Packaging Advice
It's important that you properly package your items to ensure that they aren't damaged in transit. Below are some useful guidelines on how to send things appropriately with SendSocial and myHermes.
- Make sure the packaging is the right size for the item that you're sending. Under-filled boxes could collapse, and over-filled ones might break.
- We are unable to deliver items that weigh over 10Kg or are more than 1.2 metres long.
- It's important to use high-quality materials for your delivery. Wrapping supplies with strength, cushioning and durability are especially important. Polystyrene, bubble plastic or shredded paper should be used to protect fragile items.
- Boxes made out of corrugated cardboard are stronger than others. Heavy-duty double-layered board should be used for valuable items.
- Cushioning material should be used to keep your goods in place.
- Strapping, where suitable, is a good way of sealing and securing your parcel.
- Strong tape should be used to seal boxes.
- Make sure that you put fragile goods in the middle of your package, and that they don't touch the sides. Cushion them around all edges.
- Powders and fine grains should be placed in strong plastic bags, securely sealed and packed in a rigid fibreboard box.
- Some goods sold in attractive packaging may not be suitable for shipping, so make sure that gifts are appropriately repacked if necessary.
- Triangular tubes should be used to pack rolled plans, maps and blueprints.
- Always pack small items in Jiffy bags.
- Data discs, audio and video tapes should be protected with soft cushioning material.
- When sending flat, fragile material (such as vinyl records), use cardboard dividers.
- If you're re-using a box, remove all of its labels and stickers. Make sure that the box is in a good condition and will last its entire journey.
- Don't use bags made of fabric or cloth.
- Please do not send dangerous or prohibited goods – you may be liable to prosecution.
- Don't use substandard or damaged cartons.
Items excluded from compensation cover
Whilst we are happy to deliver these items, myHermes have deemed them to be unsuitable for shipment, and are therefore sent at your own risk and are excluded from our compensation cover.
- Antiques (items over 100 years old)
- Articles made largely or wholly of gold, silver, or other precious metals
- Ceramics or composites wholly or partially made of china and/or porcelain*
- Compensation will not be paid for delay if multiple items have been strapped together
- Dangerous, hazardous or prohibited goods (as detailed in 'Prohibited Goods')
- Diamonds and other precious stones
- Eggs in the event of damage
- Food items (perishable)
- Fossils, stones, or stoneware*
- Furniture (unless flat-packed)
- Glassware* - items partially or wholly made of glass or containing glass, such as picture frames that contain glass, mirrored items, crystal or any item containing these materials
- Human and animal remains, including ashes
- Jewellery (except imitation)
- Laptops, monitors, or computer equipment
- Marble or any stone derivative
- Money – banker’s drafts, current bank notes, currency notes or coins, credit cards, debit cards, uncrossed postal orders which do not state to whom they are to be paid, cheques or dividend warrants which are uncrossed and made payable to the bearer, bearer securities including share warrants, scripts or subscription certificates, bonds or relative coupons, un-franked postage or revenue stamps (except a revenue stamp embossed or impressed on an instrument which has been executed), coupons, vouchers, tokens, stamps, lottery tickets, scratch cards or similar items which can be exchanged by themselves or with any other item for money or goods or services, National Insurance stamps, all tickets including travel and events
- Musical instrument hard cases and suitcases when used as external packaging
- Musical instruments will only be covered with up to £25 compensation for loss or damage
- Negotiable documents
- Perishable goods
- Plants, seeds, flowers and plant derivatives
- Real fur
- Resin* items, amber and composites
- Restricted goods, where the instructions have not been heeded
- SIM cards
- Stamps
- Televisions, plasma screens, TFT screens and monitors
- Watches
- White goods - fridges, ovens (also known as range, stove, cooking plate, or cooker top), dishwasher, washing machines, et cetera
* In the case of fossils, stones, stoneware, resins, ceramics and glassware, we will pay compensation for loss of parcels, but not damage to the items.
