How to send valuable parcels

Modern digital commerce gives us access to all kinds of products just a few clicks away, and it is common to end up waiting for an expensive parcel, or conversely, needing to send something of high value to someone, whether it is a gift or a sale: from electronic devices to designer clothes and much more.

Of course, we feel an added need for caution in these cases. But what is the safest way to send a valuable parcel? And what additional care may be important?

It is these questions that we will seek to answer in this article.

Is it safe to send a valuable parcel via a pickup point?

This is a critical point for many people who, not yet knowing this delivery method well, wonder how it compares to conventional shipping in terms of security, and what differences there may be.

However, there is no reason to worry! InPost deals daily with all kinds of parcels that are highly important to their senders and recipients, and we could not fail to match that trust with every care to ensure the safety of our shipments.

Below, we will see what these security measures consist of for each of our types of pickup points, the Pack Points and the Lockers.

Pack Points

A Pack Point is a street-level shop that works in partnership with us to function as a parcel collection point. In these cases, your parcel is kept in the care of the store manager until you pick it up. We analyze all the establishments that are part of our Pack Points network to verify that they deserve our trust and yours.

If you have a shop, or know someone who does, that would like to be part of the InPost network, you can visit this page, where you will find essential information about the application process and the advantages this could bring to your business.

Lockers

Our Lockers, or automatic lockers, are protected by effective security mechanisms. This is necessary, since they are autonomous devices that operate without human supervision or assistance, located in public places, where parcels can be picked up at any time of day or night.

These mechanisms include a robust structure and a video surveillance system and LED lighting. As for collecting the parcel, this is done through a secret code that is provided to the recipient.

Packaging care

The first precaution is to properly pack the contents of the parcel, in order to avoid the risk of damage during transport. Using sturdy packaging materials, filling materials and a second protective barrier is ideal, as is not using a package larger than necessary: statistics show that a large proportion of parcel damage occurs due to the use of oversized packaging. Attaching a label with the warning “fragile”, if applicable, alerts the carrier to be especially careful when handling it.

Insurance

Of course, in the case of a valuable parcel, it makes even more sense to insure it. All our shipments include basic insurance of 25 euros, which can, however, be increased to 500 euros. See all the insurance levels we offer, and the corresponding fees, by clicking here. To add insurance, you only need to select the desired option on the parcel shipping page, before payment.

Taking photos of the contents and the parcel

It may be a good idea — especially if you are selling online and it involves high-value items — to take photos of the packaging and contents before shipping, and send the images to the recipient. These photos help reassure the person on the other end and demonstrate the good condition of the product and packaging at the time of shipping, if it should eventually be necessary.

Making a video of receiving the product

Likewise, when you receive something you ordered, especially if it is expensive, a good practice is to record the moment you open the package. If there is any problem or mistake with the contents, the video may help demonstrate it.

Tracking

The ability to locate a parcel is a fundamental feature for modern commerce. Even more so in the case of a valuable shipment, it helps reassure everyone involved, both sender and recipient. To track an InPost parcel easily and at any time, you only need to visit our shipment tracking page and enter the required details.