How to Ship Electronics

Consumer electronics ecommerce revenue hit $123.8 billion in the US alone in 2021, and the global market was worth $473.21 billion the same year. There's no shortage of demand for consumer electronics. The question is how to tap into it.

If you're not sure where to start, you're not alone. Here are our favorite tips and best practices for shipping electronics.

Packing your electronics

Paying close attention to packaging is a must when shipping electronics. The right packaging doesn't just minimize shipping costs, it protects your packages from damage in transit.

Building a packing protocol that supports package protection is your first line of defense against shipping damage. Keep these tips in mind:

Wrap pieces individually. Place items like cords and remotes in their own bags. Separate any extra pieces or accessories from the main item too, unless you're using custom packaging with dedicated spaces for them. Add bubble wrap or foam for extra protection, aiming for at least 2 to 3 inches of padding around fragile items.
Consider custom shipping boxes. Tailoring packaging dimensions to your electronics makes a big difference in whether packages arrive intact. Custom boxes cut down the extra space around items, keeping them more secure.
Choose light but protective infill. A lightweight protective infill adds security without dramatically increasing your shipping rates.
Mark boxes as "fragile." This is the best way to encourage carriers to handle your packages carefully.
Seal packages properly. Use high-quality packing tape and make sure boxes are taped down securely. We recommend water-activated tape, since it forms a permanent bond with the box.

Choosing the right carrier for shipping electronics

Picking the right carrier is crucial to keeping customers happy. As a business owner, you'll want the right mix of value, speed, and service. A multi-carrier shipping solution like Shippo makes it easy to pick the best option every time.

USPS: Need a good mix of low prices and reliable service? USPS is a great option for shipping electronics. Just know you'll sacrifice transit time if your package contains lithium batteries, since those packages can only ship via USPS Ground. You'll also need to label these packages clearly with "Restricted Electronic Device" and "Surface Transportation Only."

UPS: UPS offers convenient options for shipping electronics. Visit one of their 5,000 retail locations across the US and Canada for specialty electronics packaging, staffed with packing pros who can help make sure your shipment arrives unscathed.

FedEx: Shipping laptops and other electronics is easy with FedEx. Like UPS, they offer padded packaging built for electronic devices, plus services to help you ship high-volume or heavy-weight electronics orders safely.

How much does it cost to ship electronics?

Competitive shipping prices go a long way toward a good customer experience, so it pays to understand what shipping electronics actually costs.

As you'd expect, cost depends on your package's size and weight, plus the distance it's traveling. Shippo makes it easy to compare rates across carriers, discounts included.

How long does it take to ship electronics?

Transit times for electronics depend on both the carrier and the service level you choose.

For example, a package shipping via UPS Ground from Oklahoma to North Carolina carries an estimated delivery of 3 days. For an upcharge, UPS Next Day Air can deliver that same package by the next business day.

Weekends and holidays affect delivery times too. USPS doesn't deliver on Sundays, and weekends don't count against UPS transit time guarantees. Major holidays like Christmas, Memorial Day, and Juneteenth can also cause delays due to carrier closures.

Choose signature confirmation when shipping electronics

Shipping electronics calls for an extra layer of theft protection. Requiring signature confirmation at delivery is one of the best ways to protect shipments from theft.

This service requires an adult, over 18, to sign for the package before delivery, which helps keep electronics from getting stolen off a customer's porch. It also gives you proof of delivery if a customer claims they never received their package.

It costs extra, but the added security makes it worth it.

Use shipping insurance when shipping electronics

Carriers have the experience to prevent most packages from getting lost or damaged, but accidents happen. Shipping insurance protects you and your customer from those unexpected losses, covering some damage in transit, lost packages, and sometimes stolen packages too.

That said, some electronics aren't covered by shipping insurance. LCD screens, monitors, TVs, and laptops or cell phones shipped without signature confirmation are commonly excluded.

Default carrier insurance can also fall short of covering your electronics' actual value. Consider third-party shipping insurance instead, for higher limits and broader coverage.