How to Ship a Phone (Fast & Easy Guide)

Before you sell your cell phone, it would be advisable that you become adequately versed in the best way to ship a cell phone.

Phones are expensive and delicate, and this means that they are prone to damage and theft. It is, therefore, crucial that you know how to ship a phone.

Seeing as you require this information to complete a transaction, this factual article will give you all the information you need on how to ship a phone.

Phone Shipping Supplies — What You Need

• A sturdy cardboard box
• Bubble wrap or envelope
• Newspaper or shredded paper or Anti-static Bubble wrap 
• Packing or fragile tape
• Postage
• Hand taper 

The Best Way to Ship a Cell Phone

You need to package cellphones carefully because their batteries are hazardous. Enough static electricity or several hours of extreme heat can cause a lithium battery-powered device to short-circuit, smolder, or even set fire.

If this is the case, how can you mail a cell phone with minimal to zero hitches? Read on to find out.

Step #1: Choose a Box or Envelope

deally, you should get a sturdy cardboard box that is the same size as a shoebox with enough space all around for stuffing but without wiggle room.

Or a box that is at least six inches larger in height, length, and width than your cell phone.

Other options are to recycle boxes from previous purchases, order a flat-rate box (free from UPS), or use a padded envelope, especially if it is a compact piece.

Step #2: Wrapping the Phone in Protection

Packaging for cell phones and other devices powered by lithium batteries is quite strict. The same way you received and unpacked it should be the same way you wrap and ship it.

More importantly, switch off the phone before placing it in the box. Then, use tape to cover the power buttons and insert the cell phone in a plastic bag or anti-static bubble wrap to insulate it from static electricity.

With these precautions safely taken, wrap the phone in three layers of bubble wrap plus the USB, charger, and other accessories separately.

Step #3: Place Packing Material in the Box

Before you insert the wrapped phone and accessories in the box, place cushioning at the bottom with more bubble wrap, shredded paper or newspapers.

But, don’t use loose-fill packaging because it won’t prevent movement and is proven to create static electricity.

Step #4: Secure the Phone in the Box

Once you’re comfortable with the padding applied at the bottom of the box, place the phone in the middle and add more padding all around and over it.

Ensure it is a tight fit and that the padding can withstand external shocks to prevent damage to your cell phone.

Step #5: Securely Seal the Shipping Box

Use a handheld tape dispenser to seal the edges of the cardboard box across the length of the box where the flaps close.

Run the packaging tape over the seams at the top and bottom at least thrice to mask the content and to effectively curb tampering.

Step #6: Choose a Delivery Service

How do you know the delivery service that best suits your needs?

First, consider all shipping aspects like speed, cost, service quality, tracking, and insurance. Also, think about the shipping company’s expertise in certain markets, especially the area to which you’re shipping.

Do you need an express courier or not? What is your customer’s expectation? What is their experience with shipping hazardous items? Do they have certification for this, and what precautions and guarantees have they offered you?

Step #7: Prepare the Postage

Correct postage ensures your package arrives at the right destination on time. The key information includes the postal code, country, tracking number, date, package quantity, as well as the weight, address, validation, and ship street, city, and state (area).

Shipping labels can also specify the content, especially if they are for international shipments.

For this, fill out the shipping label and stick it onto the box because most are self-adhesive. If not, tape it at the top with packaging tape.

In most cases, when shipping a phone, you would need to tape a decal to the box stating the package contains a battery.

Step #8: Ship Your Package

Now, your cell phone is ready to ship. Luckily for you, tracking is part of the package cost for all shipping services.

It’s recommended that you purchase insurance for peace of mind and get a signature delivery confirmation when you ship your phone. This protects you from loss or damage in the transaction.

Also, keep all your paperwork safely for ease of reference.

Phone Shipping Tips to Remember

1. Protect the Battery

Cell phone batteries are highly hazardous and can either cause irreparable damage or get damaged, thus leading to losses.

Delivery services that know how to ship a cell phone are FedEx, USPS, UPS, and DHL. Before you can ship a phone, these are the precautions to take.

• Don’t remove the battery from your cell phone and ensure it’s switched off before you wrap it.
• Ensure that batteries are not defective or placed incorrectly in devices
• Pad the device in the package to avoid movement that might lead to accidental activation
• Label the shipment to make it clear that it contains lithium batteries or dangerous goods. 

2. Make Your Buyer Pay for Shipping Costs

Shipping costs eat into your profit margins, so you’re probably better off passing the cost to the buyer.

How can you achieve this without compromising the transaction?

Charge your customer exactly what it will cost to ship their order. This way, they can opt to make other arrangements if they feel it is beyond their reach.

They could also be looking to have the shipping expedited. This cost should definitely be passed on to them.

3. Choose the Right Shipping Materials

Some materials are not suitable for the mailing or shipping of cell phones or such high tech devices.

At the most basic, packaging serves to protect items during shipping. The product must be safe during shipment, on the way to your customer, and even while at the customer’s place, until they unwrap it.

How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Phone?

Depending on your shipping materials and the weight of the package, you can expect to pay anything between $5 to $10.

These costs vary according to dimensions, weight, destination, and the service provider. Most phones weigh less than 8 oz. and can be shipped in a 9 ¼ x 6 ¼ x 2-inch box, which is a standard size for USPS Priority Mail.

That means the total cost to package and ship a phone ranges between $25 and $35.

USPS

Curious how to mail a cell phone through USPS? This is the cheapest service provider in this category. USPS is best for small, light shipments, and it is a good choice for those who need affordable shipping.

This service charges flat rates for priority mail shipments. This means that your package will be delivered to any destination at no extra fuel surcharges or extended delivery fees.

To get the best rates, sign up with a postage solution such as Stamps.com to access USPS’ discounted commercial rates where you can save up to 46% on the standard “retail” rates.

UPS

You can count on UPS for guaranteed express shipping, affordable heavy shipments, and great tracking.

UPS is best for shipping large packages and for those who need accurate tracking for their shipments. You can expect to pay somewhere between $10 and $20 for UPS ground.

FedEx

There isn’t much difference between FedEx and UPS. However, FedEx is best for large shipments, express deliveries, and for merchants who need to track their shipments. But it’s the most expensive one.

In particular, FedEx is great for air shipments and next day deliveries. It also has a good number of international shipping options to fit a variety of price levels and desired delivery times.

How to Ship a Phone Internationally

How do you ship a phone internationally? It’s very easy. The only cell phone that can’t be shipped by air is the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 due to battery problems.

At present, you can use any mode of transport as long as a phone has a non-removable lithium-ion battery. However, the shipment has to comply with the guidelines in the  UN Manual of Tests and Criteria: 

If you want to ship an iPhone, make sure that the battery is at 30% or less and always use the original packaging. The original boxes are designed to protect the devices better than third-party packaging.

Also, check the manufacturer’s manual for details.

If you would like more information on how to sell phones for profit, read this interesting article.

The Bottom Line

Are you now sufficiently informed on how to mail a phone? 

As long as you purchase the right shipping materials, follow instructions on the right packaging plus get the right service provider, you’ve got nothing to worry about. 

If you’re planning to sell your phone, consider listing it on Sheepbuy. Sellers on the platform aren’t charged a commission on sales, and if you sign up to our free basic tier, you can have up to three active listings at any given time, free of charge. If you’re planning to sell a higher volume, consider one of our paid tiers. Find out more about our packages here.