What gets packed and protected
Courier packing is not just a box and some tape. It starts with the item itself, because a layered sign, engraved plaque or gift set all need different protection. We pack for edge knock, surface scuffing, moisture and movement inside the parcel, especially where a product has painted detail, acrylic inserts or small loose pieces.
Our packing is used for homes, weddings, shop orders and corporate dispatches going anywhere in South Africa. For coastal deliveries such as Strand, Hermanus and Cape Town, we give extra attention to humidity and sealed wrapping so the timber stays cleaner during transit. For longer routes, we factor in handling through courier hubs and the chance of parcels being stacked more than once.
- Single gifts and small sets with fragile engraving
- Layered signs with raised elements or cut-out letters
- Event pieces that include multiple matching items
- Corporate orders with labels, batch counts and packed sets
- Unframed timber decor and personalised home items
Packing materials and protection methods
We choose materials based on the piece, not a one-size-fits-all method. Thin items need flat support. Heavy signs need corner protection. Mixed-order boxes need internal spacing so one item does not rub against another. Where a finish is prone to marking, we separate surfaces with clean protective layers and pack the item so it cannot shift in transit.
Our standard approach may include double-wall cartons, inner wrapping, board stiffeners, foam corner guards, void fill, sealed outer wrapping and clear labelling. For delicate or high-value orders, we can split items into more than one carton to reduce risk. If the parcel contains multiple wooden parts, we number them for packing and unpacking ease at the other end.
- Double-wall cartons for added crush resistance
- Internal bracing for long signs and thin panels
- Surface separation to prevent rubbing or print transfer
- Moisture-aware wrapping for coastal routes
- Clear handling labels for fragile, this way up and set counts
Our packing process from bench to courier handover
Once a job is complete and approved, we inspect the finished items, remove dust and check that any adhesive, paint or sealant has fully settled. After that we confirm the parcel dimensions and choose the right outer carton or crate-style format, depending on size. This matters for volumetric pricing and for keeping the parcel stable on the road.
The team then packs the item, records the contents and seals the parcel for collection or drop-off. Lesedi Ramaboa coordinates the handover details, while Leah Jacobs checks that the parcel is labelled for the correct destination and service level. If a client is sending to several branches or venues, we can separate the order into clearly marked packs so nothing gets mixed up.
- Inspect the finished piece and confirm packing requirements
- Select carton size, inserts and surface protection
- Pack, brace and seal the parcel
- Label the order by destination or event name
- Prepare for courier collection or dispatch from Somerset West
Turnaround times and order planning
Most courier packing is completed with the finished order, so the turnaround follows the production schedule rather than adding days of delay. Standard packing for a single gift or small sign is usually done on the same day the item is ready. Larger batch orders, especially for weddings or retail rollouts, need a little more time because we may pack by SKU, venue or branch.
If your order is time-sensitive, tell us early. That gives the team time to plan the packing sequence, book the right courier option and keep the dispatch in line with your deadline. In busy periods around month-end, festive trading and wedding season, we suggest allowing 1 to 3 working days after production for packing and handover, depending on the size of the order.
For outlying destinations, overnight service is not always the same as next-day delivery. Weather, depot cut-off times and rural access can add time, so we advise clients to build in a buffer when the parcel must arrive for an opening, launch or event setup.
Key facts
| Max parcel size | Up to 1.2 m single-panel signs, larger items packed in sections |
|---|---|
| Typical carton types | Single wall for light items, double-wall for fragile or heavier pieces |
| Protection options | Foam corners, board stiffeners, wrap, void fill, sealed outer layer |
| Labelling | Fragile, this way up, batch counts, destination marking |
| Turnaround | Same day for small packs, 1 to 3 working days for larger orders |
| Courier coverage | Western Cape and nationwide delivery by courier from Somerset West |
