At OEMatic we can “revive” even the most difficult cases of damaged car radios, navigation units and amplifiers. But even our “magicians” are helpless if the equipment is physically damaged in transit. We will show you which mistakes to avoid so your valuable equipment reaches us safely and intact.
“A cautionary tale” – 5 costly packing mistakes
1. Stretch film is enough.
Unfortunately it is not enough. This is what a radio packed only in film looks like:
Why is this poor packing? Zero protection against impacts; thin film gives only the illusion of protection. At the first heavier impact, the radio casing will hit another parcel, and the film itself will be cut on sharp edges. 99% of parcels packed this way have no right to arrive at the repair centre intact.
2. Bubble envelope instead of a rigid carton.
No rigid protection – the radio was put only in a bubble envelope.
A radio packed only in a bubble envelope. No rigidity, no cushioning. The unit has sharp edges, which quickly pierced the film. Tape was used only on the envelope flap – it does nothing to secure or stiffen the structure. The result? A bent casing and torn connectors.
3. Polystyrene as filler.
Polystyrene beads and fragments get into sockets, gaps, fans and CD mechanisms. Instead of absorbing shocks, they break up and crumble inside the box, leaving the equipment unprotected. That is why we advise: polystyrene is absolutely not suitable as filler when sending electronics.
4. Packing tape directly on the screen.
Never stick tape directly to the display of a radio-navigation unit. After several days in transit, removing it without traces is almost impossible: the adhesive bites into the anti-reflective coating and can even damage the polariser. This usually means the entire panel has to be replaced.
5. Wet newspapers and materials.
Damp cardboard or used towels absorb moisture during transport. At the first impact they offer no protection at all. Instead of saving the parcel, they increase the risk of flooding and damage. In short — forget about such “fillers”.
How can additional damage during transport be prevented?
- Bubble wrap + filler.
Wrap the equipment in a thick layer of bubble wrap, and fill any free space in the carton with paper, soft foam or air pillows. After shaking the parcel, nothing must be able to move inside it. - Screen under protective film.
First apply protective film to the display, then wrap the whole unit in bubble wrap. Tape should be applied only to the film, never to the equipment itself. - Stretch only on the carton.
Stretch film is only an outer moisture barrier – use it over a solid carton, not instead of one. - Only dry, clean materials.
Avoid damp newspapers, used towels and polystyrene.
By following these simple rules, you significantly reduce the risk of your radio, navigation unit or amplifier arriving at the workshop with additional damage.
Do you still have questions about safely packing equipment? Below you will find a short FAQ with the most common doubts and practical solutions.
External packing guides:
- DHL packing guide
- How do I pack a parcel? Furgonetka.pl
- DPD Polska – How to pack parcels
- GLS – How to pack a parcel for dispatch
Correct packaging is the quickest and cheapest way to make sure your equipment reaches us without any additional damage.
Follow the tips above and the repair will start straight away — no stress, no unnecessary extra costs.