--- title: A Guide to Shipping Fragile Items Direct to Consumer description: Ashtonne Packaging specializes in shipping fragile items direct to consumer through custom designed packaging and unique product packaging and innovative packaging solutions. image: https://www.ashtonne.com/hubfs/Ashtonne%20boxtrucks.jpg --- [![ashtonne packaging company](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/ashtonne_logo.png?width=328&height=112&name=ashtonne_logo.png "ashtonne packaging company")](https://ashtonne.com/) [Request More Information ](https://www.ashtonne.com/surveys/creative-packaging-ideas-and-solutions) [877-522-6937](tel:8775226937)   × # A Guide to Shipping Fragile Items Direct to Consumer - [** ](https://www.facebook.com/AshtonnePackaging/) - [** ](https://www.twitter.com/Ashtonne_pkg) - [** ](http://pinterest.com/ashtonne8775226937/) - [** ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/11170776) - [** ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpVPPbg_6lPaoNol_G6PuPQ) ![A Guide to Shipping Fragile Items Direct to Consumer](https://www.ashtonne.com/hubfs/Ashtonne%20boxtrucks.jpg) ** [Bill Madl](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/author/bill-madl) ** Posted on June 30, 2020 | Updated on June 5, 2023 At Ashtonne Packaging, we have helped several of our [fragile](https://www.ashtonne.com/custom-designed-packaging-the-glass-and-fragile-item-industry) goods manufacturing customers eliminate damage related to direct-to-consumer shipments while minimizing additional labor or freight costs. Whether you are a new start-up business, a [small business](https://www.ashtonne.com/services/custom-designed-packaging-for-businesses), or even an existing business looking to grow quickly, we are here to help and share our experience and expertise to help you increase your sales and profits! ## Changing Consumer Buying Habits Impacting The Supply Chain, Especially Shipping Over the past two decades, the shopping and buying habits of consumers have changed significantly. Previously, the only way that consumers could purchase items would be to visit a retail store, buy the product off the shelf and transport it to their homes. These products arrived at the [retail shelf](https://www.ashtonne.com/retail-ready-and-shelf-ready-packaging) by utilizing a hyper-efficient distribution model developed and optimized over many years. Goods were shipped on a pallet via truck to a retail distribution center. Retailers would deliver the products to the store on their trucks with great care and there was minimal damage to the products. The packaging associated with this model had been optimized to fit this material handling model. In the early 2000s, the direct-to-consumer sales and distribution model blossomed, through [eCommerce](https://www.ashtonne.com/custom-ecommerce-packaging-solutions-from-ashtonne),  and began to create distribution issues for consumer products companies. Companies had to decide how to integrate a distribution model that included small parcel delivery directly to consumer’s homes, while still serving the long-standing retail distribution model. For companies selling [fragile products](https://www.ashtonne.com/custom-designed-packaging-the-glass-and-fragile-item-industry) like drinking glasses, light bulbs, and other [fragile products](https://www.ashtonne.com/custom-designed-packaging-the-glass-and-fragile-item-industry), this transition has been especially difficult. The shift to small parcel deliveries significantly increased the damage of fragile goods in transit because the packaging was designed specifically to ship via the old palletized retail distribution model. Many companies' initial reaction to this increased damage was to add additional [packaging materials](https://www.ashtonne.com/packaging-supplies-ashtonne-packaging) (additional paper, bubble wrap, etc) to the pack to try to add protection. In some cases, this “over-pack” did help to reduce damage. However, the additional labor costs and freight costs associated with this method proved to be overall counter-productive. Here at [Ashtonne Packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/), with our Design Team of trained experts, we have helped several of our [fragile](https://www.ashtonne.com/custom-designed-packaging-the-glass-and-fragile-item-industry) goods manufacturing customers:  - Eliminate damage related to direct-to-consumer shipments - Minimize additional labor or freight costs - Focus on "total cost" savings from design concept to completion     ![Candles glass Assort w Wax Melts- custom designed packaging from a packaging partner, a packaging company near me](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Candles%20glass%20Assort%20w%20Wax%20Melts.jpg?width=201&name=Candles%20glass%20Assort%20w%20Wax%20Melts.jpg)![Legacy Candles-custom designed packaging from a packaging partner, a packaging company near me](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Legacy%20Candles.jpg?width=213&name=Legacy%20Candles.jpg)  ![custom designed packaging from a packaging partner, a packaging company near me](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/Restaurant%20repetition%20Identical%20glasses%20for%20water%20upside%20down%20by%20window%20(black%20and%20white).jpeg?width=116&name=Restaurant%20repetition%20Identical%20glasses%20for%20water%20upside%20down%20by%20window%20(black%20and%20white).jpeg)  ![Lenox-Triana_Crop-Gradiant_2- custom designed packaging from a packaging partner, a packaging company near me](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Lenox-Triana_Crop-Gradiant_2.jpg?width=159&name=Lenox-Triana_Crop-Gradiant_2.jpg)   ![Rockstar Glasses-custom designed packaging from a packaging partner, a packaging company near me](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Custom%20Packaging/Rockstar%20Glasses.jpg?width=205&name=Rockstar%20Glasses.jpg)   If you want to learn the secret of shipping fragile items direct to consumers, you can [download the checklist,](https://beacon.by/ashtonne-packaging/fragile-items-checklist) [contact us, or ](https://www.ashtonne.com/surveys/creative-packaging-ideas-and-solutions)[call us at 877-522-6937.](tel:877-522-6937) Based on the information you provide from the checklist, we will help you perform a cost-benefit analysis to determine the best course of action to take to help you eliminate damage on direct-to-consumer shipments while maximizing the overall efficiency of your distribution operation.[![    Contact Us](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5108155/2cd96a44-0ce6-4705-b635-7aa158274279.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5108155/2cd96a44-0ce6-4705-b635-7aa158274279)   ** **Tags:** [ecommerce](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/ecommerce), [unboxing experience](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/unboxing-experience), [custom design](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/custom-design), [custom packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/custom-packaging), [custom packaging design](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/custom-packaging-design), [product packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/product-packaging), [retail ready packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/retail-ready-packaging), [shelf ready packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/shelf-ready-packaging), [unboxing](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/unboxing), [e-commerce](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/e-commerce), [packaging partner](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/packaging-partner), [ecommerce packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/ecommerce-packaging), [Brand packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/brand-packaging), [innovative packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/tag/innovative-packaging) [« Back to Blog](https://www.ashtonne.com/blog) [![Ashtonne Author Bio Box-01](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashtonne%20Author%20Bio%20Box-01.png?width=500&height=239&name=Ashtonne%20Author%20Bio%20Box-01.png "Ashtonne Author Bio Box-01")](https://www.ashtonne.com/about-bill-madl) #### Contact us using the form below or call us at [877-522-6937](tel:8775226937). ["Ashtonne Packaging has been our primary supplier of custom display products for several years. Their creative designers go above and beyond to quickly turn our ideas into physical samples, which helps ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner)[Bendon](https://www.bendonpub.com) secure a great deal of promotional sales. Once we go to production, Ashtonne always delivers high-quality and eye-catching display solutions which allow our products to stand out from the competition at retail. I can sincerely say that Ashtonne’s overall service is the best I have experienced in the 8 years I have been a buyer of corrugated products!" [Rachel Rabalais](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Bendon](https://www.bendonpub.com) Ashland, Ohio [“We have been buying boxes and using Ashtonne Packaging for years now. The prices have stayed very competitive and the VMI service really works in our favor. They come once a week to do inventory and I am never out of boxes.”](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Mike Buckingham II](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Lake Erie Frozen Foods](http://www.leffco.net/) Ashland, Ohio ["The Ashtonne Packaging team has been instrumental in our business. The Ashtonne Packaging Team was able to work with our design team seamlessly from creating final drawings, artwork, and material selection, through production. We have continued to rely on them for other print and packaging needs."](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Josh Wiesman, Co-Founder and CEO](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Smilo Baby Products ](https://www.smilobaby.com) ["We talked to plenty of packaging people, and we tried to do that early on...I think we could go to a number of different companies that could deliver on budget and on time...But it was the level of detail and the craftmanship that you get at Ashtonne Packaging that I haven’t seen before.” ](https://www.smilobaby.com) [Keith Tritschler](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Smilo Baby Products](https://www.smilobaby.com) ["Ashtonne Packaging brought in several prototypes of a four-pack carrying carton for my approval… their designs met my specifications for functionality and attractive design… and they delivered on time, with quick turn-a-round!” ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Doug Reynolds, Co-Founder and CEO](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Uniontown Brewing](https://www.uniontownbrewing.com) Ashland, OHIO [Working with Ashtonne Packaging was a dream. As a new business, we rely on business partners and vendors not just for their service, but for the experience and education they offer. Rich and the Ashtonne Packaging team were super knowledgeable, flexible, and patient. I also appreciated their willingness to work with low volumes (critical for new products) and that they have the capacity to handle so much more as we grow. They also provided some thoughts on our business outside of packaging showing that they were focused not just with their piece of the puzzle, but interested in supporting our all-around growth. And perhaps most importantly, our launch packaging was gorgeous and we get rave reviews from our customers on it! ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Adiya Dixon, Founder](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Yubi Beauty](https://www.loveyubi.com) Powell, Ohio ["We continue to look for new ways to get in front of the consumer and are leveraging off-shelf displays more than ever before to achieve this objective. John Baxter and the team at ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner)[Ashtonne Packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com) continue to deliver innovative display solutions that provide the flexibility and quality we need." [Tim McNamara, VP of Marketing- Perio, Inc](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Barbasol](https://www.barbasol.com) Ashland, Ohio ["We appreciate Ashtonne Packaging's keen packaging insights, and design expertise that have vastly improved our e-commerce packaging for both our own ecommerce business, and our Amazon business." ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [John Domurad](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Lenox](https://www.lenox.com) ["I'm very happy with how smoothly the process went with Ashtonne Packaging. They are very helpful, the pricing is competitive, and the design team has been great."](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Mike Nash](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [SPX Brands](https://solarxeyewear.com/) [“Ashtonne Packaging worked with us for many months until we had the perfect packaging for our product. They went above and beyond every step of the way, and we are very happy with the final results. I’d highly recommend them, especially for those looking for quality packaging Made in the USA.” ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Michael C. Rice, Inventor/Founder/Co-CEO ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Gripknife LLC](https://www.gripknife.com) [“Before we installed the automation equipment from Ashtonne Packaging, we would need twenty to twenty-five employees to produce about 2,000 packages. On typical days, six workers would produce 750 units . Now just four employees can produce 800 units. It has completely exceeded our expectations.”](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Eric Wentworth](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Fin Fur Feather Outfitters](https://www.finfeatherfur.com) ["I want you to know that I receive amazing feedback daily, from customers and fellow business owners, on the quality and style of your packaging. You knocked our packaging out of the park and I am truly grateful. You will be hearing from me soon with another order. Until then, keep doing great things!"](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Heather Chabino, Co-Owner](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Hob Nob Candles](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) ["Regarding the Skullmate Hanger Project, we and our client have been thrilled with how it turned out and how it functions". ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Emily Miller, Owner](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Inspire Design](https://www.inspiredesignco.com) [“We talked to plenty of packaging people, and we tried to do that early on...I think we could go to a number of different companies that could deliver on budget and on time… But it was the level of detail and the craftsmanship that you get at Ashtonne Packaging that I haven’t seen before.” ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Keith Tritschler](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Smilo Baby Products](https://www.smilo.com) [" Thank you for being such a dependable supplier to us. It's nice not to have people I don't have to worry about". ](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [J. Howard](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [J-Lenco, Inc](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) ["We can tell you that the first batch that was sent to REI sold out around Thanksgiving, good and bad problem. The distributor has sent a second batch to REI and we are waiting for the product to activate on the site again. It was cool walking into our local store and seeing the product on the shelves/peg board".](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Brad Kenemuth](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [The Liftie](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Regarding the Tasting Board Retail Kit Project, Matt Snyder said: "Whoa! Mind blown! That is incredible! I love it! Cheers!"](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Matt Snyder](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Founder](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) ["As a consumer-facing brand, we really value a customer's first impression of our product in-store. When we expanded into a larger retailer, we looked to Ashtonne for help designing a custom display to showcase our alcohol infusion kits. The team at Ashtonne listened to our needs and quickly came up with a creative way to show our products. Everyone we worked with at Ashtonne was flexible and offered solutions for pricing that worked within our budget. As a result of using the display stands, our product is selling faster than accounts that do not have a display case!"](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [John Feller, co-Founder](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) [Aged and Infused](https://www.ashtonne.com/customer-testimonials-of-packaging-partner) ![Ashtonne Packaging](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashtonne_Packaging_December2018/images/ashtonne_logo_white.png?width=328&height=112&name=ashtonne_logo_white.png) 1235 Jacobson Ave, Ashland, OH, 44805 Toll-Free: [877-522-6937](tel:877-522-6937) Fax: [877-292-5660](tel:877-292-5660) Follow Us: [![Linkedin](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashtonne_Packaging_December2018/images/linkedin-512.png?width=50&height=50&name=linkedin-512.png)      ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/11170776)  [![Facebook](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashtonne_Packaging_December2018/images/fb-f-logo__blue_100.png?width=50&height=50&name=fb-f-logo__blue_100.png)      ](https://www.facebook.com/AshtonnePackaging/) [![Twitter](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashtonne_Packaging_December2018/images/twitter_logo_transparent.png?width=55&height=55&name=twitter_logo_transparent.png)](https://twitter.com/Ashtonne_pkg)      [![Youtube](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashtonne_Packaging_December2018/images/youtube_2.png?width=55&height=55&name=youtube_2.png)](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvH14R6_JrMsTINzuWseni4dUfcHsJezO)      [![Pinterest](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/pinterest-logo%202.png?width=89&name=pinterest-logo%202.png)](https://www.pinterest.com/ashtonne8775226937/)[![Instagram hi-res](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Instagram%20hi-res.png?width=93&name=Instagram%20hi-res.png)](https://www.instagram.com/ashtonnepackaging/) Digital Marketing Powered by Bryan Media and Bill Madl [![blue-seal-200-42-bbb-235829533 copy](https://www.ashtonne.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blue-seal-200-42-bbb-235829533%20copy.png?width=200&height=42&name=blue-seal-200-42-bbb-235829533%20copy.png)](https://www.bbb.org/us/oh/ashland/profile/packaging-design-and-development/ashtonne-packaging-inc-0272-235829533/#sealclick)   Copyright © 2018 Ashtonne Packaging. 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[Chat with us](https://www.livechat.com/chat-with/11935299/), powered by [LiveChat](https://www.livechat.com/?welcome) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Bill Madl", "url" : "https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/author/bill-madl" }, "dateModified" : "2023-06-05T15:19:03.729Z", "datePublished" : "2020-06-30T20:36:13.000Z", "headline" : "A Guide to Shipping Fragile Items Direct to Consumer", "image" : [ "https://www.ashtonne.com/hubfs/Ashtonne%20boxtrucks.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/secret-for-shipping-fragile-items-direct-to-consumer", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.ashtonne.com/hubfs/Logos/ashtonne_logo.png" }, "name" : "Ashtonne Packaging" } } ``` ```json { "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "BlogPosting", "mainEntityOfPage":{ "@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://www.ashtonne.com/blog/secret-for-shipping-fragile-items-direct-to-consumer" }, "headline": "A Guide to Shipping Fragile Items Direct to Consumer", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/5108155/Ashtonne%20boxtrucks.jpg" }, "datePublished": "2020-06-30 20:36:13", "dateModified": "", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Bill Madl" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Ashtonne Packaging", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.ashtonne.com/hubfs/Logos/ashtonne_logo.png" } }, "description": "Ashtonne Packaging specializes in shipping fragile items direct to consumer through custom designed packaging and unique product packaging and innovative packaging solutions. 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