“I have four grandchildren,” Donna said. “Three live here in Boston, but my youngest granddaughter lives in Southern California. It’s important to me that I maintain a strong and meaningful bond with her, even though I don’t get to see her in person that often. That means shipping lots of packages – and unfortunately, I’ve learned a lot of expensive lessons.”
Learn From Experience: Don’t Use Old Amazon Boxes To Ship Gifts
“So I was sending some pajamas, and a few books, and some other little treats to my granddaughter,” Donna said. “And so I needed a box. Well, big deal, I have Amazon boxes just like everyone else. So I used one to pack everything up and popped it in the mail.”
“A few days later, my daughter sent me a text. The Post Office had delivered the package – but because the Amazon box basically collapsed when a heavy box was put on top of it, they’d had to take the contents of my box out and deliver everything in a plastic bag. A few of the smaller items I’d put in there didn’t make it – I was so disappointed!”
“So the lesson is, especially when you’re shipping coast to coast from Boston, don’t recycle. Get a new shipping box and use that. It’s a couple of dollars to know that the box will stay together and protect the gifts you’re sending.”
Another Valuable Lesson: Get Delivery Confirmation
“I started working with the local pack and ship service after two deliveries in a row didn’t make it to my granddaughter. I was pretty upset about it. When I explained the situation, they made sure my next package went with all of the tracking options in place, and a signature required for delivery.” Donna shrugged. “Honestly, I just stop at the shipping store every Monday and send the package out. It’s a easy simple way to stay connected.”