ParcelPedia Podcast

The Promise of Secure Shipping: Expert Tips from ParcelPedia's James Banks

• James Banks • Episode 8

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How Does Your Staff Help Customers With The Actual Packing Process If They Need Assistance?

Educate yourself on the secrets of expert shipping with James Banks, the mastermind behind ParcelPedia, as we guide you through the essentials of packaging and shipping. Ever wondered if your homemade packaging can withstand the rigors of transit? Or what specific materials can save your goods from damage? James is here to answer those burning questions and more, offering you peace of mind whether you’re sending a precious family heirloom or stocking your small business’s inventory. Prepare to learn all about the nuances of packaging materials, from the trusted bubble wrap to the underappreciated packing tape, and why duct tape might not be your best friend when it comes to sealing your shipments.

Join co-host Sophia Yvette as she digs deep into the world of ParcelPedia, exploring the variety of services they offer. Discover how you can benefit from their full-service packing or simply stock up on high-quality packing supplies if you prefer a DIY approach. James shares invaluable insights into the importance of adhering to carrier-specific packaging standards, ensuring not only the safety of your package but also protecting your financial interests. Whether you’re a shipping novice or a seasoned sender, this episode is your ticket to mastering the art of secure shipping.


To learn more about ParcelPedia visit:
https://www.ParcelPedia.com
ParcelPedia
8992 Preston Road, Suite 110
Frisco, Texas
972- 335-1450

Speaker 1:

Welcome to the Parcelpedia podcast, the ultimate guide to all things shipping and business services in Frisco, texas, from US mail and FedEx to private mailboxes and packing supplies. We've got you covered. Stay tuned for a special discount code to save on your next order. And now delivering expert tips and insider insights with a smile, here's your host, james Banks. Owner of Parcelpedia.

Speaker 2:

Got a shipment but no idea how to pack it safely. James Banks from Parcelpedia reveals how his expert team makes sure your items are packed securely, even if you have no clue where to start. Team make sure your items are packed securely even if you have no clue where to start. Welcome back everyone. I'm Sofia Yvette, co-host slash producer. Back in the studio with James Banks. James, how's it going?

Speaker 3:

Hey Sofia, I'm doing well. How are you?

Speaker 2:

I'm doing well. So, James, how does your staff help customers with the actual packing process if they need assistance?

Speaker 3:

Well, we help them in a variety of different ways. We can do a full service which sounds just like it is. We do every single thing for you. You just bring your item to us and we will wrap it, we will pack it, we will put it in the box, seal it up and send it on its way. If you just need a little bit of help, you already have it packed. We just want to make sure you can leave it open, or we can open it, review it, let you know if you need any extra padding or need to take anything out, and then, of course, if you have it ready to go, we'll just throw tape on it or just throw a label on it and get it sent out for you as well. So, any level of help that's needed, we're here to help. It doesn't really matter if you have a box half full, full. If you have a box that's not the right size for what you're bringing in, we will swap it out, we'll make it correct and we'll get it out.

Speaker 2:

Okay. So what if I show up with a vase wrapped in bubble wrap and duct tape? Will your staff fix my creative piping job?

Speaker 3:

You know, it depends If the bubble wrap is on there, very well, the duct tape is okay. A duct tape is just an adhesive, it's just keeping the bubble wrap around it. You know, it's no problem. I only say, stay away from painter's tape. It's a tape that's meant to be peeled off, so it's not very secure tape. But yeah, I mean, duct tape is just fine as long as it's going into a container. Most carriers do not like duct tape for the outside of the boxes. Most people don't know that. A lot of people use duct tape but the carriers do not like that. So we always use packing tape to seal your carton.

Speaker 2:

And what materials and techniques does your staff use to ensure items are packed securely?

Speaker 3:

And what materials and techniques does your staff use to ensure items are packed securely? Well, we always abide by the carrier's requirements for insurance claims. So each carrier whether it's FedEx, dhl, ups, usps they all have different work requirements as far as how your package needs to be packaged. So they will recognize it as protected and that it is their liability as far as any damage is done. So we always pack everything according to that. You don't have to be mindful of size of bubble on bubble wrap that. All our knowledge will take care of that for you. You don't have to worry about doing research on that, but we make sure that when it's packed, if something happens and you need to get your money back for it, it will be packed accordingly.

Speaker 2:

And what about different levels of packing assistance? Do you offer different levels of packing assistance, such as full service or materials only options?

Speaker 3:

Yes, definitely. Full service, of course, is just like it sounds. We do everything. All you need to do is just give us addresses and the items shipped and literally we take care of everything else. As far as just packing material, we have plenty of customers who have small businesses out of their home or out of their small offices and they just need packing material. They'll come by get bubble wrap, get packing peanuts, get foam, so we have all those materials on hand. So, definitely, if you just need something even if you're just doing storage so you're not shipping you just need a box. We have boxes.

Speaker 2:

How do you handle unusual shaped or fragile items during the packing process?

Speaker 3:

We handle them just like every other package. We take our time, we measure them, we see what we're doing with it. You know, is this going to be a ground shipment, where it's going to be in the back of a truck for an extended period of time? Is this going on a jet, where it'll just be an overnight shipment and we pack according again to the insurance requirements? We make sure that that package is going to get there safe and if it doesn't, if something does go wrong, that we are backed up with that assurance. But you know, we will customize the box if we have to. We'll combine boxes. I've had to do that for really, really large packages. Sometimes they just don't make boxes that big and so we'll combine them and secure them. But it's a lot of different techniques we use here to make sure the package gets packaged up.

Speaker 2:

So should we call you guys Papping.

Speaker 3:

Um, man magician has a nice sound to it, but it gives the idea that the expertise is coming from somewhere else. I would say pros, my guys. They have the knowledge, and experience is what gives them the ability to do what they do. So I kind of take away from their hard work. They are pros for sure.

Speaker 2:

So what's the trick to fitting a giant item in a tiny box?

Speaker 3:

Well, if it's something that is meant to be squished down like a big jacket or oversized coat, you know willpower, little elbow grease, you gotta have some strength to cram in that box. You don't want to be too crammed where the box will split. Um, and just knowing what you do and experience I mean experience helps so much when you do things over and over repetition you get an idea of what you need to do.

Speaker 2:

So you have any funny stories you want to share of that same situation?

Speaker 3:

Yes, so with most carriers they have a weight limit of 150 pounds and we had a customer come in they need to ship a return and it was a king size mattress that topped out on a scale of 149.5. So it was within requirements. So it was up to us to figure out how to get this mattress back to the manufacturer. And we got it figured out. We rolled it, wrestled it I mean we looked like Steve Irwin out there but we got it wrapped up, we got it taped up and we got it sent off. And it got there no problem and the customer got his return money back. So it was a success.

Speaker 2:

Well, love to James. We'll catch you in the next episode. Have a fantastic rest of your week.

Speaker 3:

Thanks, Lucina.

Speaker 1:

Thanks for joining us on the Parcelpedia podcast. Don't forget mention podcast at our store. To snag 10% off select shipping services, stop by at 8992 Preston Road, suite 110, frisco, texas, or give us a ring at 972-335-1450. We're here to make your shipping a breeze. Until next time, keep shipping and smiling.