What to Do When Glass Products Break in Transit?

Shipping glass always comes with risk. Whether it’s wine, spirits, or specialty glassware, breakages in transit can be costly, time-consuming, and damaging to your brand.

Here’s what to consider when dealing with product damage in transit – and how to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Returns Policy

A clear and fair returns policy is essential for managing customer expectations. But if you’re seeing a rise in damaged goods, this may also be costing your business more than it should.

Compensation

While some couriers may offer compensation, it’s often dependent on packaging that meets strict transit standards. Claims can be inconsistent and often don’t cover the full cost—financial or reputational—of a broken delivery.

Preventative Measures

The best solution? Prevent breakages before they happen. Here are some things you can do to reduce breakages:

✅ Choose the right courier
Not all couriers are equal when it comes to handling fragile goods. Opt for those with a strong track record in bottle shipments—and always check that your packaging meets their approval standards.

✅ Label clearly
Use “Fragile”, “This Way Up”, and “Handle with Care” labels to alert handlers to the contents. While labels won’t guarantee careful handling, they act as a helpful prompt during sorting and delivery.

✅ Use void fill sparingly
While bubble wrap and fillers can seem protective, they often shift in transit and don’t secure bottles in place. Our structured cardboard inserts eliminate this issue with precise bottle placement.

✅ Don’t overpack
Cramming too many bottles into one box increases the chance of impact damage. Our 1, 3, 6, and magnum configurations help you pack smart – not tight.

✅ Conduct drop tests
If you’re unsure whether your current packaging holds up, run internal drop or shake tests. We’re happy to offer advice or supply sample packaging for comparison.

✅ Use the right packaging for your product
Fit-for-purpose glass packaging can be inexpensive compared to replacing broken products and are more likely to see your arrive in one piece.

Our protective glass bottle packaging is designed to keep your product in to keep your products in perfect condition.

✅ Proven protective system – tested and courier-approved
✅ Fastest packaging method – saves time and labour
✅ Made in the UK from recycled materials
✅ Off-the-shelf availability for urgent requirements
✅ 1, 3, 6 bottle and magnum options – pack from 1 to 15 bottles with ease

Want to find out more about glass bottle packaging?

📞 Call 0121 557 1891 or 📧 email nsmith@nsmithbox.co.uk to discuss the right solution for your business.

Don’t let broken bottles break your profit margin – let us help you ship smarter this season.