How to prepare orders for e-commerce shops in times of pandemic?

Due to the pandemic, the reduction of stationary shops and concern for one’s own safety, sales in online shops have increased significantly. The safety of shoppers is increased, but the safety of couriers and order packers must also be taken care of. How do you prepare orders for e-commerce shops in times of pandemic?

In times of pandemic, more people are shopping online. To buy this way, you do not have to leave the house at all – if the order is delivered by courier or possibly go out to a parcel machine/other collection point. It turns out that online orders are up by as much as 25% compared to before the pandemic. In addition, many new online shops have opened during this time. The buyer’s safety is maintained, but what about the couriers and order preparers? Their safety must also be taken care of.

Solutions for the e-commerce industry during a pandemic and beyond

Crucial for online shops is the order packing process. To be effective, it must run smoothly and, during a pandemic, additionally with all safety procedures in place. Such rules apply in every workplace at this time, including when packing shipments. Packers must adhere to them. Packing of orders should be done in compliance with the rules:

• packaging process safety (use of personal protective equipment)
• optimisation of shipping costs (use of appropriately sized ecommerce packaging and adaptation to the type of content and fillers for shipments)
• faster order preparation (use of cartons with automatic bottoms and height-adjustable and self-adhesive closures)
• reducing the number of damaged and stolen parcels (by properly securing shipments – fillers, packing tape)
• ecological solutions (products made of recycled and recyclable materials)
• easy return of shipments (use of returnable cartons)
• shipping to parcel machines (use of ecommerce packaging specially designed for the size of boxes).

The products described above, including ecommerce packaging, are available in the RAJA shop: https://www.rajapack.pl/opakowania-ecommerce_cms_000068.html?ForceCustomerType=false.

Employees packing online orders should be adequately protected. They must not work remotely, as is the case in typical office work. The work of packers should take place in shifts, the distance between workers should be increased and packing stations should be separated by, for example, plexiglass, the equipment used by workers should be regularly disinfected. They should use personal protective equipment, i.e. gloves, masks, visors, protective clothing and footwear. In addition, they should wash their hands thoroughly during breaks, before starting and after finishing work. To this end, they should be provided with soap, towels, access to warm water and disinfectants. Parcels packed in accordance with the above-mentioned rules go to the courier company. For the whole process to be safe, couriers and parcel recipients must also follow certain rules.

First and foremost, it is advisable for ordering parties to choose online payment rather than cash on delivery – this significantly reduces contact with the courier. When delivering a parcel, the courier will warn by phone about the parcel and may leave it at the door without contact. If confirmation is required, the recipient enters a code sent to him/her in advance by text message on the terminal – no signature is required.

The best, because completely contactless form of shipping during a pandemic is, of course, the parcel machine. InPost has prepared a special application, after installation of which you can receive your parcels from a parcel machine completely contactless. It is worth taking advantage of this opportunity.

After collecting your parcel, throw away the ecommerce packaging and wash or disinfect your hands thoroughly.

If order packers, couriers and parcel recipients follow the rules mentioned above, the whole process will certainly be safer.

Items that enhance retail safety include: disposable masks, spacer strips, Plexiglas safety glass, disinfectant gels, soaps, disposable gloves, cellulose cleaning cloths, rubbish bags with closures, paper towels. These types of products to increase safety in the trade and during any work can be ordered at: https://www.rajapack.pl/covid-19-produkty_C9647.html.