[ES] How to ship a book: the best recommendations for book packaging

In the world of books, it is common to find two types of readers: the classics and those who have fully embraced new technologies. The former like to enjoy the traditional book, the paper book: they love the texture and smell of a new book. And on the other hand, there are those who love technology: they are practical, they are always up to date and they sign up for any way of reading, such as the electronic book, also called ebook.

Although there are those who try to convince otherwise, reading habits are increasing year after year. More than half of Spaniards read books. Data from the Federation of Publishers show that 95.7% of the population consider themselves to be readers. Of this percentage, 68.8% read books and most of them do so in their free time. This is something that has a positive impact on the book industry, which in 2021 had a turnover of around 1,100 million, according to figures from the sector. This means new ways of selling and, of course, of sending these products. In this article we give you all the details on how to pack books– read on to find out!

In the world of books, it is common to find two types of readers: the classic ones and those who have fully embraced new technologies. The former like to enjoy the traditional book, the paper book: they love the texture and smell of a new book. And on the other hand, there are those who love technology: they are practical, they are always up to date and they sign up for any way of reading, such as the electronic book, also called ebook.

Although there are those who try to convince otherwise, reading habits are increasing year after year. More than half of Spaniards read books. Data from the Federation of Publishers show that 95.7% of the population consider themselves to be readers. Of this percentage, 68.8% read books and most of them do so in their free time. This is something that has a positive impact on the book industry, which in 2021 had a turnover of around 1,100 million, according to figures from the sector. This means new ways of selling and, of course, of sending these products. In this article we give you all the details on how to pack books– read on to find out!

When is book packaging necessary?

E-commerce is booming. A report by the National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) shows that in the first quarter of 2021, online transactions generated 12.4 billion euros in turnover. In fact, 76% of internet users already shop online, according to IAB Spain’s e-commerce study 2021. In this context, bookshops are not lagging behind and have to deal with more and more online orders. Choosing packaging that protects the book correctly and allows it to reach its destination in perfect condition is essential.

In addition, there are other circumstances that lead to the use of book packaging. For example, when moving house, or when transporting books for trade fairs or events and it is absolutely essential that they arrive intact at their destination without damaged corners and protected at all times.

How to choose the most suitable book packaging

When choosing the most suitable book packaging, there are a number of variables to bear in mind:

1. Number of books

Sending a single volume is not the same as having to group two books in one package. In the latter case, it is advisable to use a book case with a hook-and-loop fastener that allows you to send books of different thicknesses.

2. Size of the book

The scenario also changes between sending an A4-sized book and having to send a much smaller one, or a large-format book. Each case will require different packaging. Nowadays, there are plenty of boxes to ship books securely, whatever their size. Remember: when choosing the packaging, the book should always be kept compact inside.

3. Purpose of packaging for books

A cardboard box for book packaging should be chosen with the purpose in mind. If the most important thing is to protect the product so that it can reach the consumer in the best conditions, choose references with reinforced thickness, or incorporate padding materials. Also, consider whether you want to prioritise the communication of your brand and capture the attention of customers. In this case, customisable boxes are a great option.

Types of packaging for books and other paper and board products

Boxes for books or documents are strong and secure, and provide a wide range of options thanks to the variety of sizes available, so you can guarantee a tailor-made shipment whatever dimensions you need (A3, A4, A5, A6 and A7). But if you are looking for a single, practical and space-saving solution for your warehouse, variable height boxes are the answer. They optimise the stock of boxes because the same box adapts to the height of the products inside. This prevents the contents from shifting during transport and being knocked about.

1. Packaging for plates, photographs or plans

If you sell roll-up products, cardboard shipping tubes are the best solution. They are strong, stable and easy to store. It is the perfect packaging for films, posters, plans or any flat material.

2. Packaging for magazines, catalogues or books

The cases are ideal for sending magazines, documents or small format books. They are also very easy to open and provide maximum protection for the book inside. They are available with or without hook-and-loop fastener for easy opening.

3. Shipping box for several books or magazines

Variable height boxes are ideal for sending several books, magazines or catalogues because they have a pre-cut every 1 cm, so you can easily adjust the box to the height of your documents, and you don’t need to have several models of boxes. Telescopic boxes are also a good option, as they have a separate lid that also allows you to adjust the height. And, of course, the quick-assembly postal boxes also offer an excellent presentation.

The most economical book packaging

For tight budgets, envelopes come to the rescue as the most economical book packaging. Rigid cardboard envelopes are ideal for thin books, as they are robust and protect against knocks and bending.

On the other hand, bubble-padded envelopes are interesting for small and somewhat thick books. However, they are not recommended for hardcover books as they could damage the cover and complicate shipping.

Steps to pack a book safely and securely

Paper books, e-books, prints, posters, CD’s, DVD’s… nowadays you can pack any object for education and entertainment. Surely you not only need to pack books for your customers, but you also need to know how to send their favourite products home in perfect condition. At RAJA® we have cardboard boxes or cases designed to protect them from knocks, especially the more vulnerable parts such as the corners. We tell you the steps to protect your goods in every shipment.

1. The best protection for paper books

When you want to send a shipment with total security, postal boxes are your solution. For a paper book you can use either a special book case or an extra-flat box, both of which protect the books very well against knocks. The cases have lateral flanges and the extra-flat box has reinforced sides.

The book cases can be adjusted to the required height, depending on whether there are more or fewer books or whether the books are thinner or thinner. This also helps to save money: the same packaging can be used for different shipments of different volumes.

The extra-flat box, on the other hand, has two heights, and you can choose the one that best suits the books you want to send. It has an impeccable design and is also available in white!

They all take up very little space as they are delivered flat and are very easy to assemble.

2. This is how you can pack e-books

If, on the other hand, your customers have bought a tablet or any other electronic device, such as a smartphone or laptop, from which to read their favourite books, you should bear in mind that protection is everything. You should opt for cases and cases with built-in protection. They are specially designed to immobilise and preserve the integrity of electronic products.

The box with foam padding is ideal for very fragile objects and is available with two closures: in a sleeve or with a tab. This box guarantees total security and reliable protection.

The case and retention box feature a 60-micron antistatic film that immobilises the product. Its strong point? A perfect presentation.

How to close book packaging with ease

Some of these packages need to be closed with adhesive tape, such as the cross-body box, the Variabox or the retaining box. Consult our guide to choose the right tape for every occasion. In this case RAJA® recommends:

• A 28 micron PVC or polypropylene tape, adhesive paper or its EcoResponsible side: the gummed band, totally inviolable, powerful and resistant.
• You can also use strapping to seal the packages.

And remember that by labelling your shipment properly, you will reduce the chances of your package getting lost or mishandled.

How to send a book by Correos

With the boxes and cases for sale in the RAJA® online shop you won’t have any problems, as they are suitable for the national post office’s 48/72 hour parcel service. However, please make sure that the box or tube conforms to these measurements:

• Length + width + height = 210 cm maximum
• Maximum length = 120 cm
• Maximum weight = 30 kg

The price of the shipment will be indicated to you by Correos staff, as it depends on the dimensions, weight and volumetric weight of the package.

Personalised packaging to send your books

Personalised packaging is an excellent loyalty tool… Try it also for sending books! You can experiment with different colours, logos and messages printed on the inside or outside of cardboard boxes; and include additional details on the inside, such as leaflets, bookmarks or handwritten notes. Have you read our 8 keys to the perfect e-commerce shipping package?

Also, don’t forget to check the quality, strength and reliability of your book packaging. A poor choice could lead to problems in the process, with the consequent added expense of refunds or returns.

Ready to surprise your customers? Make the most of it and use the best packaging for your books, always in stock in the RAJA® online shop – they will love it!

Image source above: Thinkstock ®