Many independent drinks retailers will testify that sending wine bottles by post isn't a simple task. Glass bottles are fragile, and couriers are not always gentle in handling parcels which can easily result in damage. That's why it's important to choose transit boxes built for sending bottles by post, use inserts that hold bottles securely in place, and seal the outer packaging properly to keep everything protected during transit.
Why sending bottles by post is harder than it looks
If you offer a wine delivery service, run a mail-order business or handle corporate drinks gifts, you'll be well aware of the issues caused by a damaged parcel. While the costs of replacement or refunds are unavoidable, the wider impact can be much greater. At best, a damaged delivery disappoints the recipient. At worst, particularly in a corporate gifting campaign or staff incentive programme, it can harm the company's reputation. Getting the packaging right helps take those risks off the table.
Choosing the right packaging for sending bottles by post
Customers frequently ask us which of our wine shipping boxes fit which occasion. To help you figure out which range to choose from, we've developed a simple comparison chart as well as a rating system. Ultimately it's your choice how you send your wine and Champagne gifts, and we'd always recommend discussing your options with your courier in advance.
Many couriers flat-out refuse to carry wine parcels, which is why the packaging you choose must satisfy two requirements: protecting the bottle inside and meeting the carrier's shipping standards.
The good news is that by buying from our Mailsafe, Polysafe or Safe Air range of transit cardboard boxes, you're buying protective packaging for bottles that is courier approved. Our transit boxes are easy to configure and delivered to you super-fast, so you'll never have to store bulky items.
Courier-approved bottle packaging
Many couriers will stop you dead in your tracks when you ask "Do you ship liquid?". That's why we build our protective bottle packaging to courier standards from the outset. Our Mailsafe, Polysafe and Safe Air ranges have been approved by several major courier companies including:
- Parcelforce
- DPD (Pulpsafe only)
- DHL
How our bottle packaging is built
Protective packaging is made from 100% recycled corrugated board. It consists of three main components:
- An outer liner
- An inner liner
- A fluting glued between the two
This sandwich construction is what gives corrugated its rigidity, along with the cushioning that keeps contents intact under compression and impact. Corrugated board comes in a range of weights and thicknesses (types of flute) that are either single-walled or double-walled. 'B' flute is a strong single-walled option; 'EB' flute is a double-walled upgrade that handles rougher journeys.
Keep it green, keep it British
Support and boost the UK's manufacturing industry while reducing your carbon footprint. WBC's transit packaging is not only 'Made in Britain' but it's made from 100% recyclable and biodegradable paper or card as well.
Brand your protective packaging
Turn your box into a walking advertisement for your company with WBC's printing services. All our protective packaging can be printed with your company name or logo, or overprinted with a special message. While prices vary depending on the carton size and print design, it's an affordable way of promoting your business wherever the box may go.
Components can be purchased separately. Simply purchase the cardboard box, have it branded by us in 7–10 working days from artwork sign-off, then buy smaller volumes of internal fittings as and when you need them. Find out more about personalising your protective packaging
When your budget doesn't quite stretch that far, why not print your name or logo onto packaging tape. It's a cost-effective alternative, and our friendly team can walk you through the options on 020 7737 4040.
Turn your protective packaging into a gift
Protective packaging may not be the most glamorous packaging we sell here at WBC, but it doesn't have to be completely dull either. Turning a humble cardboard box into a beautiful gift is easy with our decorative and seasonal tape and tissue papers.
Bulk orders across the transit range come with trade discounts of up to 25%.
Frequently asked questions about sending wine by post
Can you send wine in the post?
Yes, wine can be sent through the post, provided you use packaging designed for the job. Most carriers require bottles to be shipped in transit boxes with certified protective inserts, as a standard cardboard box is unlikely to withstand the rigours of the courier network. Our courier-approved bottle boxes are designed to meet these requirements, helping to ensure bottles arrive safely and intact.
How do I post wine?
Posting wine safely starts with a courier-approved transit box sized for the number of bottles you're sending. Add certified protective inserts, seal the outer using the H-taping method, and only then hand the parcel to a courier that accepts liquids. Skipping any of these steps increases the risk of damage in transit.
What packaging do I need to send wine bottles by post?
You need two things: a transit outer box that couriers will accept and a protective inner insert that holds the bottle in place. Our Mailsafe, Polysafe and Safe Air ranges provide both together, sized for anything from a single bottle to a multi-bottle case. The right choice depends on the number of bottles and how much protection you want.
How do I stop wine bottles breaking in the post?
Wine bottles are most likely to break in transit when they aren't held securely in place, when the outer box isn't strong enough for the courier network, or when the parcel is poorly sealed. The solution is a snug protective insert around each bottle, a double-walled outer matched to the number of bottles being sent, and secure sealing across every edge. Our bottle boxes are designed with all three elements in mind.
