Preparing your products for the Eshopbox fulfilment centre

Before sending your products to the Eshopbox fulfilment centre, you need to make sure that all of your items are properly labelled and securely packed. By doing so, you ensure that there are no delays and minimal errors in receiving the consignment.

In this article, you will learn how to pack and label your inventory before you send it to Eshopbox.

Packaging and labelling products

You need to follow the guidelines below to ensure each product is packaged and labelled correctly before sending it to an Eshopbox Fulfilment Center.

All products must have clearly scannable barcodes. Products lacking a scannable identifier will be considered non-compliant. Learn here how to handle non-compliant consignments.

All products must have labels which are in compliance with the Indian Metrology Act.

When packing small products, use pouches with a barcode on the exterior and a product description sticker on the side.

For larger products, use a six-sided box with a scannable barcode and product description sticker on the outside.

If a product has multiple components, make sure each component is packed separately in a six-sided box with a scannable barcode on the outside.

Include silica gel in the packaging of products sensitive to moisture.
If using plastic packaging, make sure it is compliant with the state laws.

Product preparation matrix

Based on the unique types of products, you are required to follow some specific instructions for packaging and labelling your products, as shown in the table below:

Product Type	Guidance
Fragile/Glass: glass, ceramic or otherwise fragile	Wrap the product in protective bubble wrap and place it in a protective six-sided box. The product must pass a 3-foot drop test on a hard surface without breaking and a Full Minute Vigourous Shaking test. Make sure the barcode can be scanned without opening or unwrapping the product.
Liquids: a liquid without a double seal	Tighten the lid of the container, place it in a transparent bag with a suffocation warning to protect it from leakage (or apply another appropriate second seal) and then seal the bag. If the pouch is protruding 3 inches past the dimensions of the product, use tape to seal the bag. The product must pass a 3-foot drop test on a hard surface without breaking. Make sure the barcode can be scanned without opening or unwrapping the product.
Perforated Packaging: in packaging with a perforated opening	If the product does not pass a drop test, place it in a transparent bag with a suffocation warning and seal the bag. If the pouch is protruding 3 inches past the dimensions of the product, use tape to seal the bag. Make sure the barcode can be scanned without opening or unwrapping the product.
Apparel, Fabric, Plush, and Textiles: made of cloth or fabric which can be damaged by dirt, dust, moisture or liquid	Place the product in a transparent bag with a suffocation warning and seal the bag to protect it from damage or dust. If the pouch is protruding 3 inches past the dimensions of the product, use tape to seal the bag. Make sure the barcode can be scanned without opening or unwrapping the product.
Toys and Baby Products: for a child three years old or younger	Place the product in a transparent bag with a suffocation warning and seal the bag to protect it from damage or dust. If the pouch is protruding 3 inches past the dimensions of the product, use tape to seal the bag. Make sure the barcode can be scanned without opening or unwrapping the product.
Powders, Pellets and Granular: made of or containing powders, pellets or granular materials	If the product does not pass the 3-foot drop test, place it in a transparent bag with a suffocation warning and seal the bag. If the pouch is protruding 3 inches past the dimensions of the product, use tape to seal the bag. Make sure the barcode can be scanned without opening or unwrapping the product.
Sharp: a product with a sharp or pointed edge that, when exposed, presents a safety hazard	Wrap the product in protective bubble wrap and place it in a protective six-sided box, so that the packaging completely covers any exposed edges. Make sure the barcode can be scanned without opening or unwrapping the product.
Small: small, where the longest side is less than 2-1/8 inches (the width of a credit card)	Place the unit in a transparent bag with a suffocation warning and seal the bag. If the pouch is protruding 3 inches past the dimensions of the product, use tape to seal the bag. Make sure the barcode can be scanned without opening or unwrapping the product.

Packaging and labelling cartons

Once your products are prepared as per the specifications, you now need to prepare the cartons in an appropriate manner in which you would pack your products.

Packaging cartons

Cartons are protective packaging used to store products during transit. You need to follow the guidelines below to make sure each carton is packaged diligently before sending it to an Eshopbox fulfilment centre.

One carton should include only one SKU. In case you want to pack different SKUs in the same carton, you must segregate them within the carton by using either the box-in-the-box method or by using dividers.

Note: SKUs that arrive mixed up within a box will be considered non-compliant. An additional fee for receiving will apply in this case.

In case you wish to opt for the box-in-the-box method to pack a consignment with multiple types of products, you need to keep in mind the guidelines below.

All the empty spaces in the carton need to be filled with some filler material.
The carton must not be larger than 31" x 19" x 13".
The carton must not weigh more than 50 kg.
The carton must be sealed properly.

Cartons must not be larger than 31" x 19" x 13"

Labelling cartons

Follow the guide below to ensure each carton is labelled appropriately before sending them to Eshopbox FCs.

Every carton must be labelled with either the invoice number or the consignment number; otherwise, the carton will be rejected.

There can be instances of inventory mismatch after inventory receiving is complete. If you wish to identify the shortage or excess inventory at a box level, you should include a packing slip with the following details.
- Box ID: This ID will be generated by you for the purpose of internal identification.
- Box weight: When inventory is received at Eshopbox, we weigh the box. In case there is a weight mismatch, it will get highlighted.
- SKU-wise quantity: Eshopbox will provide you with box-level data so that you can identify any shortages or overages.
Special handling labels, if any, should be large, brightly coloured, and positioned in multiple locations.

Note: Any inventory that arrives at the fulfilment centres without proper preparation or labelling may incur a non-compliance fee or may be subject to rejection.