Get tips on the safest ways to ship jewelry, from reliable methods for packaging to advice on preventing theft, so you can send every order with total confidence.
Shipping jewelry requires careful planning to make sure valuable items arrive safely at their destination. In this guide, we’ll explore the safest ways to ship jewelry, with tips on choosing the right packing materials and best delivery services.
Follow these steps to protect your precious pieces from loss, damage, and theft during transit.
Choose a Reputable Shipping Partner
A dependable shipping partner like USPS, FedEx, or UPS can make all the difference in sending jewelry safely. Each of these companies are trusted across the country and around the world for secure, on-time deliveries.
USPS Registered Mail is considered one of the safest choices for high-value items, because it offers detailed tracking and maintains strict handling procedures. FedEx also has a strong reputation for security, thanks to its Declared Value Advantage program that allows you to declare values up to $100,000 per domestic shipment. That said, UPS provides similar benefits through its own insurance programs, as well.
Use Multiple Packaging Layers
It’s no secret that jewelry is delicate and susceptible to damage, which is what makes layered packaging so essential.
To begin, place individual items in a small jewelry box or protective case. For especially fragile pieces, you can use a box with soft, padded inserts to minimize movement. You can also cover this inner box in bubble wrap, which acts as a shock absorber for accidental bumps or drops.
Stick the bubble wrapped jewelry box inside a slightly larger box for additional security. Make sure this outer box is sturdy and won’t collapse under pressure. Meaning, steer clear of thin or easily crushed materials and use reinforced or corrugated cardboard instead.
These multiple layers prevent unnecessary damage and keep the jewelry intact on its journey.
Disguise the Package to Stop Theft
Unfortunately, shipments containing jewelry are targets for theft—and even more so if the contents are obvious from the packaging.
To hinder potential theft, avoid branded outer boxes, jewelry-related logos, or other labels that might reveal the value of the items inside. Your best bet is to use plain, unmarked boxes and standard packing tape to give the shipment an unassuming appearance.
In addition, refrain from using words like ‘jewelry’ or ‘gems’ when filling out the return address, as these terms can tip off possible thieves or porch pirates. You can also use a generic company name to reduce suspicion that much more.
Request Signature Confirmation on Delivery
Requesting a signature upon delivery ensures the customer—or a trusted representative of that customer—is physically present to accept the package.
Signature confirmation is really useful when the recipient lives in a high-traffic area or a busy apartment complex. With the help of this service, packages aren’t abandoned on a doorstep or in a mailbox, which lowers the risk of theft or misplacement.
What’s more, signature confirmation comes with a record of delivery, making it easier to track down the package if issues arise at any point.
Avoid Drop-Off and Parcel Locker Services
In spite of their convenience, drop-off points and locker services aren’t recommended for shipping jewelry. These locations leave packages unattended for hours on end, which makes them easy targets for loss, theft, or tampering with.
It’s a better idea to take parcels to a secure facility from your preferred shipping partner (i.e. USPS, FedEx, or UPS). You can also schedule a pick up from the carrier, if that’s more convenient. Either way, this strategy minimizes the amount of time packages spend in uncertain environments and reduces the likelihood of stolen orders.
Insure Your Shipment for Full Value
Insuring your orders is another critical step in safely shipping jewelry. Keep in mind to purchase shipping insurance, you’ll need to declare the precise value of the jewelry. That way, you’re guaranteed adequate coverage if anything goes wrong in transit.
Most shipping carriers have their own insurance options, but you can also look into third-party insurance providers—especially for high-value pieces that might exceed carrier limits. Some third-party providers actually specialize in jewelry insurance, so they understand the unique risks associated with these shipments.
No matter which provider you choose, having full-value insurance means any incident that happens during delivery won’t result in a total loss.
Track Your Shipments with CaratIQ
Tracking services are strongly encouraged for all jewelry shipments. With advanced tracking, your store and your customers can monitor the shipment’s progress so everyone knows exactly where the order is and when it will arrive.
Even better, real-time tracking offers reassurance that the package is moving as planned, giving both parties a chance to (re)act if there’s any unusual activity.
The best way to track jewelry shipments? With the help of CaratIQ, jewelry store management software, the leading jewelry store business management software.
CaratIQ’s shipping module allows jewelers to see the status of all their shipments and orders per customer for complete transparency. Along with that, CaratIQ saves your tracking details and sends customers automated texts or emails when an item is delivered.
By teaming up with CaratIQ, you’ll have peace of mind on every shipment—and can offer customers the same, as well. Contact CaratIQ today to schedule a free demo!
Read Also:
You may also like
View all
