It is Uncommon Goods’ goal to provide an exceptional customer experience and high-quality products, which includes product packaging. When a customer receives an order from UG, they expect it to arrive undamaged and presentable. Uncommon Goods asks every vendor to help support this goal by packaging their products with sustainable packaging materials. Properly packaging products will help ensure that products are shelf ready, survive the trials of shipping, and create a positive shopping experience for customers.
Below is an overview of our packaging and labeling requirements. When you shipped your product to your buyer for review, it should have been in its final packaging as it would arrive to the customer. If anything about your packaging has changed since your buyer reviewed it, please contact them before shipping your first PO.
Shelf-Ready Packaging
All items shipped to Uncommon Goods should be shelf ready. This means your product is well-packaged to prevent dust or damage and has a UPC barcode and expiration date (if applicable) printed on the outside.
DO
- Pack in a box or other container that is strong enough to stack in a warehouse or on pallets
- Individually wrap or box all merchandise to prevent damage
- Make sure the packaging is presentable in appearance
- Make sure the package is easy to open for customer
- Make sure lids and closures are secure – use tape or other closing seal if needed
Scannable Barcodes
All products shipped to Uncommon Goods must include scannable UPC barcodes or SKU labels unless an exception has been given by the buyer. Any UPC or ISBN barcodes will work. If your item does not already have a barcode, you can print an Uncommon Goods barcode label through the vendor extranet. If for some reason you can’t print using the extranet, see these instructions.
DO:
- Place labels on outside of packaging (if packed in an outer bag or box place on outer packaging)
- For sets of units, place a single barcode on outermost packaging
- If possible, ensure only one barcode is visible
- On round surfaces, place label on the flattest surface (ex. on tubes place lengthwise or on endcaps)
- Use labels that are not faded or incomplete (lines missing or scratched off/through)
- Use matte paper to print. Glossy labels are not preferred.
- If possible, include readable SKU/UPC/Description on label
Packing Material
Uncommon Goods encourages all vendors to help lessen the impact we have on the environment by using materials that are either recyclable or biodegradable and that do not create a lot of waste. In particular, we strive to limit the use of plastic in our supply chain and encourage you to avoid using the following materials in your packaging:
- Poly Bags (Unless necessary for protection of the item from dust, dirt, or breakage)
- Bubble Wrap
- Shrink Wrap
- Styrofoam (Styrofoam should never be used to package products sent to Uncommon Goods. If there is Styrofoam in your packaging, please let your buyer know before shipping your product.)
The following materials are also discouraged:
- Crinkle cut paper
- Shredded paper
- Hay and straw
Recommended Packing Materials:
- Full Sheets of Kraft Paper (when packed in tightly around fragile items, it can protect just as well as Styrofoam)
- Biodegradable peanuts
- Green wrap
Additional Information About Packing Material
All products sold by Uncommon Goods need to be able to withstand the standard shipping process for parcel shipping. Products that are fragile, sharp, liquid, powder, or contain multiple components should be packaged according to the guidelines provided. See Packaging for Specific Items (link)
Boxes: Use a solid six-sided corrugated container that should not give way when medium pressure is applied. Contents of the product inside should be securely held in place. Box must be sealed with tape or glue. Any merchandise that is glass, ceramic, has sharp edges, and/or has multiple components should be packed in a box. If there are multiple components, each piece needs to be individually wrapped to prevent them from damaging each other.
Poly Bags: These are transparent bags that should be a minimum of .09 mil thickness. Any merchandise packaged in a poly bag should be sealed completely. The purpose of the poly bag is to keep merchandise safe from tearing, dust, dirt, and liquid. Bags should be the appropriate size for the merchandise. Poly bags specifically should be used for items that are plush, textile, apparel, fabric, and intended for babies.
Kraft Paper: The most eco-friendly form of dunnage is recycled and recyclable Kraft paper. For individually packed items, a lighter weight paper is ideal as to not crush or damage the product. For carton packing and re-shippers, heavier weight paper will need to be used.
Bubble Wrap: When an eco-friendly option, like paper or biodegradable material, is not available or not a viable option, bubble wrap is the best way to protect especially fragile items. When using bubble wrap, product should be wrapped completely so it is not exposed in any way. Bubble Wrap is also ideal for use as packing material inside boxes. Use bubble wrap that is not too thin and/or will not deflate easily.
Shrink Wrap: When an eco-friendly option, like paper or corrugated envelopes, are not available or not a viable option, shrink wrap can be used to stabilize products, keep sets from being separated, keep merchandise clean and/or provide tamper resistance. Toys, games, books, and merchandise sold as a set should be shrink wrapped.