Packing Rules

Overview

Different product types require different packaging to ensure they arrive at our warehouse safely and remain in good condition during storage and fulfillment. This guide outlines EFS’s packing requirements for various product categories.

Important: Deviations from these preparation steps must be approved before shipping your inventory.

General Packing Requirements

All products sent to EFS must:

• Have a scannable barcode label on the outside
• Be packaged appropriately for their product type (see categories below)
• Arrive with a packing list that itemizes SKUs and quantities
• Follow OSHA safety guidelines (boxes must not exceed 50 lbs)

Packing Requirements by Product Type

Textiles & Easily Soiled Items

Product Types:

• Apparel and clothing
• Plush items (stuffed toys, etc.)
• Fabrics and textiles
• Powder, pellets, and granular materials (makeup, powder detergents)
• Small items where the longest side is less than 3″ / 7.6 cm (keychains, jewelry, USB drives)
• Baby products (teething rings, bibs) or exposed toys (boxes with cut-outs larger than 1″ square)

Required Packaging:

• ✅ Scannable barcode label
• ✅ Polybag or protective outer wrap
• ✅ Retail packaging (if applicable)

Why: These items need protection from dust, dirt, and contamination during storage and handling.

Non-Liquid Products (No Expiration Dates)

Product Types:

• Vitamins
• Nutraceuticals (non-expiring)
• Skin care products (non-expiring)
• General merchandise

Required Packaging:

• ✅ Scannable barcode label
• ✅ Retail packaging provided by manufacturer

Note: Products with expiration dates have different requirements (see below).

Adult Products (Non-Nutraceutical)

Product Types:

• Items that might be considered “obscene” to a third party
• Products displaying nudity, profanity, or pornography

Required Packaging:

• ✅ Scannable barcode label
• ✅ Black or opaque polybag/wrapper

Why: These items must be packaged discreetly to cover any nudity, profanity, or inappropriate imagery.

Note: If your product is adult-themed but does not display nudity, profanity, or explicit imagery, contact your Client Care Account Specialist to confirm packaging requirements.

Products with Expiration Dates

Product Types:

• Foods and food products
• Beverages
• Products packaged with food
• Vitamins and nutraceuticals (with expiration dates)

Important Restrictions:

• ❌ Perishable items are NOT allowed in our warehouse
• ✅ Non-perishable items must be lot-controlled
• ✅ Must have more than 180 days until expiration at time of receipt

Required Packaging:

• ✅ Scannable barcode label
• ✅ Lot number and expiration date clearly visible
• ✅ Protective packaging/shrink wrap
• ✅ Expiration date printed on master carton in large font (36pt or larger recommended)

Lot Number/Expiration Date Tracking: If you require lot number or expiration date tracking for outgoing orders:

• The lot/expiration information must be in a scannable barcode format
• Acceptable barcode formats are listed in our Label Templates guide
• If your product doesn’t have a scannable barcode for lot/expiration tracking, EFS can apply labels for a fee.

Short-Dated Products: Products with less than 180 days until expiration will be placed in “Hurt” category until you confirm they should be moved to saleable stock.

Liquids in Plastic Bottles (Over 8 oz without double seal)

Product Types:

• Beverages
• Liquid supplements
• Personal care products
• Cleaning products

Required Packaging:

• ✅ Scannable barcode label
• ✅ Sturdy packaging tape over twist tops or pop-up lids (after tightening)

Why: This prevents leakage during storage and shipping.

Best Practice: Test your seal by turning the bottle upside down after taping to ensure no leaks.

Fragile Items & Glass

Product Types:

• China or dishware
• Picture frames
• Clocks and mirrors
• Liquids in glass bottles or jars
• Any breakable items

Required Packaging:

• ✅ Scannable barcode label
• ✅ Bubble wrapped
• ✅ Placed in a box or polybag

EFS Can Provide Bubble Wrap Services:

Option 1: Pre-wrap at Receiving

• Items are wrapped when they arrive at our facility
• No additional per-order fee

Option 2: Wrap at Time of Order

• Items are bubble wrapped as orders are processed
• Good for items that need to be inspected before wrapping

Note: Check with your Client Care Account Specialist for current pricing.

Sharp, Pointed, or Safety Concern Items

Product Types:

• Scissors and cutting tools
• Hand tools and power tools
• Metal raw materials
• Knives or bladed items
• Any item that could cause injury

Required Packaging:

• ✅ Scannable barcode label
• ✅ Bubble wrap for protection
• ✅ Placed in a box

Why: Protects warehouse staff from injury during handling and ensures items don’t damage other products.

Bundled Products (Multi-Packs)

Product Types:

• Skin care multi-packs
• Food product multi-packs
• Any product where multiple units are sold as one SKU

Required Packaging:

• ✅ Scannable barcode label on the outside of the bundle
• ✅ Box, polybag, or shrink wrap securing the bundle together

Important Notes:

• Multi-packs should arrive at EFS already bundled
• Each bundle needs its own unique SKU (different from individual unit SKUs)
• EFS can create bundles through our Inventory Prep/Kitting Department (additional fees apply)

Example:

• Individual unit SKU: SOAP-001

Three-pack SKU: SOAP-001-3PK

Special Preparation Services

If you need help preparing your products, EFS offers these services:

Inventory Prep Services

Labeling & Bagging:

• Ask your Client Care Account Specialist about up to date pricing.
• Includes applying SKU labels and polybags as needed.

Apparel Folding, Bagging & Labeling:

• Ask your Client Care Account Specialist about up to date pricing.
• Includes folding, inserting into polybags, and labeling.

Kitting Services

For creating multi-packs or bundling items together:

• Contact your Client Care Account Specialist for a quote.
• Provide detailed description of what needs to be bundled.
• Quotes provided based on complexity and volume.

Quality Sorts

If your shipment arrives with:

• Damaged items mixed with good items
• Mixed SKUs in the same box

A quality sort will be required before receiving into stock:

• Ask your Client Care Account Specialist about up to date pricing.
• You’ll be notified before this service is performed.

Master Carton Requirements

When shipping multiple units of the same SKU:

Labeling

• Each master carton should be labeled with:
• SKU number
• Quantity inside
• Expiration date (if applicable) in large, readable font.

Weight Limits

• Maximum weight per box: 50 lbs (OSHA requirement)
• Boxes exceeding 50 lbs will incur a non-compliance fee.

Packing

• Do not mix multiple SKUs in the same carton unless clearly noted.
• Include quantity per carton on your packing list.

Pallet Requirements

For larger shipments arriving on pallets:

Acceptable Pallets

• Standard size: 40″ wide x 48″ deep.
• Maximum height: 54″ (taller pallets may need restacking).
• Wooden pallets in good condition.
• All slats intact and secure.

Unacceptable Pallets

Pallets requiring replacement or restacking ($22.50 per half-hour):

• Two or more broken, split, or missing top/bottom slats.
• Damaged or broken mains (the three perpendicular studs).
• Composite or sawdust-compressed block separators.
• Non-standard sizes (not 40″ x 48″).
• Plastic pallets.
• Pallets showing structural weakness or safety issues.

Pallet Charges

• Pallet provision: $10.00 each.
• Restacking/replacement: $22.50 per half-hour.

Note: Shipments with more than 15 unpalletized boxes requiring hand unloading will incur pallet charges plus labor fees.

Non-Compliance Fees

To ensure smooth receiving, avoid these common issues:

Issue

No Advance Ship Notice (ASN) submitted

No packing list included or provided

New SKUs not added to FCP

Boxes exceeding 50 lbs

Improper shipping address format

Unscheduled sea freight container

Shipment on hold over 3 business days

Shipment on hold over 30 days

Before You Ship – Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure your shipment meets all requirements:

Documentation

• ASN (Advance Ship Notice) completed.
• Packing list included with shipment or sent via Zendesk.
• All SKUs added to Fulfillment Control Panel.
• Sea freight containers scheduled via ASN calendar link (if applicable).

Product Preparation

• All products have scannable barcode labels.
• Products packaged according to their category requirements.
• Expiration dates visible and printed on master cartons (if applicable).
• Fragile items properly wrapped.
• Liquids properly sealed.
• Bundles properly secured with barcode on outside.

Shipping

• All boxes weigh 50 lbs or less.
• Proper shipping address format used.
• Pallets meet requirements (if applicable).
• Each box labeled with contents.

Shipping Address Format

Use this exact format:

[Your Company Name]
c/o EFS Receiving Department
807 Airport Access Road, Unit D
Traverse City, MI 49686

Important: Deviation from this format may cause receiving delays and a $50 non-compliance fee.

Receiving Timeline

Standard receiving timeline: 2-3 business days from arrival

Timeline starts when:

• ✅ ASN is completed
• ✅ Packing list is provided
• ✅ Items have scannable barcodes

Additional time required for:

• Inventory prep services (bagging, labeling): Add 2-3 business days to receipt timeline.
• Quality sorts for damaged/mixed SKUs.
• Products requiring special handling.

Peak season: Timelines may be extended during high-volume periods.

Questions About Packing Requirements?

Before shipping inventory:

• Review this guide for your product type.
• Contact your Client Care Account Specialist via Zendesk if you have specific questions.
• Send photos of your proposed packaging if you’re unsure.
• Request pre-approval for any deviations from standard requirements.

Related Resources:

• Receiving Guide
• Label Templates
• How to Complete an ASN

Note: Following these packing rules helps ensure:

• Faster receiving times
• Reduced damage during storage and shipping
• Fewer non-compliance fees
• Better protection for your products
• Smoother overall fulfillment operations