensure that it is a good fit for the item you're shipping

Multiple items

If shipping together, ensure the items do not touch, using plenty packaging material in between

Movement of items

Fill the box with enough packaging material to ensure the items inside do not move during shipping

Extra protection

Where possible, use a double walled container. Thiscan be achieved by placing a smaller box within a larger padded box

Packaging tape

Use a wide packaging tape, not a standard thin office cellotape

Electronic items e.g. TV's, Computers etc

Where possible, use original packaging that the item was purchased with

Heavy and/or large items

Ask a shipping company for advice. They may pack the item for you or have special packaging containers

Labelling

Print the buyers address in clear largeletters with a waterproof marker

Also write your address in a corner, just in case the purchasers address is incorrect and/or an item needs to be returned to you

SPECIAL ITEMS

There are some items that require more care when packing to minimise any risk of damage when being shipped.

Below are some helpful packing tips

Posters, prints, unframed art, photographs

Flat images

Place soft tissue between each item and secure between a sheet offlat cardboard on both sides

Ensure the flat cardboard is larger than the item(s)being shipped

Seal the cardboard with commercial packing tape and then place thisin an envelope or a layer of strong wrapping paper

Rollable images

Place in a strong cardboard or PVC packingtube container

Seal both ends with aplastic cap and commercial packing tape

Framed art

Cover the corners of the frame with cardboard

Fully cover the glass withmasking tape

Wrap the item with two to three layers of heavy duty bubble wrap

Place between two pieces of strong cardboard

Wrap and seal the item with a stronggrade of paper

Clearly mark as fragile the package on both sides

Odd shaped items

Wrap the item, place the item in a strong square or rectangular container andfill in any gaps in the container with crunched paper or bubble wrap to ensure the item does not move whilst in transit

Books

Wrap books in a double layer of bubble wrap

Place the book(s) between twostrong pieces of cardboard and wrap with a strong grade of paper, or place in a firm cardboard container

Crockery and glassware

Wrap each item separately with a thick layer of tissue or bubble wrap

Place in a strong cardboard container with enough cushioning to ensure that theitems inside do not move while in transit

Ensure you place a double amount ofcushioning between the outside of the packing container and the items being shipped

Small electronic items

Package items in a strong cardboard container with plenty of cushioningmaterial

Postal regulations require that batteries must be removed from electronic items before shipping

Place computer parts in non-staticpackaging to minimise risk of damage to the electronic circuitry

Sharp items

Take extra care to wrap with enough packing material so that no sharpedges can be felt

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Some items that are prohibited from being shipped.

Shipping and postal companies that identify a parcel as containing prohibited goods may destroy, repackage or return the package at the senders expense.

Below is a brief list of items that are prohibited by shipping and postal companies.

Prohibited items

All drugs except in prescription quantities andpackaged correctly (additional restrictions apply for international services)

Cash, bullion or currency

Corrosives (e.g. mercury - including thermometers, bleach, nail polish and remover, nitric acids, battery fluids, acid, caustic soda)

Dead animals

Electronic/electric devices with batteries installed (batteries must be removed)

Explosives (e.g. Aerosol Cans, ammunition, fireworks, igniters, flares, toy caps)

Firearms (includes parts)

Flammable liquids and solids (e.g. glue, fuels, paint, alcohol, perfume, matches, petrol, kerosene, aftershave, turpentine, solvents, lighter and cleaning fluids, nitrate products, liquid nitrogen)

Gases (e.g. aerosol cans, cigarette lighters, gas cylinders - full or empty, fire extinguishers)

Illegal narcotic substances

Items /consignments valued in excess of NZ$50,000

Human remains (includes ashes)

Live animals

Noxious substances

Other items (e.g. wet-cell batteries , dry ice, asbestos, first aid kits)

Peroxides (e.g. hair bleaches and dye, disinfectants)

Poorly packaged items

Radioactive materials

Toxic (poisonous) and infectious substances

For more information, contact the NZ Post Customer Service Centre on 0800 501 501, and/or view a full list of prohibited items on the NZ Post website

NZ POST SHIPPING RATES

Below is a rates guide of standard postal options offered by NZ Post

For the latest up-to-date rates, visit the New Zealand Post's Rate Finder

For a full list of NZ Post products and services, visit the NZ post website

COURIER POST

For courierPost pricing, phone 0800 Courier (0800 268 7437)

SHIPPING TIMES

Below is a guide for  standard delivery times and standard postal options offered by New Zealand Post and Courier Post

DELIVERY TARGETS   

- These are a guide only

RURAL DELIVERY

- Allow an extra 1 to 3 days for delivery to and from a rural area

SHIPPING INSURANCE COVER

Items shipped via NZ Post and Courier Post are automatically covered by the Carriage of Goods Act 1979 up to the following levels of compensation

The above compensation can be used to replace items or repair an item lost or damaged during transit.

The compensation limits may be subject to certain exclusions by a Shipping company.
To learn more about compensation coverage or to make a claim:

- visit the New Zealand Post Website, or

- visit the Courier Post Website